Christmas Party Preparation and Sunday Morning Coffee

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Our Christmas party is in twenty days, and as you know, I cook all the food. Of course, I am freaking out. But I have a way to get it all done!

The party is a big event that has grown in every aspect over the last thirty-eight years. We invite our friends and family (and their children), and I cook all the food—for about 200 people. And no, I am not a caterer, but I know how to plan a party. Today, for Sunday Morning Coffee, I am sharing my biggest tip with you, which gets me through the prep for this party every year.

A woman in a pink shirt holds a child in a beige sweater. They stand in a living room with a lamp, a small table, and a glimpse into a kitchen area.
Season 4 Volume 46
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About Me

My white kitchen with lots of baking materials on the butcher block island.

I love our Christmas party. Why?

Peeking trhough the french doors in our dining room at the buffet table at our Christmas party.

Because it’s a way to spoil my family and friends with good food and fun.

But the weeks leading up to the party are stressful. It’s the “cooking all of the food” part of our party that is currently freaking me out. There is so much to do!

Over the years,, I have created a very good menu of heavy hors-d’oeuvres and desserts. I don’t change the menu much because anytime I delete something, one of our guests hears about it!

Here is the menu for our Christmas Party this year, which is on December 21st.

holiday appetizers recipe

H O R S  – D’ O E U V R E S

  • Beef Tenderloin with rolls
  • Smoked Turkey with cranberry/orange muffins
  • Smoked Paprika Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
  • Tomato Bisque Soup with Mini Grilled Cheese
  • BLT tomatoes
  • Skewered chicken with peanut sauce
  • Skewered flank steak with peanut sauce
  • Crab cakes with lemon dill sauce
  • Artichoke Dip in wonton shells
  • Carmelized Onion and Goa Cheese Bites
  • French Onion Soup Bites
  • Whipped sweet potatoes in crusts with pecan topping
  • Brie cups with pomegranates
  • Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Lemon-Horseradish Aioli
  • Pesto stuffed mushrooms
Cookies and desserts placed on top of wrapped packages at the dessert table.

D E S S E R T S 

  • Double Mint Chocolate cookies
  • Peanut butter fudge
  • Frosted sugar cookies
  • Coconut cupcakes with candy garnish
  • Christmas Crack (subject to change)

If you want a copy of these recipes, stay tuned as they will be available. Soon.

Surviving the Christmas Party Preparation

Prepping in my kitchen for our annual Christmas party.

As you can see in the photo above, from a few years past, I am good at multi-tasking while cooking for our party.

I am making four different menu items in this photo!

I created an Excel spreadsheet that allows me to prepare all of this food in an organized and timely fashion. It is color-coded and lists everything I need to cook by day.

How to plan a party

It has a very fancy name, my Color Coded Spreadsheet. Hehe.

This spreadsheet allows me to prepare fifteen appetizers and five desserts for 200 people in two weeks. It takes a huge task and makes it manageable. It breaks out my cooking tasks for the 18 menu items I cook for the party. I know if I get everything done every day, then come party time, it will all be done.

Here is last year’s Color Coded Spreadsheet:

The color coded spreadsheet I use to manage the cooking for our Christmas party.

The color coded spreadsheet I use to manage the cooking for our Christmas party.

Each menu item is listed, and the tasks that need to be completed for each item are broken down to the right. The boxes are color-coded by the due date, and the color key is listed at the bottom of page two. For example, the tasks in the yellow boxes should be completed the week before the party, and the dark orange boxes should be completed the weekend before.

As you can imagine, Thursday and Friday (light orange and aqua) are the killer days. Many menu items can’t be made that far in advance, so I have a lot to accomplish on those days. Those are also the days my girlfriends come over to help!

I honestly couldn’t do it without them.

I need to mention that I have a staff coming on Saturday afternoon. They will cook everything I have made, serve it during the party, and clean up. This is the only way I can enjoy our party. I started this about ten years ago, and it’s the best thing ever!

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup, Set of 3

A wooden cutting board shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for serving festive treats like Christmas tree cupcakes.

Christmas Tree Shaped Wood Cutting Board

Red KitchenAid

MIni Whisk Set

Hobnail Style 4 Piece Mixing Bowl Set

Baking Sheet & Rack Set (2 of each)

My Latest Project

My Latest Project

Oyster shells painted with green Christmas tree designs are arranged on a wooden surface.

On Tuesday night, I am hosting a craft night with my girlfriends. And we are making oyster shell ornaments!

Dave and I rushed up to the beach house yesterday, and I gathered 70 oyster shells!

I have collected all of these napkins and cannot wait for our craft night!

Five small decorations with Christmas tree designs in front of a matching napkin on a wooden surface.
A napkin with seashell designs and "Season's Greetings" text, plus four seashell ornaments with red ribbon hangers on a light wooden surface.
Craft supplies on a table: Mod Podge, white acrylic paint, green twine, a small purple paint bottle, decorative napkin with trees, and six oyster shells.
Napkin and oyster shells decorated with nutcracker soldiers and Christmas trees on a light wood surface.
Handcrafted ornaments and a matching napkin featuring illustrations of winter village scenes with houses, trees, and people.
A pattern of nutcrackers, small Christmas trees adorned with red ribbons, and potted plants in blue and white vases decorates the white background, reminiscent of delicate oyster shells.

