I can't think of any time of year when more entertaining takes place than between Thanksgiving and New Year's. The stress involved in preparing for the year-end holidays can turn anyone into a Mr. or Ms. Bah Humbug. So give yourself an early "Christmas present" and start with an organized plan. Below is an example of such a plan and a few ideas you might be able to use in order to make your holiday planning a little easier and increase the time you spend with your guests.
Sample Holiday Planner
Thanksgiving Weekend
| 1. | Make a list of all you want and need to accomplish to be ready for the holidays. |
| 2. | Write down on your calendar all the events for which you have already committed to (parties, concerts, travel plans, etc.). |
| 3. | If you will be the one doing the entertaining, start your guest list and decide upon your menu. |
Week 4 and Counting
| 1. | With your final guest list in hand, begin phoning or writing your invitations. |
| 2. | Take stock of all your gift wrapping materials and make a list of those items which need to be replenished. |
| 3. | Plan your holiday card mailout by writing a few each day. |
| 4. | Prepare your shopping list for your holiday menu. |
| 5. | Finalize your gift-giving list. |
| 6. | Schedule your holiday shopping trips. Arrange for a babysitter as required. |
Week 3
| 1. | Complete your Christmas shopping. |
| 2. | Assemble all gift-wrapping materials in one area. Wrap a few presents each day. |
| 3. | Shop for your non-perishable groceries. |
| 4. | Buy your Christmas tree. |
| 5. | Place your order for your holiday meat with the butcher. |
| 6. | Start preparing any dishes which can be made ahead and frozen. |
Week 2
| 1. | Buy your outdoor decorations. |
| 2. | Trim your tree. |
| 3. | Take a little time for yourself or to do something fun with your family. |
Week 1
| 1. | Begin thawing your turkey if you purchased a frozen one. |
| 2. | Buy your perishables. |
| 3. | Select those items you will use on your table. |
| 4. | Do your final housekeeping. |
Christmas Eve
| 1. | Thaw out any dishes you have prepared ahead of time. |
| 2. | Make your holiday desserts. |
| 3. | Set your table. |
Christmas Day
| 1. | Start your holiday meal. |
| 2. | Enjoy the spirit of the holiday with family and friends. |
Some Additional Tips
| 1. | Have an open house based on a theme like a tree decorating party or
caroling party rather than an elaborate dinner party. |
| 2. | Get your guests to help. Have each family bring a "prearranged" item for the menu. |
| 3. | Keep your recipes simple. Choose dishes which can be made ahead of time to avoid last minute
preparation. |
| 4. | Don't be afraid to use prepared foods. Put a store-bought appetizer on your best china; add
a little garnish and no one will know the difference. |
| 5. | Garnish your platters in Christmas colors (cherry tomatoes, mint leaves, sliced red peppers, etc.) |
| 6. | Keep table dressing simple, a single white or Christmas colored table cloth or placemats. |
| 7. | Create or buy a simple center piece, i.e. a wide red or green candle placed in
a circular holder which has been trimmed with strings of pearls from a craft store. |
| 8. | Instead of napkin rings, use red, green or gold ribbons and a bell. |
| 9. | Put a small framed picture of each person at each person's place instead of a place card. |
| 10. | Set the table a day ahead of time, if at all possible. |
| 11. | If you are having a large group, consider having it catered. |
| 12. | And last, but not least, have FUN!!! |
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