Top Ten List for Christmas Dinner

Published on: December 23, 2004

Prep the children. Sometimes it can be overwhelming for young children to be in the same house with assorted friends and family members they see only occasionally. Tell the kids who’s coming and what to expect, and what you expect of them. Help them choose clothes that will make them feel special yet comfy.

Make assignments for Christmas Day. Whether it’s popping the pies in the oven, manning the eggnog, greeting guests, or placing the food on the table, people love to help. It’s a marvelous way to make newcomers feel a part of your family, shy people to talk to guests, and children to learn that hosting is fun.

Set the table completely. Include everything you’ll need: tablecloth or placemats, dinnerware and flatware; napkins; water glasses and wine goblets, candlesticks, candles, and matches; wine bottle openers, water pitchers. Extras that are nice (but not necessary): napkin rings and place cards; centerpiece of holly or fruits, flowers; wine bottle coaster and of course, a drip cloth.

Gather ye platters while ye may. Whether using a buffet or using counter space in the kitchen, now is the time to set out all the serving dishes and platters and bowls for each course PLUS the necessary serving forks, spoons. From the gravy bowl to the coffee urn, set out every single item; it’s the only way to figure what’s missing.

Think mood. You have the candles at the ready, now select some great all-music radio station or selected CDS to play softly while people arrive.

Plan "just in case" dishes for those with allergies or other eating concerns. It’s always a good idea to ask whether anyone you’ve invited can’t eat a particular item. So, check the larder for alternatives to throw together if Aunt Susie has given up pork tenderloin and Cousin Ethel still refuses to touch carbs, or if 80-year-old Grandpa Harold can’t chew like he used to. Thing eggs for a quickie omelet, heat up some veggies, or pass the rice crackers for the gluten-sensitive. (If you are going to someone’s home and you have a food allergy, don’t be shy – email or call them up beforehand to alert them – and don’t forget if you are heading to a restaurant, to bring you Food Allergy Buddy card – it’s free just go to (www.foodallergybuddy.com).

Got hang-ups? If you have a clothes rack, roll it into the hallway or a nearby room. Assign one of your children or a friend to take the coats and hats from your guests and hang them up rather than tossing them into a chaotic pile on a bed. Makes it so much easier to find the right bag or coat when guests leave, too.

Set Up The Beverages. Set aside a particular space dedicated to both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages iced and ready for your guests when they arrive. Your choices should be exciting but be considerate of your guests tastes, offer a cranberry juice spritzer with carbonated water or with a dash of vodka; eggnog with or without rum; champagne or beer. If you’re serving wine at the meal you might want to offer something else while guests enter and mingle with one another.

Skip the hors d’ouevres. Christmas dinner will be enough. Save time, save energy, save calories. Skip pre-meal snacks.

Invite a stranger that’s away from home. Contact the local colleges for references to students who may not be able to make it home for the holidays. You provide them a great meal, a little bit of family feeling, and the distraction from the fact that they’ve been unable to return home for their own holiday celebration.

Get Some Rest! You’re ready. The house is ready. The food and accessories are planned, and it’s going to be fabulous. So, take a long lovely soak in the tub, and get a good night’s sleep.

ON THE BIG DAY: Take ten. Before you get caught up in the last-minute details sit still and quiet for ten minutes; breathe in slowly and deeply; think of all you have to be grateful for, especially your guests: friends you adore, family you love, and they’re coming because of you and your hospitality, right? So, get up, get going, have FUN!

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