Do you love lists? Either way, the truth is lists can save your bacon, especially a Christmas dinner checklist. When it comes to something as elaborate and high-pressure as a Christmas family dinner, there are a lot of moving parts and X factors, AKA opportunities for disaster. So what is the antidote? A solid list. Because even the most conscientious cook can forget to order the turkey. It happens.

So even if you’re not a “list person,” consider this handy traditional Christmas dinner round-up of the essentials you need to put it all together. Happy celebrating!

Food

• Hors d’oeuvres (try making our Potato Bacon Mini Tarts)
• Turkey (or Ham) – Thaw well in advance if buying a frozen bird and brine, then bring up to room temp before roasting
• Stuffing
• Herbs
• Cranberry sauce (for many uses, like our festive appetizer vegan thanksgiving-style mashed potatoes)
• Brussels sprouts, carrots, peas
• Little Potatoes (of course! Here’s where to buy them)
• Dinner rolls
• Pie, whipped cream
• Cookies, candy, chocolates to pass around

Drink

• Eggnog
• Champaign
• Wine – red and white
• Sparkling apple juice
• Sparkling and soda water
• Cocktails and beer
• Coffee, tea

Utensils/Equipment

• Apron
• Oven mitts
• Turkey baster, kitchen twine, trussing pins
• Potato masher (for our hazelnut mashed potatoes, or 10-minute garlic parsley mashed potatoes)
• Corkscrew
• Mixer
• Blender
• Colander
• Tea towels
• Rolling pin
• Pie pans
• Pastry brush
• Tongs
• Kitchen scissors
• Platters
• Serving bowls
• Serving spoons and forks
• Meat thermometer
• Roasting tray
• Carving fork and (sharpened!) knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic wrap
• Parchment paper and/or silicone baking sheets
• Ziploc bags for leftovers

Table

• Holiday decorations, flower arrangement, and candles (you can even use our tips for how to set your Thanksgiving table)
• Salt and pepper
• Butter dish and knife
• Linen tablecloth
• Cloth napkins
• Silverware – Polish in advance if using sterling
• Plates, bowls, cups, saucers
• Glasses – water glasses and wine goblets
• Coasters
• Water pitcher
• Gravy boat (ask Grandma she will have one )

Host

• A relaxed smile!

WHAT’S ON YOUR HOLIDAY FEASTING CHECKLIST? SHARE IT WITH US?

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