Mastering the Art of the Perfect Christmas Eve Dinner: Expert Tips, Recipes, and Foolproof Instructions

Getting ready for a fantastic festive meal is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity with Christmas table settings.

With a touch of Christmas magic and a dash of imagination, your Christmas table can become a feast for the senses, creating a special atmosphere for your family and friends. Making a beautiful festive table is straightforward when you can access all the necessary items in one place.

Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure that all the components of your Christmas celebration are well-organized. Use our Christmas table setting ideas as a starting point and add your own personal touches.

How To Set A Festive Dining Table For Christmas

Wondering how to set your Christmas table so that it looks beautifully festive?

Creating a special tablescape for the holiday is a tradition that helps to mark the event and contributes to the holiday atmosphere as everyone gathers around the table.

Setting the table for any occasion has techniques to ensure success, but a Christmas table setting might be elegant and more formal to mark the occasion, or you may prefer a more relaxed and rustic holiday table.

When it comes to colors, red and gold are classic, but you might opt to team either red or gold with another shade or perhaps go for sparkling silver or wintry whites for your Christmas table ideas.

When preparing to set a Christmas table, it’s important to consider both the color palette and the desired level of formality. One strategy is to carefully select two or three complementary hues that align with the decor of your Christmas dining room. This approach ensures a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic.

Alternatively, you may have a specific theme in mind, such as traditional Christmas colors, a bold and dramatic color combination, or even vibrant and playful shades to reflect a more casual and lively atmosphere. Each option allows you to tailor the table setting to suit your personal style and the ambiance you wish to create for your Christmas celebration.

1. Prepare The Canvas

Given the significance of Christmas, a festive Christmas tablecloth can bring a formal, elegant ambiance to your celebration. It serves as the foundation of your Christmas table setting, so choose a cloth that complements your Christmas table decorations without overwhelming them.

The type of Christmas tablecloth you choose should reflect the color scheme you have in mind. For an elegant gold and silver Christmas table setting, opt for a white or cream tablecloth with subtle metallic detailing, allowing your luxurious tableware to shine.

On the other hand, a more traditional or simple Christmas table setting may benefit from a rustic red and green checked tablecloth or a plain tablecloth in classic Christmas colors.

If you opt for a tablecloth, you may forego Christmas placemats, but they are an option if they fit your overall design concept.

Alternatively, if you wish to showcase the color of your table, such as a deep, rich brown wooden table, make sure to protect it with the right placemats and coasters!

2. Decorate With A Garland Or Table Runner

Embellishing your Christmas table involves placing ornamentation along the center. This not only ensures that all your guests can admire the décor but also leaves room at the edges for essential items. Whether you opt for a table runner or a garland, these elements add a captivating focal point and provide a designated space for other decorations.

A table runner acts as a soft platform for showcasing additional Christmas embellishments such as candles, snow globes, and small figurines. Just be cautious not to overwhelm it, as an overcrowded table may appear too busy.

A garland introduces delightful texture and natural hues to your table and can be adorned with tall taper candles, artificial berries, fruits, and various plant sprigs. When aiming for a Christmas wonderland ambiance, envision incorporating elements like fir trees, mistletoe, ivy, and pinecones into your table centerpiece.

If natural elements aren’t available, faux plants are an excellent alternative, offering the same beauty without concerns about wilting, pests, or fire hazards.

3. Create Place Settings

The next step is the place setting for each diner.

Use a placemat at each setting, and on top, layer a plate and set the cutlery on either side. Place a folded napkin on top of the plate. For added flair, you can fold it into a Christmas tree shape or you you can use decorative napkin rings. Use the fabric napkins only, not the disposable ones!

If you don’t know how to fold napkins into different shapes, check the video tutorials below under this article.

If you have crackers, you can place one on the plate with a napkin or set them aside to be enjoyed later.

Include glassware for each diner, including a water glass and the appropriate wine glasses. Ensure your glassware is sparkling clean by washing it well before use – a final polish using hot water, vinegar, and a soft cloth will give it a bright shine.

Simple napkin pocket

Video tutorials on how to fold napkins

10 Wow worthy Napkin folds that belong on the table

Stunning Christmas Table Setting Ideas

Traditional Christmas Dinner Menu

Traditional Christmas foods are very similar to Thanksgiving and consist of roast turkey, turkey stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, and pies such as apple or pumpkin. Other non-traditional main dish favorites are ham, roast beef, or lasagna.

Looking for ideas on how to create a traditional Christmas dinner menu?

