How to Host Christmas Like a Pro

Hosting Christmas doesn’t have to mean chaos, overspending, or cooking every single thing from scratch. With a little prep and a few shortcuts, you can create a stress-free, memorable holiday everyone actually enjoys. From organizing the meal to setting the table and keeping guests entertained, here’s a guide to help you host a successful Christmas gathering.

Pro tip: Save this post to come back to the week of Christmas when planning feels real.

For all items I use when hosting – click here. And for my top Christmas recipes, click here. And for all holiday decor, click here.

My peppermint espresso tini recipe and 30 easy stocking stuffers under $20!

1. Embrace Catering and Premade Items

One of the easiest ways to reduce stress during Christmas is by utilizing premade items from the grocery store. There’s no need to cook everything from scratch, especially with the high-quality, pre-prepared dishes available these days. Whether it’s a fully cooked ham or sides like roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, opting for these can save you valuable time. You can always add your own flair by garnishing or mixing in a homemade touch, but don’t shy away from help where it’s available.

Trader Joe’s mac and cheese baked in a casserole dish with toasted panko and truffle oil is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — and no one will know it wasn’t homemade.

2. Plan and Schedule Ahead

To ensure a smooth day, create a detailed schedule for both the day before and the day of the event.

Your Christmas Hosting Checklist (Print or Screenshot)

Sometimes having everything in one place is all you need. Here’s a simple walkthrough you can print, screenshot, or save for Christmas week:

Two Days Before:
• Grocery pick-up
• Clear kitchen counters
• Label serving dishes with sticky notes
• Prep one dessert or appetizer
• Check drinks, ice, and glassware stock

Day Before:
• Set the table (linens, candles, plates, flatware)
• Prep any make-ahead sides or sauces
• Batch cocktails or mocktails
• Wipe down guest bathroom
• Place a holiday candle in the entry

Day Of:
• Turn on your playlist
• Preheat oven 45–60 minutes before guests arrive
• Set up drink station
• Put out trash bags/bins
• Light candles & start warming dishes

Basic Grocery List Categories:
Produce
Proteins / main dish
Premade sides
Appetizers
Desserts
Bread / rolls
Drinks (wine, sparkling water, juice for kids)
Ice (always buy extra)
Fresh herbs for garnish
Serveware (foil pans, parchment, napkins, to-go containers)

This keeps you calm and clear from start to finish.

Write down every task on your to-do list, from setting the table to preparing dishes, and assign a specific time to complete them. For instance, prep desserts or appetizers a day in advance and schedule specific times for cooking the main dish and sides on the big day.

HOT TIP: Use AI to Plan Your Christmas Hosting (Copy + Paste Prompts)

Let AI do the heavy lifting for you.

Here are copy/paste prompts you can put into ChatGPT to plan your holiday menu, grocery list, drink station, and timeline in minutes:

“I’m hosting Christmas dinner for 8 adults and 4 kids. Create a grocery list, cooking timeline, and three easy appetizer ideas using mostly premade items.”
“Make me a 2-day hosting schedule for Christmas Eve including cleaning tasks, prep tasks, and what to do on the morning of.”
“Give me 5 Trader Joe’s holiday items I can plate beautifully so they look homemade.”
“Create a simple tablescape shopping list under $60 using Amazon or Target only.”
“Plan a signature drink, mocktail, and hot cocoa station with toppings.”

Pro tip: Save your favorite prompt in your Notes app so you’re not searching for it the day of.

3. Extra Seating and Table Arrangements

Ensure there’s enough space for everyone to comfortably gather around the table and share in the holiday meal.

If you’re hosting a large crowd, you might need more seating than you have on hand. Consider purchasing inexpensive fold-up tables or borrowing them from a neighbor. Local marketplaces are also a great place to find affordable second-hand options.

Ask on Nextdoor or neighborhood Facebook groups FIRST before you buy — most people have extra fold-up tables, chairs, or tablecloths they’ll happily lend.

HOT TIP: Create a Hostess Gift Station (No Last-Minute Stress)

Keep a little “grab-and-go” gift stash so you’re never caught off guard.

Stock your coat closet or pantry with:

Holiday candle
Pre-wrapped white chocolate holiday bark
Mini chocolates or gourmet mints
Wine bags and tissue paper
Cute gift tags
Small boxes
Blank holiday cards

When someone brings a gift or a last-minute guest pops in, you can give something thoughtful in seconds — no scrambling.

Pro tip: Make my white chocolate holiday bark in one big batch and wrap pieces individually. It looks fancy and tastes amazing, but takes under 15 minutes.

4. Order or Prep the Main Dish in Advance

Christmas dinner often revolves around a centerpiece dish, such as a ham or roast. Be sure to order it well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues. Whether you’re cooking it yourself or ordering a pre-cooked option, securing your main dish early will save you from holiday stress. I love Texas Honey Ham here in Austin!

5. Consider Hiring a Cleaning Service

While not a necessity, hiring a cleaning service before or after your event can be a game-changer. If you’re hosting a particularly large group or have a busy schedule, outsourcing this task can free up time and mental energy. Don’t underestimate the power of cleaning one bathroom, clearing counters, and lighting a candle — perfection is not the goal. Check out my deep cleaning checklist and guide!

6. Send Out Invitations Early

Use a shared iPhone Note or Google Doc so everyone can see the plan — arrival time, dinner time, kids bedtime expectations, and who’s bringing what. An e-vite or detailed email is an efficient way to communicate the details of the event, including the time, location, and any specifics you want to share. Not only does this prevent repetitive questions from your guests, but it also sets clear expectations about the flow of the day, including arrival time and when dinner will be served.

