Planning the perfect holiday feast can feel overwhelming, but with a well-organized Christmas dinner checklist, you can breeze through it and truly enjoy the festivities!
Our handy guide covers everything you need, from selecting classic Christmas recipes to prepping side dishes and desserts.
Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a large celebration, having a checklist ensures that every detail is covered — from appetizers to drinks — making your Christmas dinner stress-free and memorable.
What should a Christmas dinner plan include?
A Christmas dinner plan should include a variety of essential elements to ensure a delicious and well-rounded meal.
Start with appetizers, like cheese platters or dips, followed by a main course, such as roasted turkey, ham, or another holiday favorite. Include a selection of side dish recipes , like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and stuffing.
Don’t forget Christmas desserts — classic choices like Christmas cookies, pies, or a yule log are festive and tasty. Also, plan drinks, such as mulled wine, hot cocoa, or a special holiday punch.
Lastly, make sure to schedule preparation time for cooking and setting the table!
How do I organize for a Christmas dinner?
Organizing for Christmas dinner is all about planning ahead to reduce stress and ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s how you can get started:
- Plan the Menu: Choose your main course, sides, appetizers, desserts, and drinks. Check recipes and note ingredients.
- Make a Shopping List: Write down everything you’ll need, from groceries to decorations.
- Prep in Advance: Cook or prepare dishes that can be stored ahead of time, like desserts or sauces.
- Set the Table: Lay out your tableware and decorations the night before.
- Create a Timeline: Schedule cooking times, especially for the main dishes, and ensure everything is ready at the right time.
Staying organized will let you enjoy your holiday dinner stress-free!
What do I need on my Christmas food list?
For your Christmas food list, you’ll want to cover all the essentials for a festive meal. Here’s a helpful guide:
- Main Course: Turkey, ham, or roast beef.
- Side Dishes: Mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
- Appetizers: Cheese platter, dips, crackers, charcuterie board.
- Desserts: Christmas cookies, pies, yule log, or fruitcake.
- Drinks: Wine, eggnog, hot cocoa, or holiday punch.
- Bread: Rolls or a crusty loaf of bread.
Don’t forget extras like spices, butter, and toppings
Christmas Dinner Planning Check list
Here’s a handy checklist to help you stay on track:
1-2 Weeks Before:
- Decide on your menu, including the main course, side dishes, and desserts.
- Create a detailed shopping list of all the ingredients you’ll need for your menu.
- Gather your necessary preparation tools like a carving knife and roasting tin, table settings, decorations, and centerpieces.
- Confirm the number of guests attending.
1 Week Before:
- If you’re serving a frozen turkey or ham, begin thawing it in the refrigerator.
- Prepare any dishes that can be made in advance and frozen, such as casseroles or cookie dough.
- Verify that all kitchen appliances and equipment are in working order.
- Create a grocery list, including all ingredients needed for your menu, plus what you need for leftovers like tin foil.
- Purchase non-perishable ingredients (flour, sugar, canned goods).
- Put together a Christmas playlist.
3-4 Days Before:
- Buy fresh ingredients (vegetables, fruits, dairy).
- Create a detailed cooking schedule for the day of your Christmas dinner.
2 Days Before:
- If you’ve frozen any ingredients or dishes, transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw.
- Bake any desserts that can be made in advance and stored.
- Make the cranberry sauce.
Get ahead of the holiday hustle with our Christmas Baking Planner — it’s the perfect tool to help you stay organized and make your festive treats stress-free!
Don’t miss out on these holiday must-haves! From Good Christmas Wine Options to Recipes for Christmas Desserts and tips on hosting the perfect Cookie Swap Party, we’ve got everything you need for a festive season!
1 Day Before (Christmas Eve):
- Ensure the main course is fully thawed and ready for cooking.
- Finish prepping ingredients (chop vegetables, make salad dressings).
- Arrange the Christmas table settings and decorations on your Christmas dinner table.
- If your main course benefits from marinating or brining, do it the day before.
Christmas Day AM
- After enjoying your Christmas morning breakfast, start working on side dishes that can be prepared ahead of time, such as casseroles, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
- Assemble and prepare any appetizers that can be made in advance. Cover and refrigerate.
Christmas Dinner
- Start cooking the main course (e.g., roast turkey, ham).
- Set up a beverage station with festive Christmas cocktails, wine, water, soft drinks, glasses, drinks, and ice.
- Prepare any last-minute dishes or finishing touches.
- Carve the main course, whether it’s a Christmas turkey, ham, or roast. Keep it warm on a serving platter until it’s time to serve.
- Final Touches: Heat up any remaining side dishes, prepare gravy, and complete garnishes.
After Dinner:
- Clear the table and do initial cleanup.
- Store leftovers and wrap up any perishable ingredients.
- Offer a selection of desserts and hot beverages after the main course.
Print out your christmas dinner checklist and have it handy throughout the Holiday Season!
