Easter dinner checklist: what to arrange and when

An Easter dinner runs more smoothly when guest numbers, dietary requirements and the menu are settled before you shop. Use this checklist to work from planning and registrations through table setup, cooking and welcoming guests. Allow time to check plates, glasses, chairs and serving equipment, not just ingredients. The final setup covers the buffet, drinks, entrance and restroom so you are not still solving practical problems when dinner is due to start.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

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
Record the menu and recipes
2 people
Arrange the table layout
Check the shopping list
2 people
Check tables and chairs
2 people
Check dishes and glassware
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Check stock and shelf life
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare dessert
2 people
Wash and cut vegetables
2 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Lay out table linen
2 people
Set out tableware and cutlery
2 people
Place table decorations
2 people
Prepare soup
2 people
Prepare main course
3 people
Prepare side dishes
2 people
Set up the buffet and serving area
2 people
Check the restroom and entrance

Event

Set out welcome drinks
2 people
Welcome guests
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve soup
3 people
Serve the main course
3 people
Clear tables in between
3 people
Serve dessert
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

Pack leftovers safely
2 people
Wash dishes and glassware
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Clean the room
2 people
Collect and remove waste
2 people
Dry coolers and tableware
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Dining tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 24
Serving buffetqty 2
Coat rack

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 24
Dessert platesqty 24
Soup bowlsqty 24
Cutlery setsqty 24
Water glassesqty 30
Wine glassesqty 24
Coffee cupsqty 24
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving bowlsqty 8
Water carafesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Corkscrewqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 4
Napkinsqty 30
Easter branchqty 2
Easter decorations
Flower arrangementsqty 4
Tealight holdersqty 12

Lighting

Table lampsqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3

Kitchen

Soup kettlesqty 2
Large cooking potsqty 3
Roasting pansqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Immersion blender
Kitchen thermometersqty 2
Coastersqty 6
Storage binsqty 12

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Trash binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the guest list and dietary requirements before recording the menu. For a dinner with several courses, check each recipe against allergies and alternative portions at least 7 days before Easter.
Check the table capacity before buying food or setting the room. Count one chair and one dinner place setting per guest, then add at least 2 serving platters, 2 serving bowls and enough serving spoons for the menu.
Shop after checking stock and shelf life, especially for drinks, coffee, tableware and cooking equipment. Chill drinks for at least 4 hours before guests arrive, and use coolers if the refrigerator cannot hold everything.
Prepare the dishes in an order that protects your oven and cooking space. Make dessert and cut vegetables ahead of time, then leave the soup and main course with their required pots, pans and serving equipment clearly assigned.
Finish the room setup at least 60 minutes before arrival. Set the tables, buffet and welcome drinks first, then check the entrance, coat rack, restroom, lighting and table decorations before moving on to last-minute cooking.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan an Easter dinner?: Set the guest list, invitations and dietary requirements at least 7 days before the dinner. Finalise the menu and shopping list 3 to 4 days ahead so you can check stock and shelf life before shopping.
How much tableware do I need for an Easter dinner?: Allow one dinner plate, soup bowl, dessert plate, cutlery set, water glass and wine glass per guest, plus 10% spare where possible. For 10 guests, that means 11 of each regularly used item.
When should I start preparing Easter dinner food?: Prepare dessert and wash or cut vegetables the day before when the recipes allow it. On the day, finish the room setup 60 minutes before arrival and schedule soup, the main course and side dishes around the available pots, pans and oven space.
When should I chill drinks for Easter dinner?: Place drinks in the refrigerator or coolers at least 4 hours before guests arrive. Set out welcome drinks shortly before arrival so they stay cold without taking up serving space 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.