The Essential Christmas Checklist

Take the stress out of hosting Christmas dinner this year—with a master check list. Whether or not lists are for you, having it all written down can ensure you don’t forget staples like the cranberry sauce, stuffing, or potatoes (don’t miss our new Holiday Blend bag!). It will take some of the pressure off when it comes to something as elaborate and high-pressure as a holiday family feast for 24.

So even if you’re not a ‘list person’ per se, consider this handy traditional roster of the essentials you need to put it all together. And, if you are looking for just the right dish, try these tried and true, traditional-with-a-twist holiday dinner menu ideas. Happy celebrating!

Food

A comprehensive list of any nibbles and dishes you might want to serve at your holiday feast.

Starters

• Hors d’oeuvres – Try our crispy Potato Cheese Bacon Mini Tarts.

Protein

• Turkey – Defrost well in advance if buying a frozen bird and/or brine, then bring up to room temperature before roasting.
• Maple-glazed ham – Let it come to room temperature before heating.

Sides & Condiments

• Cranberry sauce—for many uses, like our festive and colorful appetizer Vegan Thanksgiving-style Mashed Potatoes.
• Dinner rolls like these Garlic Herb Potato Rolls— so fluffy and tasty!
• Herbs, for garnish
• Stuffing

Vegetables

• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Little potatoes — Of course! Try our brand new variety for the season, the Terrific Trio Holiday Blend bag, and here’s where to buy them.
• Peas

Sweets

• Cookies, candy, and chocolates to pass around
• Pie, whipped cream

Drinks

Stick with the basics or get fancy with custom cocktails!

• Champagne
• Cocktails and beer
• Coffee, tea
• Eggnog
• Pre-dinner cocktails/aperitif, post-meal digestif
• Sparkling apple cider
• Sparkling water
• Wine—red and white

Equipment and Utensils

All of the odds and ends you might need to serve up a memorable feast.

• Aluminum foil
• Apron
• Blender
• Carving fork and a (sharp) knife
• Colander
• Corkscrew
• Cutting board
• Kitchen scissors
• Meat thermometer
• Mixer
• Oven mitts
• Parchment paper and/or silicone baking sheets
• Pastry brush
• Pie pans
• Plastic wrap
• Platters
• Potato masher – to make these decadent Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes or this simple 10-Minute Garlic Parsley Mashed Potatoes recipe
• Roasting tray
• Rolling pin
• Serving bowls
• Serving spoons and forks
• Tea towels
• Tongs
• Turkey baster, kitchen twine, trussing pins
• Wooden spoon
• Resealable containers for leftovers

Five of our Favorite Holiday Dishes:

Need some extra inspiration? Here are five of our favorite holiday dishes to get you started.

Holiday Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb with Potatoes, Fennel, and Carrots

Beautiful, dramatic, traditional — this meal-in-one dish elevates the feasting table to sophisticated elegance. Culinary herbs bring out the flavor of tender, juicy slow-roasted lamb, paired with purple-blue Little Potatoes and bright orange carrots.

Classic Scalloped Potatoes

Bubbly-brown on top with a smattering of fresh thyme leaves, this classic never tasted so good. Buttery Creamers with garlic, sharp and aged cheddar, Parmesan and a dash of sweet smoked paprika make this traditional holiday dish silky-smooth and deliciously decadent.

Butternut Squash and Sage Smashed Little Potatoes

These little bites are bright and festive, garnished with a curled squash peel. Sweet butternut squash ‘noodles’ make the perfect foil to piney, pleasingly bitter sage.

Brie and Cranberry Potato Bites

These luscious starters are unabashedly Christmas-y: a crispy-brown Little potato half topped with rich, melted Brie, with a dollop of crimson cranberry sauce and a little aromatic fresh rosemary. Delightful!

Holiday Cheese Ball with Roasted Potatoes

Kids and grown-ups alike love these cheesy appetizers — silky Little potatoes roasted until tender and coated in a tangy crust of dried cranberries, goat, cheddar and cream cheeses, pecans, chives, and spinach. Make them in advance and arrange in a Christmas tree shape on the holiday table.

Elevate Your Dish with Our Holiday Blend

Add even more seasonal color to your holiday meals with our Terrific Trio Holiday Blend. Our red, yellow, and blue Creamer potato varietals will make any of our holiday recipes stand out with festive flair on party spreads and dinner tables alike!