Hosting Christmas Eve
The table sets the mood for the evening. Paired with good music, good food, and a few decor details, you can theme your night to reflect the menu, the company, or the celebration.
Hosting parties is something I’ve always enjoyed. Having everyone gather together, the white noise of chatter, and indulging in the delicious food all warm our souls and bellies.
The flip side to that picture is the days and weeks leading up to the event. Determining the date, time, guest list, and menu. Cleaning the house to a meticulous state. Getting the serving ware set and ensuring each menu item has its plate. Food shopping, booze shopping, food prep, determining the exact time to cook and plate everything so it’s served warm. Not to mention the lighting, the music, and the decor. If children are involved, there are a zillion other items to consider. It’s an exhausting project to take on for a few hours of fun. But fun it is, and worth every bit of stress. To alleviate that stress, consider the lists below.
Hosting Christmas Eve: A Step-by-Step Guide
The joy of gathering with loved ones is the magic of Christmas Eve. Surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations, the night is filled with good food and company. If you've decided to take on the responsibility of hosting a Christmas Eve party this year, fear not! You can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your family and friends with thoughtful planning and preparation. This step-by-step guide ensures a smooth and festive celebration.
Step 1: Set the Time and Create Invitations
Start by choosing a time that works for you and your potential guests (remember parents of young children may need to leave early). Send out invitations well in advance to allow everyone to plan accordingly. Whether you opt for traditional invitations or send out emails and text, include essential details such as the time, location (for newcomers), and any specific dress code or theme you have in mind.
Step 2: Plan the Menu
The heart of any Christmas Eve gathering is the food. Consider your guests' dietary preferences and plan a menu that caters to various tastes. Traditional holiday dishes like roasted turkey, glazed ham, and festive sides are always a hit. But so is a mix of delicious appetizers. Or a potluck with many hands participating. You know your guests and what works best. Don't forget to include options for those with dietary restrictions or preferences, and consider incorporating some seasonal treats like Christmas cookies and hot cocoa.
Step 3: Decorate with Care
Transform your space into a winter wonderland by decorating with festive and cozy elements. Hang twinkling lights, decorate a beautifully adorned Christmas tree, and sprinkle seasonal decorations throughout your home. Candles, wreaths, and other small touches can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Don’t forget family ornaments and children’s holiday crafts to make it more personable.
Step 4: Create a Playlist
Enhance the festive mood with a carefully curated Christmas playlist that includes classic holiday tunes and mixes in some contemporary favorites. Or find that perfect holiday music channel on your favorite app. Music sets the tone for the evening and can bring everyone together in the season's spirit.
Step 5: Plan Activities and Games
Keep your younger guests entertained with a variety of activities and games. Consider organizing a Secret Santa gift exchange beforehand, setting up a photo booth with festive props, or laying out a few holiday-themed game ideas like Christmas charades. These activities can add an extra layer of fun and create lasting memories.
Step 6: Prepare for Guests
Make your guests feel welcome by preparing for their arrival. Ensure there's enough seating, coat racks for their winter wear, and a designated space for them to leave their belongings. Consider offering a signature holiday drink or appetizer upon arrival to kick off the celebration in style.
Step 7: Stay Organized on the Day
On party day, stay organized by creating a timeline for food preparation. Delegate tasks if possible, and don't hesitate to ask for help. This will allow you to enjoy the celebration alongside your guests without feeling overwhelmed.
Hosting Christmas Eve can be joyous and fulfilling with careful planning and preparation. By focusing on creating a welcoming atmosphere and planning a delicious menu, you'll ensure that your guests leave with cherished memories.
Here’s the timeline for creating a spectacular Christmas Eve:
2-3 Weeks Before Christmas Eve
Plan Your Menu
Decide on the main course, side dishes, and desserts.
Consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests.
Create a shopping list based on your menu.
Send Invitations
Choose a time for the dinner.
Create and send out invitations with all the necessary details.
Ask guests about any dietary restrictions or preferences.
Deep Clean the House & Decorate for a Festive Holiday
Deep clean the house, wash linens, gather serving ware and holiday platters.
Purchase or gather decorations that set the mood for the evening
Plan the layout for the evening – will everyone sit at a table or mingle?
1 Week Before Christmas Eve
Finalize Guest List and Confirm RSVPs
Confirm the attendance of guests who haven't responded.
Adjust your shopping list and menu based on confirmed guests.
Shop for Non-Perishable Items
Purchase non-perishable items, such as canned goods, spices, and dry ingredients.
Prepare Freezable Items
Cook and freeze any dishes that can be prepared in advance.
3-4 Days Before Christmas Eve
Shop for Perishable Items
Purchase fresh produce, dairy, and any other perishable items.
Double-check your ingredients list to ensure you haven't missed anything.
Prepare Baking and Dessert Items
Start baking any cookies, cakes, or desserts that can be made in advance.
