Christmas Dinner Menu Plan
Plan every course, decide who brings what, and enjoy the day you cooked for.
Dinner date
Serving time
Tick the dishes you're serving, write in your own, and note who is making or bringing each one. Then flip to page 2 to shop and cook. Page 1 of 2 · The Menu
Starters & Appetizers dish · who's making it
Shrimp cocktail
Cheese & charcuterie board
Stuffed mushrooms
Soup or bisque
Main Course dish · who's making it
Roast turkey
Honey-glazed ham
Prime rib / beef roast
Vegetarian main / nut roast
Side Dishes dish · who's making it
Mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables
Stuffing / dressing
Green bean casserole
Dinner rolls & butter
Sauces & Extras dish · who's making it
Gravy
Cranberry sauce
Bread sauce
Pickles & relishes
Desserts dish · who's making it
Christmas pudding
Pumpkin or pecan pie
Yule log / layer cake
Cookies & sweets tray
Drinks & Toasts dish · who's bringing it
Mulled wine / cider
Wine & sparkling
Kids' punch / juice
Coffee, tea & hot cocoa
Assign a dish to every guest who offers, sharing the cooking is the secret to a calm, joyful Christmas table.
Shopping List & Cooking Timeline
Shop by section, then work backward from dinner so nothing is left to the last minute.
Guests
Food budget
Fill your grocery list from the menu on page 1, count your guests, then tick off the make-ahead tasks as the big day gets closer. Page 2 of 2 · Shop & Cook
Shopping, Fresh check as you buy
Produce
Meat, Poultry & Seafood
Dairy & Eggs
Shopping, Pantry check as you buy
Baking & Pantry
Bakery & Frozen
Drinks & Extras
Make-Ahead Timeline work backward from dinner
Up to 1 week before
Finalize menu & guest count
Order turkey / ham / roast
Shop non-perishables
2-3 days before
Buy fresh produce & dairy
Thaw turkey in fridge
Bake pies & desserts
Christmas Eve
Prep veg, brine, set the table
Make sauces & cranberry
Christmas Day
Roast the main · start early
Sides in oven · rest the meat
Reheat, plate & serve warm
Guest Headcount & RSVP name · seats
Guest / familySeats
Dietary needs, allergies & last-minute reminders
Total guests
Courses planned
Dishes made ahead
Food budget