Christmas Dinner Checklist

A Christmas dinner runs more smoothly when the practical details are settled before the cooking begins. Start with the guest list and dietary requirements, then build the menu around your available oven space, cookware and tableware. Shop early for non-perishable ingredients and drinks, clear refrigerator space before fresh food arrives, and leave the final day for preparation rather than errands. This checklist puts the work in a useful order, from invitations to setting the table and serving dessert.

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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 guest list
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Create menu
Create the table layout
Check tableware stock
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Purchase drinks
Store non-perishable groceries
Clear out the refrigerator
Set out dishes and glasses
2 people
Prepare table decorations
Make menu and name cards
Check meat and fish
Wash vegetables
2 people
Prepare dessert
2 people
Prepare sauces
2 people
Prepare side dishes
2 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Set the tables
3 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Set out Christmas music
Chill drinks
2 people
Check Christmas lights
Prepare hot dishes
3 people

Event

Set out snacks
2 people
Welcome guests
2 people
Serve aperitifs
2 people
Refill drinks
Serve starter
2 people
Serve the main course
3 people
Clear away dishes
2 people
Serve dessert
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Store leftovers in the fridge
2 people

Aftercare

Clear tables
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the kitchen
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
2 people
Take down the decorations
Clean the room
2 people
Store reusable items
Return empty bottles

What to bring

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

Furniture

Dining tablesqty 3
Dining chairsqty 14

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 14
Deep platesqty 14
Dessert platesqty 14
Coffee cupsqty 14
Water glassesqty 16
Wine glassesqty 16
Champagne glassesqty 14
Knivesqty 16
Forksqty 16
Spoonsqty 16
Coffee spoonsqty 16

Kitchen

Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 6
Soup pot
Dutch ovenqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 2
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Oven-safe dishesqty 4
Aluminum foil
Cling film

Equipment

Oven
Coffee maker
Kettle
Bluetooth speaker
Coolersqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 3
Napkinsqty 30
Christmas arrangementsqty 3
Christmas baublesqty 20
Name badgesqty 14
Menusqty 3

Lighting

Christmas light stringsqty 3
LED candlesqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Trash bag holder

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm dietary requirements before finalising the menu. A guest who needs a vegetarian, allergy-safe or alcohol-free option may affect sauces, side dishes, drinks and even shared serving spoons.
Check tableware and seating at least one week ahead. Count dinner, deep and dessert plates, glasses, cutlery and chairs against the guest list, then allow one spare place setting if storage permits.
Clear the refrigerator before shopping for fresh food. Reserve space for meat or fish, prepared dessert, sauces and side dishes, and keep coolers available if drinks will take up too much room.
Plan cooking by oven and pan capacity, not just by recipe. Prepare dessert, sauces and some side dishes in advance, then write down which oven-safe dishes and pots are needed for each remaining dish.
Set out the tableware, decorations, menu cards and music before guests arrive. On the day itself, leave time for checking the main dish, warming sides, making coffee and putting drinks within easy reach.

Frequently asked questions

When should I send Christmas dinner invitations?: Send invitations about 4 to 6 weeks before the dinner. Ask guests to confirm within 1 to 2 weeks, so you can process registrations, collect dietary requirements and plan the table layout with a reliable headcount.
How much food should I buy for a Christmas dinner?: Base quantities on the confirmed number of guests and the menu, then add roughly 10% for generous portions and seconds. Finalise the shopping list after collecting dietary requirements, rather than buying ingredients before you know who is coming.
How far in advance can I prepare Christmas dinner?: Prepare dessert, sauces and some side dishes 1 to 2 days ahead when the recipe allows it. Wash and cut vegetables the day before, but check meat and fish on the day you plan to cook them.
When should I set the Christmas dinner table?: Set the tables, chairs, tablecloths, plates, glasses and cutlery the evening before or at least 2 hours before guests arrive. Leave only fragile decorations and any last-minute serving dishes until the final setup.

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