Be a gracious host

Hosting a successful dinner is every hosts’ desire. But this becomes a challenge when large numbers are involved, for Christmas is about people and food. Here is what to do to ensure it turns out so.

Guest list
Prepare a guest list and keep in mind that not all of your invites will attend. The reason could be that they too, are hosting parties so do not entirely stick to cooking for the number you have invited. You need flexibility. Be in a position to accommodate more or less. Send out invitations in ample time so that people have a chance to get back to you.

Cooking
Who will do the cooking? This is the first question you answer after dispatching the invitations. It is a home made dinner yes, but no one will fault you for hiring outside caterers. If you think the number of people could be overwhelming, you may consider an extra hand. The important thing is to ensure that the issue of food is catered for adequately.
Keep in mind your limitations and time constraints in as far as the preparation is concerned. This will save you a great deal of headache in the end.

The menu
Taking time to find out what individual members love in their food table; may be tasking, but may also go long way in making the event memorable. They w not forget you soon for that grand gesture.
So, as you plan what to cook at the Christmas dinner party, and putting into consideration what the guests prefer, go for the foods that are both delicious and easy to make. You may even opt for foods that can be made ahead of time and only require heating before the party to be finished. When planning what to cook, you will find it wise to stick to cooking foods you are familiar with.

All ready
Now that you have in mind the approximate number of people attending, assuming that they have got back to you, and you have the list of the foods to cook?: ready, you need to start making final plans.

Create a list of the supplies you will need to host the dinner. Items like tables, chairs, cutlery, plates and decorations, if any. Food items from your menu fall under this category as well.
Now, all is set to go. It would be recommended to a week before your dinner party to take time and do shopping. You may find it in order too, to give your house a thorough cleaning.

In case you are doing the cooking on your own,  you can start the day before the party, preferably the evening. Let the day of the party be for cooking the foods that take a short time to cook and also for setting up  tables and adding the finishing touches to your decor. If outside caterers are doing the cooking ensure that everything is ready. All it takes to host a memorable and successful Christmas dinner-party as can be seen, is preparation.
Go ahead, enjoy.

END: BL18/74

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