First time hosting - any recommendations?

[deedsnotwords11]

It's my first time hosting PILs, BIL & SIL at ours for Christmas Day.
I've never done Christmas dinner before and have a toddling baby. DH cannot cook to save his life but will very enthusiastically help with anything he can.

I'd prefer this year to get as much ready made stuff as possible but am also worrying about forgetting something integral to Christmas!

I would love recommendations for what people 'put out' throughout the day, nice Christmas morning breakfast ideas, any specific ready made sauces/sides you'd recommend.

I just want to do a good job at hosting and have people not want for anything, but do as little work as possible away from my baby!

I will pre-make and freeze the gravy as I can manage that but we don't have freezer space for loads of roasties etc.

We are all veggie so luckily no need for a turkey but vegetarian main ideas also gratefully received!

Can you ask people to bring stuff?

Best Christmas's I've had is when someone hosts and does the turkey, someone brings desserts, someone brings starters and sides etc.

Otherwise there is 1 exhausted host/cook.

If not, prep as much as possible the day before and take any short cuts you can.

I cook things and then put them into those tin trays to reheat in the oven after I take the turkey out to rest. It’s easier than trying to time everything to be ready at the same time.
The only thing I make last minute is veg

You can make and freeze

Spiced Red cabbage and apple
Apple mincemeat strudel
Stuffing try nigellas cranberry orange

Buy frozen pastries for breakfast

Make a lovely ham on Christmas Eve

Gravalax is also delicious

Good wine
Drinks

I make sure to have help where I can and when it’s offered. I don’t go mad on decorating the table. I do all the cooking.

I really only have one rule. Once we’ve finished eating that’s it. My husband is in charge of clearing the table and kitchen. He can rope in anybody he wants, but it won’t be me. Let your husband know in advance the plan. Good luck.

It's just a Sunday roast, only for more people

Keep it simple and do as much prep as you can on Christmas Eve. Put someone else in charge of laying the table and sorting out drinks etc.

Get lots of snack stuff- blinis (with salmon or avocado & sour cream), (vege) sausage rolls, cheese straws… this means less stress when things take longer to cook than you think, which they will, as everyone can graze.

@ponkydonkey

Make a lovely ham on Christmas Eve

Gravalax is also delicious

Good wine
Drinks

I think you missed the bit where OP said they were all veggie!

Breakfast, fresh juice, coffee loaf of sour dough and pan of scrambled eggs. Shop bought mini breakfast pastries and platter of fruit.

Crisps/nuts etc for nibbling.

No starter but canapés about an hour or so before main. I know it’s a bit cliche for veggies but I’d probably do a nut roast. Either buy one or make one the day before and reheat. Nut roasts are pretty forgiving when it comes to timings and go well with all the usual sides. If you want to buy sides in fair enough, you can’t go too wrong with M&S. cauliflower cheese, red cabbage, sprouts with chestnuts. I always serve at least one simply steamed veg, just to break up the heaviness of it all. I’d make by own roasties though. Infinitely better, also maple carrots and parsnips.

Buy a Christmas pudding that can be microwaved plus one alternative desert.

Give dp specific tasks, drinks, condiments, rubbish etc. Think about washing up, if possible I will cook things on same tray, serve in one bowl to reduce washing up.

After dinner that’s me done. Supper is cheese and biscuits. If your dp is clueless make him in charge of this. If you struggle with handing over control (this is me!) make it idiot proof. Write a list of exactly what you want put out, in which bowls. Draw a picture if necessary.

It can be really helpful to have a ‘drink station’. Encourage people to help themselves!

Ooh lovely ideas! Thank you my shopping list is already growing