Family Christmas celebration checklist

A family Christmas celebration runs more smoothly when guest numbers, food, gifts and table space are settled in the right order. Start with invitations and dietary requirements, then confirm the final headcount before shopping or arranging tables. During the final week, check decorations, tableware, gift wrapping and refrigerator space. On the day, prepare cold dishes and desserts first, chill the drinks, and leave hot dishes until close to serving time.

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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 the final number of guests
Confirm gift arrangements
Record the menu and recipes
2 people
Arrange the table layout
Create a music playlist
Choose Christmas games
Check gift wrapping
Inventory tableware and glassware
2 people
Check the Christmas decorations
Clear out the refrigerator
Do the shopping
2 people
Store non-perishable groceries
Chill drinks
Wash dishes
2 people
Set out the tablecloth and napkins
Wash and cut vegetables
2 people
Prepare desserts
2 people
Prepare cold dishes
2 people
Prepare hot dishes
3 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Set tableware on the table
2 people
Decorate table
2 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Test the lighting
Set up the gift table
2 people
Set up the games corner
2 people
Check restroom
Arrange snacks on platters
2 people
Set out coffee and tea
Set up music
Set up entrance and cloakroom
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
2 people
Accept coats and gifts
2 people
Serve aperitifs and snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
Guide the Christmas play
Set up the dinner buffet
3 people
Serve hot dishes
3 people
Clear tables
3 people
Serve dessert
2 people
Distribute the gifts
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Store leftovers chilled
2 people
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

Collect waste
2 people
Pre-sort tableware
2 people
Clean the kitchen
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Take down decorations
2 people
Clean the floors
2 people
Empty the coolers
Distribute leftover food
2 people
Take waste to the bins
2 people
Check the grocery stock

What to bring

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

Furniture

Dining tablesqty 5
Chairsqty 32
Clothing rack
Side tablesqty 3

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 32
Dessert platesqty 32
Soup bowlsqty 32
Coffee cupsqty 32
Water glassesqty 40
Wine glassesqty 32
Cutlery setsqty 32
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Carafesqty 4

Decorations

Christmas tree
Christmas tree decorations
Table runnersqty 5
Christmas arrangementsqty 5
Name badgesqty 32
Wrapping paperqty 4
Ribbon rollsqty 3
Christmas garlandsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED candlesqty 12

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 2
Mixing bowlsqty 5
Baking dishesqty 5
Hot traysqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12
Coolersqty 2
Ice cube traysqty 4

Cleaning

Dustpan and brush
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the final guest count before buying food or setting up tables. Use it to check whether you have enough chairs, dinner plates, soup bowls, dessert plates and glasses for everyone.
Ask for dietary requirements when guests register, not a few days before Christmas. Record them beside the menu and keep suitable dishes clearly separated during preparation and serving.
Check the refrigerator before shopping and clear space for prepared dishes and chilled drinks. Non-perishable groceries can be stored earlier, while vegetables, desserts and cold dishes need a planned place.
Wrap gifts before the celebration day and check that every present has a name. Keep wrapping paper and ribbon available for last-minute repairs, especially if gifts will be exchanged after dinner.
Set out the tablecloth, napkins, tableware, serving platters and utensils before cooking hot dishes. Prepare vegetables, desserts and cold dishes first so the kitchen is not crowded when the main food is ready.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send family Christmas invitations?: Send invitations at least 4 to 6 weeks before the celebration. Ask guests to register and provide dietary requirements by a clear deadline, then confirm the final number about 7 days before the event.
When should I do the shopping for a family Christmas celebration?: Buy non-perishable groceries 5 to 7 days ahead and shop for fresh ingredients 1 to 2 days before serving. Leave enough refrigerator space for prepared dishes and drinks that need chilling.
How many plates and glasses do I need for Christmas dinner?: Plan one dinner plate, dessert plate, soup bowl and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 2 glasses per person if you serve water and wine. Add 10% extra tableware when possible for spills, breakages or unexpected guests.
What should I prepare first on Christmas celebration day?: Start with desserts, vegetables and cold dishes, then set the table and chill the drinks. Prepare hot dishes last, usually 60 to 90 minutes before serving, so they can be served at the right temperature.

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.