Everything You Need To Know About Hosting A Christmas Dinner

It’s December and if you have managed to escape hosting a dinner with family and friends all year, chances are that you would definitely be hosting one around this time of year. For first-timers, hosting a Christmas dinner can seem like an overwhelming and scary prospect but you are hardly alone and this post would highlight everything you need to know about hosting a Christmas Dinner.

A hidden rule when planning for something as serious as this is that it’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas. You may feel it’s too early to start getting into things but you are about to host a lot of family members, friends and maybe colleagues so organization is key! You can be sure no matter how far away December 25th seems, there will always be someone who has already started planning their own event.

First of all, draw up a budget:

As much as December is a fun month, it is also an expensive month. You don’t want to be broke before you pay bills, do the monthly food shop and buy presents for your loved ones. A budget would help you understand what you can afford, apportion your expenses accordingly and cut your coat according to your size.

Decide on the venue and Timing:

Where are you going to host your Christmas dinner? Some people consider home the warm and intimate option if you are inviting a few friends and family however if you are planning a large Christmas dinner may be with colleagues and neighbours, you might also want to consider a restaurant or an event centre.

Plan your Menu:

Decide what kind of meal and the style of service, is it buffet? Sit down meal? Whatever you decide you have to plan for it in advance. Your budget will determine whether to cook or cater. Feel free to hire a catering company or get a friend or family member if you feel you need help with the cooking but if you’ll be doing it yourself, be sure to go through our cookbook for recipes on Jollof Rice, and even desserts like chocolate cakes.

Decide A Theme

A badass party hinges on a badass theme so you need to have this on lock! The theme should be integrated into every aspect of the day or night from decor to games and maybe even food.

When choosing a theme, research it thoroughly so your theme is communicated clearly and concisely. Some popular ideas include traditional Christmas, vintage, the 60s, 70s, 80s, quintessentially English, pantomime, circus, jazz, winter wonderland, ballroom, colours, film-inspired, wild west, spy, Caribbean and Santa’s workshop. You also need to account for any other elements of the festivities that can be included in the theming, such as dress codes for the guests and staff, choice of music, food and drink menus and any outdoor areas.

Save the date/ Invitation

Don’t underestimate how well planned everyone’s detty December is, Invite guests in advance. December is full of parties, dinners and events so everyone’s calendar tends to fill up fast and you want to get your party in there. Send the ‘save the date’ well in advance so your party takes priority.

Nigerians by nature do not RSVP, so if everyone hasn’t responded a week from the date, contact them with a quick message. Make sure you prepare a few extras as people tend to bring friends along sometimes and if you’d rather they didn’t, please indicate it in the invitation in the best possible polite way. For sit-down formal dinners, having an accurate headcount is necessary to be sure there is enough seating for everyone.

A Christmas party is a nice way to bond and relax with family and friends you don’t see much of during the year. Everyone has a chance to show off their best holiday clothes and share good laughs.

Have fun, take lots of pictures, and enjoy the party!