The Christmas meal, while important, is only one component of a lovely Christmas. For your guests, who are eating and not cooking, it’s only 1/2 hours out of the whole day.
Maybe not for everyone but here are some of the things I do when I host. I favour a very cosy Christmas where people feel as relaxed as possible. So I focus on atmosphere as well as activities.
I use a Christmas scented candle. Just makes the house smell festive and warm.
I make a playlist - not Christmas songs, just good music. Not too loud, but nice background for the times around the meal. No music during the meal!
I use fill your own crackers. For each guest I buy an individual cracker gift (rolled up disposable face mask/lip balm/mini bottle of whisky or gin etc) They come with labels so you write the guest’s name and it works as a place setting too. People love it as it’s individualised. And can be done in November so no work on the day!
I think about the seating plan beforehand. Where people sit changes the way conversation flows. I set the table the day before and use named crackers (if using) or a name card.
I bring a side table into service near the dinner table to put food dishes on or the table is too crowded with food. It makes the atmosphere calmer, otherwise the meal feels a bit stressful.
If not everyone knows each other, it’s important to steer conversation a little so people don’t feel left out. I watch for who isn’t joining in and ensure I ask their opinion on whatever is being discussed to bring them into the chat, or have a little side conversation one on one at the table with them so they don’t feel left out. I seat the person who knows the fewest people near me (so I can engage them in conversation more easily) and the person they know best so they feel comfortable.
Before guests arrive I set up a table with drinks and snacks for people to help themselves and tell them they should make themselves at home. But keep an eye out for those who might not feel able to do this and offer to top them up. Don’t forget soft drinks too or people will get dehydrated and grumpy!
People tend to gulp down their first drink out of thirst, especially if they’ve travelled to you. So always serve a low alcohol long cocktail on arrival so that people don’t immediately get drunk! A long gin cocktail (with very little gin) works well.
I have a range of games people can choose from. But I also have a film lined up for the times that people are so stuffed that they are basically sleepy! Our guests stay over so I always offer them the choice of having a nap after lunch. If not sleeping over, watching a film is a lovely opportunity to recover and gain their second wind before any games!
Also, some people love being involved so if they offer to help and you think they mean it, let them!
Hosting Christmas is lovely and you can make it what you want. So I’d spend a little time well ahead of time thinking about what you would enjoy and then plan that.
(Hmm, that was an essay! I just started writing and didn’t stop! Sorry if not helpful!)