Step 1

2 or 3 days before the big day, make a list of what needs to be made and prepped and when. Complete all your last minute grocery shopping, so that you're not running around on Christmas day looking for ingredients.

Step 2

If you're decorating tables, decide on them a few days before, but think small. Save the much needed space for food by displaying low arrangements of flowers.

Step 3

Prepare as much of the food that you can one or two days before Christmas. Cookies for example, can be made weeks in advance, and frozen until the day before. Many appetizers and casseroles can be made one or two days in advance. Prepare as much as you can the day before so that on Christmas day all you have to do is bake/cook.

Step 4

Prepare a separate area or station in another room for drinks/cocktails. Stock it up with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, napkins and glassware. Precut all your garnishes and fruits.