Come Christmas Eve, the aim is to be able to enjoy time together with friends and family, sip mulled wine, eat a delicious meal, put your feet up and look forward to the Big Day itself

However, if you’re hosting Christmas dinner, the 24th can feel more like a mad-panic of last-minute baking, wrapping, sorting and tidying. In order to ensure that this last day goes as smoothly as possible, follow this checklist for guidance on last-minute tasks and those all-important finishing touches.

Luisa Rollenhagen, Houzz Contributor
 Article first published on Houzz

1 Write your cooking plan for Christmas Day
Make a note of all your cooking timings, and what needs to go in the oven when, so everything comes together triumphantly for Christmas dinner. Try to make as much as possible in advance. Depending on what recipe you’re using, you may have to roast your turkey or ham for a number of hours in advance, so plan accordingly. Once your main dish is getting comfy in the oven, you’ll have time to focus on other tasks that need to be done on the day.

2 Keep children entertained with Christmas Eve baking
Everyone knows Christmas cookies fresh out of the oven are the ultimate indulgence, and they will make your home smell delicious.

If you’re planning to bake on the 24th, get your baking ingredients and equipment organised in advance. Ensure you have enough flour, sugar, sprinkles, decoration, yeast, baking powder and anything else you may need stored in an easily manageable system. Colour-coding and labels are particularly useful (and fun) if you’re going to have lots of little helpers in the kitchen.

3 Write letters to Santa (or last minute cards)
This is a tradition that your children, nieces and nephews will remember for years to come. Also keep a stash of blank Christmas cards to hand, for any neighbours or friends that have been missed off the list.

4 Stock up on firewood
A roaring fire on a cold, snowy night is a classic Christmas image. An open fire gives any gathering a relaxed, toasty feeling (if you don’t have a fireplace, plenty of candles grouped together will look just as effective). Clean out your fireplace, and stock up on plenty of firewood to get you through the evening. Store your firewood in a dry place to ensure it burns with a satisfying glow.

5 Water the tree
A Christmas tree inside the house dries up quite quickly, particularly with a roaring fire heating up the room. Make sure your tree stays as fresh as possible by watering it often, especially on Christmas Eve. After all, no one wants to wake up on Christmas morning and be greeted by a floor littered with dead pine needles.

6 Add last-minute cosy touches
Christmas Eve is the time to cosy up at home with family and friends and plenty of good food and drink.Create an inviting and warm atmosphere by piling up throws and blankets, and leave plenty of cushions and rugs stacked up in wicker baskets so that you and your guests can snuggle up and get into the Christmassy mood.

7 Make preparations for the little ones
Whether you have small kids at home or whether your guests will be bringing theirs, you should be prepared. Set aside a space for kids to play and draw once they get tired of all the grown-up talk on Christmas Eve. On a small table, lay out a selection of toys, paper, ribbons, glue and coloured pencils and pens. An ornament-crafting station or a stationery set for writing letters to Santa are good ways to encourage kids to participate in the seasonal festivities in an engaging way. A designated kids’ corner will also give them a great space in which to play with their new toys come Christmas Day.

8 Prepare cosy Christmas Eve drinks
If you’re hosting on Christmas Eve, welcome friends and family into your home with unique touches, such as a DIY hot chocolate station. Leave out plenty of marshmallows and candy canes for both young and old to enjoy, and perhaps set out some Amaretto for those adults who like their hot chocolate with a bit of a kick.

9 Get the wine ready
You’ve stocked up on wine and fizz for the big meal tomorrow, so make sure you’ve got them all chilled (or warmed), ready for when guests arrive. Store your wines in a cool place and stick whites, prosecco, and champagne in the fridge (or an ice bucket if you’re short on fridge space) a couple of hours before your guests are due.

10 Set the table for Christmas dinner
To save yourself one more job on Christmas Day, try and set the table on Christmas Eve, before you go to bed. That way you can spend time and care making it look beautiful, rather than rushing it on the big day.

11 Put the presents under the tree
If you’re celebrating with kids, make sure they’re truly asleep before Santa puts the presents under the tree. Go to bed with a warm glow, anticipating the delighted faces and excitement on Christmas Day!

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