Set the table

Polish all the silverware, or bust out your best disposable cutlery and dust off those dinner plates and fancy utensils: it’s time to set the table. This will save you hours of work on the big day, or at least let you sneak in a little drink before guests start to pull up. When it comes to table decorations, turn to nature for inspiration – Christmas bush, Australian natives, pines and Christmas wreaths will add some elegant cheer to any spread. Have you made edible gifts this year? Pile them into the centre, too. And, whatever you do, don’t forget the bonbons.

Get your prep on

Sift through your menu and single out everything that can be prepped a few days prior, and then the day before – we’re looking at you, salad dressings, garnishes, homemade dips, ice cream, biscuits, cheesecake bases and pavlova nests. It’s not too late to choose a time-friendly starter – these prawn and lemon arancini can be prepped the day ahead (or even a few days ahead and frozen) and then fried at the final hour.

Make sure everything is wrapped

And if it isn’t, throw it into a gift bag. Merry Christmas!

Finalise the Christmas playlist

Because it ain’t Christmas without a bit of Bublé or Mariah, or whoever your carols jam is, crooning in the background. Load up the Spotify playlist so you’re ready to hit play on the day.

Write a run-sheet

It sounds a little wedding day OTT, but getting your chef’s game on with a running order list will ensure nothing is missed. It’s easy to forget defrosting, glazing or toasting when there’s a banquet to be made, so a little run list will be your best friend at frazzle hour.

Let the dessert-making begin!

Because you chose a make-ahead dessert (you smart, savvy host, you), you now have the green light to get that out of the way, too. Whether you’re resurrecting an oldie, like this fancy version of Streets’ classic Viennetta, or this megawatt, Instagram-friendly frozen caramel slice (dreams do come true), or a classic pavlova, there’s no reason you can’t get a jump-start on the meringue base or, better yet – outsource it to Woolworths.

Prep the drink station

Punchbowls, muddlers, ladles, glassware (or plastic), corkscrews, water jugs and icepicks can all be assembled, ready for the festivities. It’s a good idea to pick a designated drink station where folks can pour for themselves and, hence, save you from having to – after the all-important welcome drink, of course.

Confirm all your work assignments

You know all those casual ‘feel free to bring a slice – if you like’ comments you’ve been spraying nonchalantly these past few weeks? A quick text to confirm commitment to these assignments will make sure you’re not serving up three caprese salads, or worse still – zero trifles. And it’s always a good idea to have someone bring a few bags of ice on the day to save you from rushing out on the morning – a quick glass of bubbles to yourself is a much better idea.

These impressive trifles will hit all the sweet notes.

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