A Christmas dinner becomes easier to organise when the evening is planned around a few key elements: the table, the food, the lighting and the timing. Preparing these in advance leaves more time to spend with guests once everyone arrives.

Start with the number of people and the way dinner will be served. A seated meal requires enough table space for plates, glasses and serving dishes, while a buffet or shared-table dinner gives more flexibility when the guest list is larger.

The menu is usually easiest when several dishes can be prepared earlier in the day. Starters served cold or at room temperature, oven dishes and desserts made in advance reduce the amount of cooking required while guests are already at the table.

Christmas is also an occasion where decoration can be more expressive. Glass ornaments, metallic details, ribbons, candles and greenery can move beyond the Christmas tree and become part of the dining room or entertaining space. A chandelier decorated with baubles or branches, for example, creates a focal point without taking up valuable space on the table.

For the table itself, leave enough room for dinner. Candles, small arrangements and individual decorations generally work better than large centrepieces when dishes will be shared. Christmas ornaments can also be used as place settings or scattered between glasses and serving pieces.

Lighting becomes particularly important for an evening event. Candles can be combined with table lamps, chandeliers and warm ambient lighting rather than relying entirely on bright overhead lights. Make sure candles remain away from greenery, ribbons and other flammable decorations.

Drinks can be organised separately from the dining table. A small bar or side table with glasses, water and bottles allows guests to help themselves and keeps the main table clear.

It also helps to decide beforehand what happens after dinner. Dessert and coffee might stay at the table, while drinks can move to another room or seating area. Music, a fireplace or a separate drinks station can give the second part of the evening its own setting.

With the practical parts prepared before guests arrive, Christmas dinner can remain festive without requiring the host to spend most of the evening organising it.

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