Christmas Dinner Checklist

A Christmas dinner runs more smoothly when decisions, shopping and preparation happen in the right order. Start with the guest list and dietary requirements, then plan the menu, table layout and serving equipment before buying ingredients. The final days are for cleaning, decorating, preparing dishes and chilling drinks—not finding extra chairs or washing glasses. This checklist brings the 46 planning and preparation tasks together so you can work through the dinner without last-minute gaps.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Compile the guest list
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Determine menu and table layout
2 people
Order special ingredients
Check dishes and glassware
Check table linens and decorations
Check pantry
Do non-perishable shopping
2 people
Thoroughly clean the venue
2 people
Prepare dessert
2 people
Prepare table decor
Buy fresh groceries
2 people
Chill drinks
Wash and cut vegetables
2 people
Prepare soup
2 people
Prepare side dishes
2 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Set the table
3 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Test lighting and music
Prepare the toilets and cloakroom
Prepare the main course
3 people
Prepare vegetarian portions
Set up the reception desk
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
2 people
Serve aperitifs
2 people
Refill drinks
Serve the first course
3 people
Clear plates and glasses
3 people
Serve the main course
3 people
Set out side dishes
2 people
Clear away the main course
3 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve dessert
2 people
Set up the cheese board

Aftercare

Pack leftovers
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the kitchen
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Clean the venue
2 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Return borrowed items

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Dining tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 24
Side tablesqty 2
Coat rack

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 28
Soup bowlsqty 28
Dessert platesqty 28
Water glassesqty 28
Wine glassesqty 28
Coffee cupsqty 28
Cutlery setsqty 28

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 4
Table runnersqty 4
Cloth napkinsqty 28
Christmas arrangementsqty 4
Christmas baublesqty 30
Name badgesqty 28
Christmas tree

Lighting

String lightsqty 3
LED candlesqty 24
Candle holdersqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Kitchen timerqty 2

Kitchen

Roasting pansqty 2
Baking dishesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Soup ladlesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4
Meat thermometer
Carving knife
Cutting boardsqty 4
Storage binsqty 12

Cleaning

Dish brushesqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 8
Bucketsqty 2
Trash binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the guest list and dietary requirements before finalising the menu. Do this at least 7 days ahead so special ingredients can be ordered and portions adjusted.
Check every place setting before shopping: plates, soup bowls, dessert plates, cutlery, water glasses, wine glasses and coffee cups. Allow one complete setting per guest, plus 2–3 spare settings if possible.
Separate shopping into non-perishables and fresh groceries. Buy pantry items and drinks several days ahead, then shop for fresh vegetables and other chilled ingredients 1–2 days before dinner.
Prepare dishes in stages rather than leaving everything for the day itself. Dessert, table decorations and some side dishes can be completed the day before; wash and cut vegetables and prepare soup earlier on the day.
Set up the room before cooking starts: tables, chairs, side tables, coat rack, decorations, lighting and music. Test string lights, LED candles, the speaker and any extension cords before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a Christmas dinner?: Start the guest list and invitations at least 3–4 weeks before dinner. Confirm registrations and dietary requirements 7 days ahead, then finalise the menu and order any special ingredients.
When should I buy groceries for Christmas dinner?: Buy non-perishable ingredients and drinks 3–5 days in advance. Buy fresh groceries 1–2 days before dinner, while keeping meat, vegetables and other chilled items refrigerated.
What can I prepare the day before Christmas dinner?: Prepare dessert, table decorations and any suitable side dishes the day before. You can also check dishes and glassware, lay out table linens and organise serving platters and spoons.
How many glasses and place settings do I need for Christmas dinner?: Plan one dinner plate, soup bowl, dessert plate, cutlery set, water glass and wine glass per guest. Keep 2–3 spare place settings available for breakages, unexpected guests or replacements during the meal.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.