“Christmas dinner is one of those meals that means something“
…and I want you to enjoy it, not spend the whole day feeling behind. I’ve hosted enough holiday meals to know this is the secret: a simple plan + a reliable menu beats an overcomplicated spread every single time.
In this guide, I’m walking you through how I plan a Christmas dinner menu, what I prep ahead of time, and how I set things up so I can actually sit down and enjoy my people. You’ll be able to pull in your favorite recipes (I’ll link mine throughout), and you’ll finish the day feeling proud—not frazzled.
My Keys to a Successful Christmas Dinner
Before you start cooking, here are my “Christmas dinner basics”—the simple habits that make hosting feel so much easier.
- A calm Christmas dinner starts with a simple plan and a menu you trust.
- Prep-ahead is what saves your day (and your mood.)
- Choose “steady” cooking methods (roasting, baking, slow cooker) for less last-minute stress.
- Good hosting is about warmth and comfort—not perfection.
- A few thoughtful touches make the whole evening feel special.
Merry, merry Christmas!
The Christmas Dinner Timeline I Swear By
7–5 Days Before
- Choose the menu and write a shopping list.
- Check serving dishes, slow cooker, roasting pan, and thermometer.
- Make sure you decide the start time and meal style (buffet vs. sit-down).
2 Days Before
- Grocery shop (including ice (store in a cooler), drinks, and paper goods if needed).
- Prep any sauces/dressings that improve with time.
- Bake any cookies, cakes or breads.
1 Day Before
- Chop vegetables, shred cheese, and measure dry ingredients.
- Set out serving platters and utensils and label them with sticky notes.
- Set the table.
Day Of: My “Calm Host” Schedule
- Get the main dish cooking first.
- Reheat/finish sides in waves.
- Appetizers should be easy and set out early.
- Build in a 15-minute buffer before serving (because something always takes longer than it “should”).
- Take a deep breath and a sip of your favorite Christmas drink. It’s going to be great!
“Hosting well doesn’t mean doing at once—it means doing a few things ahead so you can actually enjoy yourself later.“
Donya
from The Effortless Host
Prep-Ahead Tips That Make Hosting Feel Easy
If you take nothing else from this post, take this: prep ahead is your best friend. What I like to do ahead:
- Set up the drink station (glasses, napkins, bottle opener, ice bucket spot)
- Chop onions/celery/peppers (store in containers)
- Mix casseroles and cover (bake later)
- Make dressings, sauces, and compound butters
- Take a quick walk through the house and fluff any common areas.
“Never underestimate the power of atmosphere.”
Donya
Make Your Home Feel Warm and Welcoming
Lighting + music
Soft lighting changes everything. I like lamps, candles, and twinkle lights—then a playlist that feels cozy and familiar.
Comfort details that matter
Don’t overcrowd the table—leave room for serving bowls and elbows.
Designate a spot for coats and bags.
I’m not into fussy plating on Christmas—I want it warm, welcoming, and pretty in a relaxed way.
- Add fresh herbs right before serving (instant “finished” look).
- Use bowls and platters that fit the food (not too small, not too huge).
- Wipe plate edges and serving dish rims (quick, but it makes a difference).
- Put sauces in a small pitcher or bowl—people love that little touch.
“Food doesn’t have to be complicated to be special.”
Donya
Appetizers
I love starting with appetizers because they set the whole tone—easy, welcoming, and just enough to keep everyone happy while I’m putting the final touches on dinner.
Air Fryer Roasted Nuts
Crunchy and perfectly seasoned, Air Fryer Roasted Nuts are a delicious snack, perfect for sprinkling on salads and great for entertaining. Toasting nuts in an air fryer just takes a few minutes and is the best way to bring out the most flavor in these heart-healthy treats.
Stuffed Mushrooms with Creamy Cheese Filling
Stuffed mushrooms are easy to prepare and the perfect finger food for any party or gathering! These little bites are loaded with a savory cheese filling, baked until they’re crispy on the top, creamy on the inside, and totally irresistible.
Pimento Cheese Bites
Wow your friends and family with this easy to make party appetizer that’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory! Crispy Phyllo cups filled with pimento cheese then topped with sweet, slightly spicy red pepper jelly makes for a delicious appetizer for the holidays, game day or whenever you’re entertaining.
Mistletoe Mimosas: The Ultimate Holiday Cocktail
Celebrate the holidays with festive Mistletoe Mimosas! This easy, bubbly drink combines sparkling apple juice, Prosecco, and frozen fruit for a colorful, refreshing sip.
Pick Your Main
Choose one centerpiece and let it lead the menu. For Christmas, I usually pick one of these:
- Baked ham (classic, forgiving, great for leftovers)
- Roast chicken or turkey breast (holiday feel without the full turkey commitment)
- Prime rib or roast beef (special, but plan your timing carefully)
Sides
For sides, I keep it simple with family favorites and maybe something new in the mix—dishes that can be made ahead, hold well, and come together right on time without a lot of last-minute juggling.