Holiday Collection Disposable 3-Ply Paper Lunch Napkin Pack

A hand holds a shell with a blue spiral pattern, surrounded by a circle of opened oyster shells.

20PCS Oyster Shells 3″-4″ Flat

A festive image captures oyster shells, a sand dollar, and a starfish hanging from red ribbons against a blue striped backdrop. "Season's Greetings" is elegantly scripted in red cursive at the bottom, adding a warm touch.

3-Ply Paper Party Napkin Pack, 5″ x 5″, Seasons Greetings

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    My Biggest Challenge This Week

    A multi-layered cake with thin layers of pastry and white cream filling on a blue cake stand.
    Russian Medovik Eight Layer Cake

    I cooked a lot this past week to prepare for the kids’ coming to town, especially for a unique Russian and, of course, our Thanksgiving dinner.

    It was really fun, and I loved every minute.

    But it was tiring as well.

    Fortunately, I have many helpers who made the cooking so much easier!

    Close-up of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with icing on top, arranged in a baking tray.
    Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

    Recipes are coming soon, I promise.

    Ceramic Bakeware, 8×8 Baking Dish

    Milk White 6″ Mosser Glass Cake Stand

    Mosser Glass Jade 9 Inch Cake Plate

    This week's to do list.
    • Finishing decorating our house for Christmas.
    • Host Craft Night with my girlfriends.
    • Bake and finish two desserts for the Christmas party.

    It’s the final day of Black Friday, so I included my favorite Black Friday finds! And Cyber Monday is on Monday, of course.

    Collage of various clothing items and footwear labeled "Black Friday Fashion Deals," including jackets, dresses, shirts, pants, boots, and sandals against a plain background.

    Shop Here

    Collage of Black Friday home deals including curtains, a TV, a phone, an air fryer, a vacuum, a chair, a pillow, jars, a thermostat, a mirror, a vase with flowers, and a cabinet.

    Shop Here

    A vibrant collage of toys featuring a play kitchen, musical instruments, toy vehicles, puzzles, and craft supplies is topped with the eye-catching text "Black Friday Toy Deals," capturing the excitement of this special shopping event.

    Shop Here

    A dynamic collage showcasing irresistible Black Friday electronic deals, including headphones, a smartwatch, streaming device, gaming controller, TV, camera, speaker, projector, and smart home devices.

    Shop Here

    And here are some of the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals! Get them before they are gone!

    A Samsung Frame TV displaying a painting of red, pink, and yellow roses with green leaves. Text reads "#1 Global TV Brand for 18 Years, Samsung, The Frame.
    SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class QLED 4K The Frame Series Quantum HDR Smart TV
    Silver espresso machine with a built-in grinder and steam wand, featuring various control knobs and a digital display.
    Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine
    Cordless vacuum cleaner with attachments, including a crevice tool and brush.
    Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum
    A pair of dark blue over-ear headphones with "Sony" elegantly etched on the side of the headband, reminiscent of a Flocked Christmas Tree's serene winter vibe.

    Sony Wireless Noise Canceling Headphone

    This Black Friday, discover a gold ring with electronic components and sensors elegantly integrated on the inside.

    Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage

    A smartwatch with a light gray band displays the time "10:09" on its screen, reminiscent of the soft elegance of a flocked Christmas tree.

    Apple Watch Series 10

    Stainless steel frying pan with a non-stick surface and a matching glass lid, perfect for grabbing during Black Friday sales.

    HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 4.5 Qt Deep Sauté Pan

    A sleek, silver and white ice maker with a control panel and air vents stands beside a colorful tropical drink garnished with fruit and mint, reminiscent of holiday festivities around a flocked Christmas tree.

    Gevi Household V2.0 Countertop Gemi Nugget Ice Maker

    A black Ninja air fryer with a digital display showing temperature and time, featuring buttons for air fry, air roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate functions—perfect for snagging during a Black Friday sale.

    Ninja Air Fryer XL

    And what a week it was!