7. Delegate Dishes to Guests

If your guests are willing, assign specific dishes for them to bring. Create a shared iPhone Note with a simple table: Guest / Dish / Notes. Include 6–8 easy recipe ideas at the bottom so guests can pick without thinking. This not only helps share the workload but ensures you have a well-rounded meal. You can create a sign-up sheet with options like appetizers, sides, desserts, or even drinks. That way, you know what’s coming, and it reduces the pressure on you to prepare everything. Consider a shared note!

Shared iPhone Note Template for Delegating Dishes

This is one of my best hosting hacks — everyone sees what’s already claimed, what’s still needed, and no one asks you 14 follow-up questions.

Template:

At the bottom, add simple dish ideas to make choosing easy:

• Pigs in a blanket wreath
• Christmas cheese ball
• Cream cheese + raspberry jalapeño jam
• Simple salad with shaved parmesan
• Warm rolls with herby butter
• Cookie platter or brownies

To share a Note:
Open a Note → tap the three dots → “Share Note” → choose “Can make changes.”

This keeps everything cohesive and avoids duplicate dishes.

8. Festive Decorations and Ambiance

Decor can elevate the holiday experience, making the meal feel even more special. Places like World Market, Dollar Tree, and Amazon offer affordable options. A linen tablecloth, candles, and greenery from your yard are all you need for a Pinterest-worthy tablescape. Goodwill and Facebook Marketplace are gold mines for vintage platters, candle holders, and serving pieces. Use Christmas-themed centerpieces, festive napkins, and even name cards for a personalized touch. For a larger group, disposable plates are convenient, but for a more formal gathering, nicer plates can add to the occasion. Check out my favorite tablescape picks here.

Simple Neutral Tablescape Checklist (Pinterest Look, Zero Stress)

A beautiful table doesn’t require 17 layers or a perfect theme. Neutral styling photographs beautifully, works with any menu, and feels elevated without effort.

Here are the only things you actually need:

• Linen or neutral cotton tablecloth
Sets the mood immediately.

• Soft runner in beige, cream, olive, or deep green
Layering adds warmth.

• White or cream dinner plates
Timeless and easy to mix with other pieces.

• Gold or wood-toned flatware
Instantly feels festive.

• Candle cluster in the center
Mix of pillars and votives — use as many or as few as you want.

• Natural greenery
Cut herbs from your yard (rosemary, pine, eucalyptus). Tuck into napkin rings or lay down the center.

• Simple centerpiece bowl
Fill with ornaments, greenery, or citrus.

Optional:
Wrapping paper as a runner if you’re short on linens — a great budget hack.

9. Plan for an Easy Cleanup

Nobody wants to spend hours cleaning up after Christmas dinner. Simplify the process by using disposable plates and utensils if appropriate for the gathering. Have trash bags ready and encourage guests to help by clearing their plates. If you’re using nicer dishes, enlist a few family members to help with washing up.

It’s okay to go to bed with dishes soaking. The holidays don’t require martyrdom.

10. Serve with Style

Make sure you have all the essentials for serving your meal. Use warming dishes or heated mats to keep food at the right temperature throughout dinner. A pebble ice maker is secretly the MVP of hosting. Don’t forget to have a wine decanter and extra ice on hand to keep beverages flowing. A pebble ice maker or ice trays can come in handy for guests who prefer chilled drinks. All my hosting musts here.

11. Entertainment for the Day

Christmas is not just about the food — it’s also about spending quality time with loved ones. Incorporate fun games and activities to keep everyone entertained. Christmas-themed scratch-off cards, bingo, or a gratitude game are great options. Set up a movie night post-dinner with Christmas classics, or plan activities for the following day, like Christmas tree decorating or checking out festive events in your city. Christmas poppers at each plate, a bingo printout, or a simple “find the pickle ornament” game turns dinner into memory-making.

12. Include Your Kids in the Festivities

Embrace the holiday season by including your kids in the preparations! My daughter Claire loves to help me make my miso chocolate chip cookies, and it’s such a joy to share the experience together. Making memories in the kitchen is one of the most rewarding parts of the holiday season.

13. Stocking Stuffers for Everyone

I love making stockings for each guest so everyone has a little something to open. It’s a thoughtful touch that adds a special layer to the holiday. For ideas on what to include, check out my stocking stuffer ideas here. Set a price limit and actually stick to it. Five Below, Target Dollar Spot, and Amazon “under $10” filter are lifesavers.

14. Incorporate Special Traditions

Traditions make the holidays magical. One of my favorites is making a batch of Tom & Jerrys to share with guests or preparing an overnight breakfast casserole for a relaxed Christmas morning. Our go-to is Tom & Jerrys served by the fire while we put on pajamas and watch a Christmas movie after dinner. These traditions bring comfort and joy to our family year after year.

15. Don’t Forget the Music

My favorite is the Martha Stewart Christmas playlist. A well-curated playlist is essential to set the mood. Whether you prefer background jazz, classic Christmas carols, or a mix of holiday favorites, music can create the perfect ambiance for your gathering. Consider creating a playlist ahead of time to ensure there are no awkward silences throughout the evening.

16. Final Touches

Incorporate personal touches like handwritten name cards or themed decor to make your guests feel special. For a casual Christmas gathering, consider setting up a photo booth with fun holiday props so everyone can take home a memory of the day. Small details like these can make a big impact and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Conclusion

Hosting Christmas doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By planning ahead, delegating tasks, and embracing a few shortcuts, you can create a memorable event that everyone enjoys. From catering to decor to entertainment, these tips will help you organize and host a Christmas gathering that’s as enjoyable for you as it is for your guests.