What makes a really good Christmas host?

[Christmassy833]

We’re hosting Christmas this year. The last time we hosted, I didn’t enjoy it - I was tired, had spent the whole morning in front of the oven, the conversation was falling a bit flat. It just didn’t quite work somehow. (DH thinks I’m remembering it wrong and it was fine.) Last time, the group consisted of DH and I, our DC, and DH’s parents - one of whom has dementia. Our DC played in their bedroom with their Christmas toys and didn’t interact with their grandparents at all!

We are hosting a lot more people this year. Over half the group (including myself) won’t be drinking. How can I make it a really fun and lovely day for everyone?

Apart from delicious food, what makes a good host?

And what makes a really lovely Christmas?!

I don't personally host christmas for anybody outside of dh, dd and myself. However I hate feeling frazzled on Christmas Day, so I do a lot of stuff on the 23rd and 24th so on christmas I can just relax, and enjoy the time with my family. That includes peeling and chopping all my veg, I cook my meat Christmas Eve to then heat in my slow cooker on the day so my kitchen doesn't get overloaded with oven trays. Roll my stuffing, pre make my yorkshires etc.
All you really need to do, is prep as much as you can beforehand so you aren't running in and out of the kitchen to peel and chop veg. Ensure drinks are laid out where people can help themselves, perhaps pop a couple games or jigsaws in the main room so if people want to use them they can and allow the adults to entertain themselves. There should be plenty to keep good conversation going.

Also leave out some snacky bits, because there's always one complaining about being hungry an hour or two before dinner is due 😅

Thanks Minnie. No in laws, just my siblings and families this year, but they are basically Jamie Oliver and Nigella

I may be hosting and if so I'm considering a (big) buffet. People can bring anything they consider a must have if I'm not already doing it. They can have whatever form of cooked Christmas dinner they want on another day so everyone is happy. Hopefully.