    • Mother's Day Small Bites Brunch Buffet
      Mother’s Day Small Bites Outdoor Brunch Buffet
      Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet has always been a tradition. Today, I shared some fun recipes for small bites and outdoor brunch buffets! I have not been a brunch fan for the past few years because there is always too much food….
    • A wicker basket containing rolls of decorative wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift-wrapping supplies arranged neatly on a light-colored surface.
      Why I Love Vintage Wrapping Paper
      There’s something undeniably charming about vintage wrapping paper. And if you’re looking for a creative Mother’s Day gift idea, why not give the gift of wrapping itself? The colors, illustrations, and nostalgic patterns evoke a warmth and thoughtfulness that modern designs…
    • Morning Coffee with Nana
      The Best Mother’s Day Gifts Amazon Style
      It’s less than a month until Mother’s Day, and I thought I would share some fun Amazon-style Mother’s Day gifts. I have gathered a list of our favorite gifts for Mom. I know how different moms are, so we have categorized…
    • Cozy patio with two armchairs, a wooden trunk table, and a lush garden view, under a ceiling fan and white pergola.
      Back Porch Ideas for Spring
      Our back porch has been a cozy retreat for as long as I can remember. The sofa faced the fireplace, offering warmth and comfort on cool evenings. And then everything changed a few weeks ago when we filmed a commercial at…
    • A cozy nursery with a white crib on the right, a rustic wooden table with baskets underneath by a window, and soft green walls.
      Creating a Grandkids Retreat
      A year ago, I converted our home’s old weight room/sleeping porch into a dedicated space for our grandkids. Our home has always been a place of gathering, laughter, and cherished memories. Everything we have done in our home has been for…
    • Summer Fun Dinner Party
      My Favorite Potluck Recipes
      We hosted our dinner club, and to make it easy, I served a potluck. Here are some of my favorite potluck recipes. How do you serve a potluck for a dinner party? Since most of my time was spent setting up…

    Wood Metal Handle Two-Tier Tray

    iRobot Roomba

    A garland of various textured and metallic silver and bronze ornaments arranged in rows on a white background.

    Creative Co-Op Distressed White & Grey Embossed Mercury Glass Ornament

    A bottle of Muraglia olive oil with colorful fish illustrations, next to its matching box.

    Lingtoolator oio Muraglia Intense Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    A cheese board with brie, almonds, blackberries, raspberries, and rosemary pairs perfectly with classic Christmas cookies, all accompanied by a cheese knife.

    12″ Round Wood and Marble Charcuterie Board

    Set a Christmas table with elegance using this white ceramic pedestal bowl, featuring a charming rippled texture.

    Porcelain Footed Pedestal Bowl

    A blender on a kitchen counter next to a glass. A wooden bowl holds apples, bananas, kiwi, a pear, a cucumber, and a tomato. A cutting board and jars are in the background.

    Martha shared 7 Things You Should Never Buy Brand New, According to Finance Experts. Interesting!

    This week, I am sharing so many wonderful Christmas ideas. We will start with my favorite Christmas pillow, handmade wrapping paper, and metallic glass Christmas ornaments. I am also sharing the cutest new Christmas cookies that will hopefully make you all laugh. And then I am sharing our new Christmas decorations in the family room and kitchen!

    Christmas Craft DIY
    DIY-wrapping-paper
    Handmade metallic glass Christmas ornaments made with metallic paint and small pine needles and leaves.
    Recipes-for-Christmas-Cookies
    I decorated our family room with faux table top trees, bright colored Christmas balls, and a table set for Christmas morning breakfast.
    Our white kitchen decorated with wreaths in the windows and on the back of the counter stools, red, green, and white trees, red and white towels, and more.

    You Might Also Need…

    A table adorned with a green and beige striped runner, white candles, and a small decorated tree captures the essence of Christmas colors.

    Solino Home Linen Christmas Table Runner

    A candle in a glass holder with green pine branch designs, next to a box labeled "Frasier Fir" by Thymes.

    Thymes Frasier Fir Pine Needle Candle

    Three stacked round tins decorated with green holiday trees and red, pink, and gold dots.

    Kate Spade New York Decorative Tins with Lids

    Embroidered Cotton Table Napkin, Cloth Napkins Set of 4

     Set of 4 Gold Rim Classic Martini Glasses

    Five metal cookie cutters designed for crafting holiday desserts, featuring shapes like a gingerbread person, snowflake, tree, snowman, and candy cane.

    Christmas Cookie Cutter Set

    A mesh bag containing small red and green Christmas ornaments.

    Green & Red Embossed Mercury Glass Ornaments, 36 Pcs

    Spode Christmas Tree Glasses

    Embroidered Christmas Napkins

    Shop My Home
    Amazon Best Sellers
    A Home to Share
    A Home to Share, by Leslie Saeta

    This Week’s Top Sellers

    We shared a lot of our favorite home items this week and here are the top sellers!

    Collage of Amazon home gadgets including a vacuum, smart displays, toaster oven, photo frames, coffee maker, smartwatch, tablet, glasses, pens, smart ring, sweater, and e-reader.
    SHOP HERE

    You can pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (click the Pin button in the top left corner) or follow me on Pinterest!

    A woman holding a young child stands in a living room. A lamp and a side table are in the background. Text reads, "Christmas Party Preparation and Sunday Morning Coffee.

    For more real-time updates, follow me on Instagram @My100YearOldHome

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    5 Comments

    1. You are so organized!!! I am just putting away all of Thanksgiving stuff…. just the thought of dragging out Christmas decorations, shopping, wrapping, cooking just stresses me to the max!!! You make it look so easy.

      Reply

    2. love all your ideas and look forward to the recipes. where can i get those paper napkins with the houses on them?

      Reply

    3. I always love catching up with you at party prep time! You start preparing just after I hold my big party so it’s fun watching you do what I just did – even though it’s for way fewer people. Your spreadsheet is much prettier than mine too – I’ll have to remember to color mine next year. 😁 Have fun!!

      Reply

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