Store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
2 Days Before Christmas Eve
Set the Table
Arrange your table settings, including plates, glasses, and cutlery.
Set aside (and label) a platter for each dish you serve. Include serving ware.
Add any decorative elements to the table, such as a centerpiece.
Defrost Frozen Items
Take out any frozen dishes from the freezer and transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw.
Prepare Make-Ahead Side Dishes
Cook and prepare side dishes that can be reheated before serving.
Day Before Christmas Eve
Prepare Sauces and Dressings
Make any sauces, dressings, or dips.
Christmas Eve Morning
Final Grocery Run
Purchase any last-minute items like fresh bread, herbs, or perishable items needed for the day. Don’t forget ice for cocktails.
Prep Main Course
Begin preparing the main course, marinating meats, or preparing casseroles.
Set a timeline for when each dish needs to be cooked or reheated.
Afternoon/Early Evening on Christmas Eve
Cook and Reheat Dishes
Cook the main course and reheat any make-ahead dishes.
Keep cooked food warm in the oven or using chafing dishes.
Cook appetizers to serve when guests arrive
Finish Setting Up
Light candles and turn on any decorative lights.
Check the table one last time for completeness.
Turn on the music
Set out appetizers
Greet Guests and Enjoy
Welcome guests as they arrive. Have someone ready to serve cocktails as they settle in.
Relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere you've created.
And here’s a Christmas Eve Dinner Menu to get you started:
Appetizers
Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 24 large mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture.
Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
To Make Ahead
Prepare the stuffed mushrooms up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can (14 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix spinach, artichokes, mayonnaise, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
To Make Ahead
Prepare the dip up to three days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board, aka. Antipasto
Ingredients:
- Assorted cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda)
- Assorted cured meats (salami, prosciutto)
- Grapes, figs, and olives
- Assorted crackers and bread
- Add fruit spreads or honey-based dipping sauces
Directions:
Arrange cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers on a large board or platter.
Add small bowls for spreads and sauces.
To Make Ahead
Assemble the board a few hours ahead, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
Caprese Skewers
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Toothpicks
Directions:
Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each toothpick.
Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
To Make Ahead
Prepare the skewers a few hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Main Course Ideas
Roasted Turkey
Ingredients:
- 12-15 lb whole turkey, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Pat the turkey dry and place it on a rack in a roasting pan.
Mix butter, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the turkey.
Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Vegetable Lasagna
Ingredients:
12 lasagna sheets
Vegetable Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Ricotta Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Tomato Sauce
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Vegetable Filling
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, carrot, and spinach.
- Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Cook until vegetables are tender. Set aside.
3. Ricotta Mixture
- Combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and fresh basil in a bowl. Mix well.
4. Tomato Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assembly
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Place a layer of lasagna sheets on top of the sauce.
- Add a layer of the vegetable filling.
- Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the vegetables.
- Repeat the layers - lasagna sheets, tomato sauce, vegetables, and ricotta mixture.
- Top with a final layer of lasagna sheets, remaining tomato sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake
- Cover the baking dish with foil, being careful not to let it touch the top, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 - 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve
- Allow the vegetable lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
To Make Ahead
Prepare the lasagna up to two days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving. As the lasagna will be cold, you may need to add 10 to 20 minutes to the baking time.
Side Dishes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Boil potatoes until tender. Drain.
Heat butter, milk, and garlic in a saucepan until the butter melts.
Mash potatoes, gradually adding the butter mixture until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Dessert
Classic Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups whipped cream for filling and frosting
- Chocolate shavings for decoration
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Beat egg yolks with sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Fold egg whites into the yolk mixture, then fold in flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
Spread the batter in a prepared baking pan and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Roll the cake with a kitchen towel, let it cool, unroll, fill it with whipped cream, and roll again.
Frost with whipped cream and decorate with chocolate shavings.
Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Royal Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/4 cup water
- Food coloring (assorted colors)
Decorations
- Sprinkles, colored sugars, edible glitter, and other decorations of your choice
Directions
Sugar Cookie Dough
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Roll and Cut
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
Repeat with the second portion of the dough.
Combine and reroll any dough scraps until all the dough is used.
Bake
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Royal Icing
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth and glossy.
Divide the icing into separate bowls for different colors.
Add food coloring to achieve the desired hues.\
Transfer each icing color into piping bags or squeeze bottles for decorating.
Decorate
Outline the cooled cookies with the royal icing using piping bags or squeeze bottles.
Allow the outlines to set for a few minutes.
Flood the interior of the cookies with more royal icing, using a toothpick or small spatula to spread it evenly.
While the icing is still wet, add decorations such as sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible glitter.
Dry and Store
Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely before stacking or packaging.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
These Christmas cookies are delicious and a delightful activity for the whole family. Get creative with shapes and decorations to make a festive assortment that adds a sweet touch to your Christmas Eve celebration!
