Most years we have celebrated Christmas at our house, so the kids can play with their gifts and swim in the pool as Christmas Day is usually hot! So I know to play host can be stressful. Today I would like to share some of my top tips to ensure you enjoy the day!
Decorations
We all love decorations and Christmas isn’t Christmas without a tree. Try and decorate the tree and/or house early December. Not only will this help you get in the Christmas spirit, it is one check on the list early in the month!
Meal Plan
At least 2 weeks before the day plan what food you will be serving, write out a shopping list and as items are purchased cross off the list. Create a plan in which to prepared and cooked to ensure you have everything ready on time.
Other option to eliminate some of the stress of cooking is to ask your guests to bring a plate of food, some may consider this rude to ask, however I am sure your guests will be more than happy. Organise for one person to bring bread, another salad, ham, seafood etc.
There is a complete meal planning section in The Organised Housewife Christmas Planner.
Music
Gather together a few CD’s to play on the day, or have your iPod playlist ready to go.
Drinks
To keep guests from coming into the kitchen, set up an area for them to easily access hot and cold drinks, having clean cups on hand. The Aussie way would be to use an esky. If you have a lot of kids attending perhaps write their names on the cups so they can remember which cup is theirs.
idea found via makeandtakes.com
Supplies
Ensure you have enough platters, plates and cutlery for all your guests. If you don’t consider borrowing what you may need or purchasing the plastic variety which I think is perfectly acceptable. Also, don’t forget you have enough toilet paper!
