Christmas Eve meal and Boxing Day buffet

[Hostingangst]

I have a horror of hosting and really struggle with organisation and social stuff but will be hosting a sit down meal for 8 on Christmas Eve (ideally including fish) and a buffet for 12 on Boxing Day (including 2 vegetarians).
I’m already very stressed as various ideas, plans etc just go round in my head without any progress.

Apart from the usual trifle, mince pies, Christmas cake does anyone have a menu I can just follow? With everything clearly set out?
I’m happy to buy a book etc.

I guess I’m looking for a plan I can just follow and don’t have to plan myself. I’m happy to cook and bake.

Also any idiot’s guides to how to be a host.

I’m fine chatting but not good on social cues, norms and how to make people feel welcome etc.

I always used to do curry on Christmas Eve. One mild, something like chicken korma, a medium butternut, chickpea and spinach and a really hot beef madras. All cooked ahead and put in freezer. On the day it just needs rice, poppadoms and a few bhajis / samosas. No need for starters. Would this work with maybe a fish curry.

Or if you want fish to be the show stopper what about a salmon en croute or salmon koulibiac? Served with salad or green veg?

For Boxing Day I would suggest a slow roast lamb. Start with bread and houmous / yoghurt dip and olives. Some sort of filo pie, cous cous, roast courgette pepper chickpeas and red onion.

Or beef stew with veg and a lovely vegetarian pie.

I have a lot of questions!

Are you a confident cook? Do you have any recipes you know you are really good at?
For your Boxing Day buffet, do you have room to seat people at a table or are you looking for finger foods/fork buffet. Do you want to serve a hot meal or a selection of cold bits/or a mix.
Will you have help in the kitchen?
Will you have time to prep in advance?

I wouldn’t be looking for a set plan complete with menu. Make one to suit you and your guests.

On Christmas Eve, I’d do a seafood lasagne. I normally do this one, but the previous link serves 8. Serve with a nice crisp white wine.
For dessert, something not too heavy on the dairy, like pear and mincemeat frangipani tart.

I'd be inclined to do a big 'Sunday High Tea' type thing on Boxing Day with loads of cake & biscuits, mince pies, gammon, leftover turkey & pigs in blankets, sausage rolls, quiche, cheese, pate, pickles, french bread, new potatoes, green salad. Apart from the gammon and turkey there are veggie versions of everything else.

How about a side of salmon wrapped in foil with herbs & lemon, and baked in the oven on Christmas Eve with jacket spuds, green beans and roasted cherry tomatoes? Tropical fruit salad after.