Below, you’ll find classic Christmas recipes for your holiday meal that you’ll want to use year after year.

Christmas is a big day and can be crazy busy, whether you have family locally and hop from house to house or have small kids who tear into presents and then need help building and playing with their Christmas presents.

Preparing a holiday dinner can seem intimidating. While there are different traditions regarding Christmas dinner, today, we’ll focus on creating a classic, traditional holiday feast.

We have prepared a sample traditional Christmas menu for you that you can prepare this year.

Sample Easy Christmas Dinner Menu

When I want a quick and easy holiday menu, here are some of the traditional recipes:

• Appetizer – Cranberry Brie Bites
• Christmas Jello Salad – Lime Jello Salad
• Main Course – Turkey in a Bag
• Christmas Side Dish – Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Christmas Dessert – Creamy Frosted Cranberry Dessert

Let’s start with Christmas Appetizers

We usually don’t always have Christmas appetizers sitting out on Christmas Day, but It’s always a good idea to have some appetizers on hand, whether it’s for the kids who forgot to eat breakfast because they were too excited, or for when dinner ends up being later than planned.

What about trying the Cranberry Brie Bites? Ready in under 30 minutes and so festive looking!

Ingredients 

• 1 package of frozen mini phyllo shells (15-ounce package)
• 3 ounces brie cheese
• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary (optional)

Instructions 

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• On an ungreased cookie sheet, evenly place the fillo shells on the right side, about one inch apart. Set aside.
• Mix the cranberries, water, and sugar in a small saucepan, then stir. Top with a one-inch piece of rosemary.
• Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low. Stir until the cranberries pop, then immediately remove from the heat and discard the rosemary. Set aside.
• Slice the brie into 15 pieces and distribute into the fillo shells.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until the brie is smooth and melted.
• Remove from oven and place 3-5 cranberries in each fillo shell.
• Garnish with a small sprig of rosemary, if desired, and serve immediately.

Christmas Jello Salad

Now this is an optional side dish, but really, Jello salads are common in a Christmas dinner. Especially in the Midwest! They have a gorgeous color and a beautiful presentation.

Jell-o Salad. Most people love it or hate it.

This classic Lime Jello salad is made with 7UP, cream cheese, Dream Whip, and pineapple. A strange green jello salad but a delicious combination is pretty popular!

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 6 ounces lime Jello (6 ounces) or any lime gelatin
• 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups 7Up soda
• 1 package Dream Whip (prepared according to package directions)
• 8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained (1 small can)

Instructions

• Heat the water to boiling in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once the water is boiling, place it in a large mixing bowl.
• Dissolve the jello powder in the boiling water. Whisk well.
• Add the softened cream cheese to the hot Jello mixture. Use a hand mixer to mix until the cream cheese has melted in.
• Add the 7up and stir.
• Chill in the refrigerator for 60-90 minutes or until partially set.
• Prepare Dream Whip according to the package directions.
• Fold the Dream Whip into the Jello.
• Stir in the drained pineapple.
• Pour into a 3-quart baking dish and chill until firm (at least 3 hours, depending on pan size and depth).
• Top with whipped cream (or Cool Whip) and a cherry when serving.

Christmas Main Dish – Tukey in the bag

Although it can seem strange, cooking a turkey in an oven bag is a great option.

Here’s why:

• It keeps the turkey moist.
• The skin gets golden brown which makes a beautiful presentation.
• The juices get trapped in the bag which not only makes the turkey more tender and flavorful, it also makes it easy to use the juices for gravy.
• Spices, seasonings, and butter get locked in the roasting bag, making your turkey taste amazing.
• The roasting pan will be easier to clean!

Ingredients 

• 18-pound whole turkey (completely thawed)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 carrots (peeled and cut into large chunks)
• 4 stalks of celery washed and cut into large chunks)
• 1 large yellow onion (peeled and quartered)
• 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick)
• salt and pepper to taste
• turkey-sized oven bag

