Description
This comprehensive Christmas menu guide helps you plan and prepare a festive holiday feast efficiently by combining make-ahead dishes with fresh preparations. It includes appetizers, main course, sides, soups or salads, breads, desserts, and holiday drinks, with tips on storing, reheating, and mixing homemade with storebought items to reduce stress and save time during the holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
Appetizers
- 1 to 3 appetizers of your choice
Main Course
- 1 main course dish
Sides
- 2 to 4 side dishes such as creamy mashed potatoes, stovetop mac and cheese with white cheddar, creamy garlic mashed cauliflower, cranberry sauce
Soups and Salads
- 1 soup and/or salad
- Prepare ingredients for salads in advance including chopped vegetables and dressing
Breads
- 1 to 2 bread selection
Desserts
- 1 to 2 dessert items, can be homemade or store-bought
Holiday Drinks
- 1 holiday beverage of choice
Instructions
- Plan Your Menu: Decide in advance what appetizers, main course, sides, soups or salads, breads, desserts, and drinks you will prepare. Planning ahead reduces stress and grocery shopping trips.
- Prepare Make-Ahead Dishes: Start cooking some dishes ahead of time that can either be frozen or stored in airtight containers. Examples include mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, garlic mashed cauliflower, cranberry sauce, and soups.
- Store Soups Properly: Prepare soups early and refrigerate for up to 5 days to enhance flavors and ease holiday day preparation.
- Prep Salad Ingredients: Chop vegetables and mix dressings in advance. Assemble salads just before serving for freshness.
- Make Desserts in Advance: Bake or buy desserts ahead of time. Many desserts store well at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or even frozen for weeks.
- Mix Homemade and Storebought: To save time and reduce stress, combine homemade dishes with select store-bought items like desserts or appetizers.
- Prepare Ingredients Ahead: Chop vegetables, beat eggs, and complete other prep tasks beforehand. Store all prepped items in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Set the Table Early: Arrange your dinnerware, glasses, flatware, napkins, placemats, and decorations the night before to ease your workload on the big day.
Notes
- Many dishes can be frozen and reheated for convenience and better flavor.
- Some sides and salads are best prepared fresh, so plan accordingly.
- Using a combination of homemade and ready-made items can save significant time.
- Proper storage in airtight containers extends freshness and food safety.
- Advance table setting reduces last-minute holiday day stress.
