If this is your first year hosting Christmas as a new auntie (or unc) or just want to be sure you aren’t forgetting anything, keep reading for a step-by- guide!
In this article, I’ll walk you through each part of the process (planning, preparing and executing) with as little amount of stress as possible.
Scroll to the bottom to download the FREE Planning Christmas Checklist!
Planning Phase
1. Create a guest list
Write down everyone you’d like to invite.
This also helps you get a general gauge of the format of the event. For smaller groups, you have more flexibility between hosting a formal sit-down dinner and a casual one. For larger groups, the event will most likely be more casual.
2. Select a menu
You have many options for the menu for your Christmas event:
- Traditional dinner spread: ham, macaroni and cheese, yams, collared greens, dressing and sweet potato pie
- Casual finger food spread: Rotel dip, nachos, wings, meatballs, sliders
- Christmas breakfast/brunch: waffles, pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, pastries, fresh fruit
- Seafood broil: Non-traditional dinner option, but a great option nonetheless
Whichever menu you choose, jot down the main meats, sides, and desserts. (Don’t forget to include the drinks, disposable silverware/plates, and ice!)
3. Invite your guests
You can get as fancy or casual with this as you want. You can:
- send a simple text to the family group chat
- create an Evite
- create a custom invitation on Canva (send via text or physical mail)
When I hosted Christmas breakfast for my family, I just sent an Evite out to my family so I could have a better idea of who all was planning to come. I loved using Evite because not only could people RSVP, but I was able to include a What to Bring List for my guests. It was a helpful option because everything was in one place.
In the description of the event, I also included the attire. We chose to do a simple color scheme, but you can do matching PJ’s and ugly sweaters.
This step is especially important if this is one of your first time hosting. It just helps with planning the portion sizes and seating arrangements.
Preparing Phase
Now that the first big planning items are out of the way, it’s time to prepare. These are things you can do now-weeks before the event.
4. Create grocery shopping list ahead of time and shop early
Once your menu has been made and you know what you’re making, I recommend gathering the ingredient lists (and checking it twice, ha!) and making one master list.
Then, separate the master list into two lists: perishable items and non-perishable items.
Since the non-perishable items (typically things found in the center aisles of the grocery store) will remain fresh between now and Christmas, you can go ahead and buy these if you have the space. This is good to do for:
- One less thing to forget
- Buy it when it’s on sale
- Prevent it from being sold out right before you event
For the perishable items that you need to wait to buy right before Christmas, you can use that pre-made list and the mental load has already been taken care of!
- Pro tip: if you load the perishable items in a grocery store app, you can move them to the cart a few days before and either schedule them for pickup or delivery. Saves you even more time!
5. Check serving dishes
With the menu and grocery list in mind, you can go and check the serving dishes and utensils you have.
6. Prepare the games
Holidays are a good time not just for a good meal, but good games!
Think about which games your family has enjoyed in the past. Some popular options are Spades, Taboo, and Uno. My family has always enjoyed Culture Tags and Spoons.
In addition, you can try to think of a fun holiday game to play. When I hosted, we played the blindfolded snow ball game where you pick up the cotton balls blindfolded onto a plate in a set amount of time to see who got the most.
Whatever you decide, go ahead and set it aside now.
7. Create a custom playlist
As a host, one extra way I like to prepare for my events and make them feel more unique is to have a custom playlist.
I like to consider the different ages and interests of my guests. I include both oldies that everyone loves and new songs for people to add to their own playlists.
This doesn’t have to be a big task. You don’t need to do this all at once. You can create the playlist and gradually add songs as you hear them the next few weeks.
Execution Phase
Everything has been planned and prepped, now it’s just time to put it to action!
8. Clean your home and decorate (few days before)
When I first started hosting, I would try to still be vacuuming and dusting on the day of. Absolutely NOT! One day, I remember talking to my husband’s grandmother about how much stuff I still had to do after church to prepare for my dinner guests. She recommended that in the future to clean days before the event so I can focus on the food. Ever since, I’ve taken her advice and hosting has been way less stressful.
10. Set up as much as possible (the day before)
- If you are having a more formal dinner, set up the table setting (placemats, chargers, plates, glasses, etc).
- For more casual events, just focus on setting up the seats. (Try to have close to the number of expected guests, but don’t stress if it doesnt add up-it always works out some kinda way!)
- Set up the serving dishes, platters and utensils as well (plus: wash and dry them-you’ll be surprised how much time this saves)
11. Cook what you can
The day before is the perfect time to get ahead of the cooking and baking. For anything that reheats well or will be fresh on Christmas Day, make it the day before.
Consider things such as:
- Cakes and pies
- Side dishes
- Certain meats that will reheat well
Christmas day is here and you’re all prepared! Small things to remember and do that morning:
- Start early!
- Finish any last minute dishes
- Reheat food and light Sternos
- Set the atmosphere with playlist, candles and holiday lights
- Welcome your guests and enjoy!
I pray that you remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. If anything doesn’t go as planned, please do not stress-I promise it will be alright! May you have a wonderful time spent with family and friends and that you’ll meditate on God’s Word.
I hope this detailed article helps reduce the mental load for you as you host your Christmas event this year! If you’d like a quick checklist to review later as you plan, I have a FREE Christmas Planning Checklist to help you out! ‘
Question: What is your favorite Black family Christmas tradition?
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