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with a light, fluffy filling topped with toasted pecans are the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish! Made with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and just the right amount of sour cream, these potatoes are special enough for any holiday meal yet easy enough to make for weeknight supper.
Southern Style Green Beans
Savory, and full of Southern flavor, these green beans are a classic side I turn to again and again. Simmered with bacon and simple seasonings, they’re easy to make and always a hit at the table—whether it’s Sunday supper or a holiday meal.
One Pot Mushroom Rice
Fluffy rice, caramelized mushrooms, onions, and garlic combine to make this savory One-Pot Mushroom Rice recipe!
Baked Tennessee Onions: A Southern Classic Side Dish
Sweet, buttery, and oh-so-cheesy, Tennessee Onions are a comforting side dish perfect for any occasion! This simple recipe combines the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions with a rich blend of melted cheeses and herbs, making it an irresistible addition to your table.
Southern Grape Salad
Delicious Grape Salad is amazingly fresh, sweet, and creamy with an irresistible crunchy topping! Served as a side dish or a dessert, this easy-to-make recipe is always a favorite at the holidays, potluck suppers, or when you’re entertaining.
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Rich, creamy Crock Pot Creamed Corn, with a hint of sweetness, might be the ultimate side dish. It’s easy to make since the slow cooker does all the work! Free up your stove top or oven space during the holidays or busy weeknights with the Crock Pot.
Broccoli Apple Salad
Fresh broccoli, apples, cheese and a light, bright dressing made into one awesome salad. There’s a reason why this broccoli salad is a favorite at covered dish suppers and holiday celebrations!
Best Creamed Spinach Recipe: Fresh and Easy
Creamed Spinach is a quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious homemade side dish. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, whether pulling together a last-minute weeknight meal or hosting unexpected guests. This recipe brings out the classic, rich flavors of creamed spinach in a lighter, fresher way and is perfect for adding a little extra flair to any meal!
Desserts
Dessert should feel like a sweet little exhale at the end of the meal, so I always choose options I can make ahead—because once we sit down, I want to enjoy every minute right along with everyone else.
Old Fashioned Snowball Cookies
Sweet, lovely Snowball Cookies are the perfect Christmas cookie! Made with just 6 ingredients, these cookies are buttery, loaded with little bits of pecans, and are melt in your mouth delicious.
Easy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip
Get your cheesecake fix with this sweet, creamy, easy to make dip! This no-bake dessert has all the classic flavors of cheesecake yet it’s taken to a whole new level with the addition of fresh fruit, cookies and savory pretzels for dipping.
Eggnog Pound Cake
Celebrate the holidays with Eggnog Pound Cake, flavored with rich eggnog and warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. There’s just something special about homemade pound cake, and this one is an outstanding addition to any holiday celebration.
Southern Coffee Punch
Southern Coffee Punch is a creamy, nostalgic mix of strong coffee, ice cream, and whipped cream—just right for the holidays, spring showers, weekend brunches, or any easygoing get-together with friends and family.
Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potatoes bring out appetites, sweet potato pie brings out helpers.
Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread
Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread, is full of tart, fresh cranberries and bright orange zest! This holiday favorite recipe is updated with rich buttermilk and pecans for an outrageously delicious Southern twist.
Food Safety Notes I Always Follow
I keep these simple, because they matter.
- Poultry: cook to 165°F internal temperature
- Leftovers: refrigerate within 2 hours
- Reheating: heat leftovers until steaming hot (and stir casseroles midway)
FAQ for Christmas Hosting
I like to decide the menu at least a week ahead, shop 1–2 days ahead, and do the bulk of prep the day before.
First, take a deep breath – you can do this! The best place to start is to pick one main dish you feel comfortable with and build a smaller menu around it. Familiar food cooked well is always better than trying something complicated for the first time on Christmas.
A baked ham with a couple of make-ahead sides and a simple dessert is one of the least stressful options—and it still feels like Christmas. This was my game-plan for years when the boys were little and it worked every time!
“At the end of the evening, when the laughter fades and the candles burn low, take a moment to look around and soak it in. This—right here—is what hospitality is all about. Not the menu or the flowers, but the connection, the kindness, the ease of being together.”
Donya
from The Effortless Host
My New eBook!
The Effortless Host
Hosting doesn’t have to mean stress, long to-do lists, or staying stuck in the kitchen. The Effortless Host is your shortcut to pulling off beautiful gatherings with confidence and ease.
5 Days of
Southern Christmas Showstoppers
GET THIS FREE GUIDE: Southern favorites from appetizers, to cookies, to my Christmas dinner menu.
www.asouthernsoul.com (Article Sourced Website)
#Christmas #Dinner #Hosting #Guide