Step 1

. It's important to plan your menu ahead of time so that you aren't scrambling for ingredients on the last day. Get your shopping list organized and pick up all the ingredients you need well in advance.

Step 2

. Once you have decided on the dishes to serve, prepare as much as you can in advance. Although the warm Christmas appetizers are best served fresh out of the oven, you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead time. There are also some appetizers that can be made up to a day or more in advance (such as all the cold dips). Some can stored in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and some can even be frozen (hello mac and cheese balls), according to recipe directions.

Step 3

. Take out the fancy dinnerware, flatware, glasses, placemats, and napkins and set the table the night before. It's one less thing to worry about on Christmas.