Follow up with the people on your invite list to confirm whether they’ll be able to attend. Only invite as many guests as you have room and provisions for.

When making food for a crowd of people, it’s generally best to work with dishes and ingredients that you know well in order to avoid unexpected complications. Adjust the measurements of your recipes to reflect the number of people you’ll be serving.

To keep things organized, draft your shopping list by what you need for each recipe. Incorporate delectable ingredients that are fresh and in season. [4] X Research source

You’re not always going to please everybody. Make the kind of dinner you want to make, rather than trying to accommodate a dozen different preferences. For example, you could offer prime rib as well as portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option. [6] X Expert Source Ollie George CiglianoPrivate Chef & Food Educator Expert Interview. 30 August 2021. Encourage guests with special dietary needs to also bring some of their own favorite dishes.

Use candles and Christmas lights to illuminate the room rather than relying on ordinary light sources. [7] X Research source Garnish your finished dishes with holiday-themed accents like holly and candy canes.

Light appetizers will make it easier for your guests to wait on a complex meal that’s awaiting its finishing touches. If you want to keep things simple, lay out a charcuterie platter with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives and bread. [10] X Research source

Create a bed of potatoes, carrots and onions at the bottom of your baking dish and roast them alongside the lamb. They’ll soak up the juices from the meat, making them crisp and flavorful.

Prime rib is best enjoyed on the rare side, while roasts should be a little more done, and other cuts can be cooked to individual preference. [14] X Research source Pair your beef dish with a red wine sauce, horseradish cream or brown gravy.

Hams can take hours to cook all the way through, so plan ahead to allot yourself enough time.

For even more flavor, inject a marinade or herb butter under the skin. [17] X Research source Because of their small size, you can serve each guest their own hen at smaller gatherings.

Tofu is very simple to work with. It can be baked, grilled, fried or sauteed, and will absorb the flavors of the ingredients it’s prepared with. [19] X Research source

If you’re serving more than one potato dish, make sure they’re sufficiently different in terms of flavor, texture or presentation. Too much one one type of food can seem repetitive. Boil or pressure cook potatoes to get them done faster. [21] X Research source

Simmer your green beans in a pot with fatback for a more Southern take, or go with a rustic French haricot vert with cloves of garlic and slivers of sliced almond. [24] X Research source Green beans can be served whole or broken into smaller pieces to go in sautés and casseroles.

Look for different types of root vegetables in vibrant colors to add some visual appeal to the dish.

Serve with butter or a dish of olive oil and cracked black pepper. If you’re baking your own bread, be sure to set a timer so that it comes out with the rest of your meal.

Take care of your baked goods the morning of so you can have them ready without adding to your preparation time. [28] X Research source Pumpkin, pecan and cranberry pie are often enjoyed at Christmas time as well as Thanksgiving.

In England, Ireland and other countries, homemade pudding is the traditional way to end Christmas dinner.

The layers of a trifle can come in many different colors and flavors. Trifles take a lot of effort to put together. Don’t hesitate to buy one premade if you’re running short on time.

Make hot cocoa, coffee, tea or cider available as well. [33] X Research source Raise your glass and propose a celebratory toast to your guests to thank them for coming.