Are you hosting Christmas dinner this year? Whether you're cooking an intimate dinner for two, or hosting a raucous crowd of 40 family members, this page can help! Read on to learn how to make Christmas dinner and still enjoy the meal.
Take some time to plan up front. Some of the decisions will involve other family members, so make sure to allow time to get input from all affected. You'll need to consider logistics, incorporate tradition, and plan the meal itself.
In addition to the food, you'll need to plan the seating arrangements and make sure you have enough serving pieces and utensils. Don't be afraid to ask for help- guests who are not hosting the dinner would probably love to contribute their own special Christmas dish. Consider placing a Christmas cracker at each place setting, Children and adults alike will enjoy finding the treat inside.
How to Set the Table for Christmas Dinner : Name Tags for Christmas Dinner Party
Festive name tags can make a Christmas dinner special. They can become a family tradition f they are saved to be used again year after year. This video features an etiquette expert demonstrating how to make name tags out of paper and old Christmas cards. The name tag is cut out of sturdy paper and decorated with images cut from the cards.
Step 1: Christmas Dinner Logistics
If it's just you and your significant other, logistics are simple. You know when you'd like to eat, and can plan accordingly. Once others get involved, things may become more complicated. Although ultimately the decision of what time to eat is up to you, make sure to canvass any extended family members so you can try to set a time that works best for most people.
Once you know how many are coming, you'll know if a sit down meal, or whether a buffet would work better. Think about how many people you're serving, their ages, an whether people will be coming and going, or all arriving at the same time when making your decision.
Step 2: Christmas Dinner Traditions
Every family has their own traditions. If this is your first year hosting Christmas dinner, you'll want to incorporate traditions from both your and your significant other's families of origin. You may also want to start some traditions of your own that will eventually become your family's traditions.
Step 3: What to Serve for Christmas Dinner
- When planning Christmas dinner, most people select a large cut of meat- perhaps a turkey, a ham, a rib roast, or a goose to serve as the main course. #You'll want to have a variety of side dishes; if you're hosting a crowd you may have one or more vegetarians in the mix so make sure some of your side dishes are substantial enough to meet their needs.
- Try to select side dishes that can be prepared ahead of time so there's not alot of last minute work in the kitchen. Christmas is a special time, and you'll want to spend it with your family, not behind a stove.