Instructions 

• Use the pan drippings for gravy, then place them on a serving platter, slice them, and serve.
• Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit. You’ll place the turkey on the lowest roasting rack so make sure you have your oven prepared for that before it gets hot.
• Place the flour inside the oven bag and shake it to coat the bag.
• Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. Discard or save for gravy or another use.
• Place the turkey inside the bag. Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
• Place a few pieces of the onion, carrots and celery inside the turkey, then place the rest around the turkey.
• Cut the stick of butter in tablespoon slices (8 slices).
• Loosen the skin of the turkey from the breast.
• Slide the butter slabs under the skin of the turkey breast. We do 4 slices on each side.
• Sprinkle the turkey with salt and pepper if desired.
• Seal the turkey bag with the tie. Be sure to have the bag loose around the turkey.
• Use a sharp knife to cut 3 slits in the top of the bag.
• Roast the turkey until the temperature measures a minimum of 165º Fahrenheit in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. (We like to cook ours just a little bit longer than this.)
• The exact time will depend on how big the turkey is and if you’ve stuffed the turkey or not. Plan for 3-4 hours for an 18-pound unstuffed turkey. Adjust timing from there.
• Let the turkey stand for 15 minutes after removing from the oven.
• Then cut slits in the top of the bag to allow any steam to release.

Christmas Side Dish – Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These creamy potatoes are loaded with cheddar cheese and garlic. You’ll love how rich they are.

What potatoes are best for mashing?
You want to use a high-starch potato for the best-mashed potatoes. For this recipe, we used Yukon Gold. You can also use Russet.

Ingredients 

• 2.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into one-inch pieces)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons butter (cut into chunks)
• ½ to ¾ cup heavy cream (warmed)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions 

• Place the chopped potatoes in the pot and season with salt and pepper.
• Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes and then add the garlic. Toss to combine.
• Place the lid on the pot and cook on high until the potatoes start to boil.
• When the potatoes are fork-tender, add the butter and stir until melted.
• Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes. Stir to combine the potatoes and broth.
• Smooth the potatoes using a hand mixer or immersion blender, slowly adding the warm heavy cream as you blend. Continue adding cream until potatoes are smooth and creamy.
• Add the shredded cheese and stir to combine.
• Serve warm.

Christmas Dessert – Creamy Frosted Cranberry Dessert

Try this creamy frosted cranberry dessert for a light, refreshing treat for your family and friends this season. It’s topped with fluffy Cool Whip and chopped walnuts, making it a nice change from the usual holiday desserts.

Ingredients 

• 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 16 ounces whole cranberry sauce
• 20 ounces crushed pineapple drained
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans divided
• 16 ounces whipped topping thawed

Instructions 

• In a large bowl, mix the condensed milk and the lemon juice. Stir in the cranberry sauce, pineapple, and 1 cup of pecans. 
• Fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping. Spread the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Freeze for 2 hours or until firm. 
• Frost with the remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cups of pecans. Then, return to the freezer.
• Remove the dessert 10 minutes before serving.
• Serve!

How to Plan Christmas Dinner

Time needed: 14 days

Here’s a timeline for how to plan Christmas Dinner. Start 2 weeks before you’ll be serving the dinner.

• Make your menu at least two weeks before Christmas. Research recipes and find the ones you want for your dinner. Plan these out at least two weeks in advance.
• Make your grocery list. Gather your recipes and go through each ingredient. Put any that you’ll need on a grocery list. Also, think through condiments people may want for the holiday: butter, coffee creamer, milk, salt, pepper, etc. You don’t want to run out of a basic pantry staple on Christmas day.
• Go shopping at least one week before the holiday. The goal of this shopping trip is to get all of the pantry staples. You can get any fresh fruit, veggies, or dairy that you might need a few days later, but you should purchase anything that will store well now so that you can start baking.
• Remove the turkey or ham from the freezer to thaw. If the turkey or ham weighs 4 to 12 pounds, plan for it to defrost in the fridge for two to three days. If it’s 12 to 16 pounds, move it to the fridge three to four days before the day you want to roast it.
• Make pies. Pies can be kept for 2 days at room temperature or 4 days in the fridge.
• Last-minute Grocery Shopping two Days in Advance. Get any fresh produce or dairy items that you couldn’t buy before. Try to make your list complete so you don’t have to waste time with another grocery trip.
• Make a Jello salad. Jello salad can be made a day or two in advance.
• Last-minute Christmas Eve prep: On Christmas Eve, get your potatoes ready. You can make up mashed potatoes the day before and set them in the slow cooker on Christmas morning to reheat. Also, pull out the brown and serve rolls from the freezer on this day.
• Christmas Day! Prepare the main dish (whether that is ham or turkey), and while it is baking, you can put together any last-minute side dishes, such as our Christmas green beans (25-minute prep) and corn casserole (quick prep but takes close to an hour to bake).
• Prepare any Christmas beverage. Remember that if it has soda, you’ll want to add it right before serving so it doesn’t lose its fizz.

Let us know in the comments how your Christmas Dinner Menu – can inspire any of our readers!