Countdown to Christmas

Hosting a Christmas party. Here’s how to go about it

 
Jingle bells, jingle bells Christmas is almost here

Christmas day is fast approaching and you’re still tearing your hair over menus, shopping, putting up the tree, threatening the electrician to put up the star, decorating the home and of course the grand traditional Christmas dinner party etc. Organising and getting it all done on time and perfectly can be down right stressful. A little planning before your guests arrive can go a long way to a holiday season filled with ease and good cheer.

First make a list of all the things you want to get done. Now divide that list according to deadlines (One week in advance, Christmas Eve, Christmas day etc) then elaborate on it and work toward meeting the deadlines- on time. Here’s a sampler

By now you should have done these, if not, begin at once!

Invites- keep it simple. Just make sure they go out on time.

Put up the tree and decorate it. Organise the star and lighting and have it glimmering.

Finalise the menu. Keep it simple, for eg. go for cold meats or cheeses for starters.

Organise the music and entertainment

Clear up the clutter in the house(stuff it under the bed or in the boot of your car if you have to)

Order drinks, raw ingredients, glasses, ice etc

Plan your serving dishes, napkins, tableware, centrepiece, candles, votive offerings etc so you can purchase or replenish them if needed

Warn the neighbours

Buy dry ingredients

Buy hangover cures and keep a phone no. ready to order-in breakfast for those unexpected stay-over guests

Christmas Eve

Clear out the fridge to make place for puddings that need setting or even leftovers after the party

Purchase fresh food like meat, chicken etc. get the grocer to dress it to reduce your workload

Cut, chop and pre-prepare whatever you can from your menu like dressings, sauces garnishes or even juices for cocktails

Prepare from the menu whatever can be done in advance like desert, mulled wine etc.

Chill the drinks

Decorate and lay the table

Arrange the room to make space for comfortable conversation. Move the furniture around if you have to.

Do the fresh flowers; lay out the candles, place coasters on side tables

On Christmas day

Place the gifts under the tree.

Start your cooking early. That will give you time for garnishing, presentation etc.

Set a finishing deadline so you get enough time to get ready- after all it’s your party and you want to have a good time.

Keep sheets of printed carols ready so everyone can join in the singing

Last of all light the candles just before your guests arrive

Now let your hair down and sing “decks the halls’ with gusto because you’ve got it all under control.