How To Feed A Hungry Crowd At Christmas- Big Or Small
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Discover tips for feeding a crowd this Christmas, from brunch to hors d’oeuvres, a cozy supper, and festive desserts. Make your holiday meals memorable, delicious, and joy-filled with these practical ideas for gatherings large or small!
Christmas is in full swing here at the Tanglewood House! This year, I’m getting ready for a festive Christmas Day filled with family, young adults, kids, and little ones. Recently, a thoughtful reader reached out, asking for tips on how to feed a crowd on Christmas Day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. It got me thinking: many of you might be wondering how to manage the logistics of feeding a group without losing your Christmas Spirit!
Today on Practically Speaking, we’re discussing practical and stress-free ways to feed a crowd at Christmas—whether your gathering is large or small. Let’s make this Christmas delicious, joyful, and wonderfully manageable! This is also a very personal post, as I’m sharing a glimpse at our Christmas day menus and more.
Here’s the original email:
Just wondering how you seat your family during the holidays at casual meals such as breakfast and lunch when guests are coming and going. Do you have them go to the dining room at all meals or just save that room for evening meals? I hate messing up my dining room table but we can’t all get around our island with little kids and high chairs. Thanks for any advice. CJ
Well, CJ, I am so glad you asked! This post is for you and anyone who is blessed to host a Christmas meal! I also hope you enjoy the image from some of my favorite Christmas tables.
Where To Seat Family And Guests For Meals
With our growing numbers on Christmas Day, we’ve had to get creative with seating. Our dining room table is a must-use, but we also pull out a utility table in the kitchen nook. It’s a practical solution that gives everyone a comfortable place to enjoy their meal without feeling crowded.
If your group is smaller, you might be able to use your kitchen table for breakfast and reserve the dining room table for dinner—an ideal setup if you have the space. But for larger gatherings—or if you don’t have a separate breakfast area—the dining room table may need to pull double duty. While it’s not ideal for guests to balance plates on their laps, a little creativity and flexibility can go a long way in making everyone feel at home.
Take inspiration from my extended in-law family in Florida, who host an impressive Christmas dinner for 40 people! They’ve converted their garage into a makeshift dining room with long tables and Christmas decor. It’s proof that with a bit of ingenuity, any space can become a warm and welcoming place to gather.
Ultimately, where to seat your family and friends boils down to two things: the number of people you’re blessed to host and the amount of space you have to work with. Think outside the box, and remember that the most important part of the meal is the joy of being together. Whether it’s a formal dining room, a kitchen nook, or even a transformed garage, the key is creating a space that feels special and festive for your guests.
Here’s How I Feed A Crowd At Christmas
There are as many ways to feed a crowd at Christmas as there are people hosting It. Here’s how I feed and keep our family in the Christmas spirit. I have lots of help feeding our family. Grown kids who make dishes, a husband and mom who do the dishes and put food away, and grandkids who also help. Truly, many hands make light work!
Create A Christmas Coffee Bar
Every year, we start Christmas morning with a festive coffee bar. The day starts early here, filled with the aroma of fresh coffee, sweet treats, and the joy of opening one or two gifts. So, there is no specific place we all eat the goodies from the coffee bar.
A coffee bar is like a Christmas miracle! Our family can have a delicious cup of coffee, our morning drink of choice, and a little nosh until I serve brunch. I set it up before I go to bed on Christmas Eve, and I can quickly finish adding perishable food early Christmas morning.
Whether it’s a simple tray with coffee essentials or a more elaborate setup with festive mugs and holiday treats, it’s sure to be a hit with your family.
Make sure you check out A Christmas Coffee Bar Your Guests Will Love.
What We Usually Serve
Here’s what my family loves as a little nibble before brunch. My grandchildren call this “pre-breakfast”!
- Cofffee- Starbucks makes a delicious Holiday Blend.
- Cookies- an assortment of Christmas cookies.
- A Sweet Treat- some loaf bread, muffins, or cake.
- Fruit- A bowl of clementines or other fruit
- Life Cereal—Some of our grandchildren love this treat when they come to Gigi and Pop’s home, so we serve it in fun bowls, even on Christmas Day!
A coffee bar should be a way to tide hungry families over until breakfast or brunch is ready.
Sweet Treats You Might Like
Maple Glazed Banana Bread Scones
Easy Blueberry Muffins With Lemon Glaze
Delicious Streusel Topped Banana Nut Bread
Christmas Brunch
Christmas Brunch is our family’s biggest meal of the day, and it’s a cherished tradition we’ve celebrated for over 30 years! Every year, we prepare just about the same delicious dishes and family favorites that have become part of our Christmas morning memories.
We gather for brunch in the dining area while the grandkids enjoy their meal at the cozy banquette nearby. Brunch is served buffet-style on the kitchen island, a setup that works beautifully for our large group. Over the years, I’ve perfected the process, right down to knowing exactly which serving dishes and utensils I’ll need. It’s a well-rehearsed tradition that makes the morning flow smoothly and leaves me more time to enjoy the festivities. I’m sure so many of you do the same thing!
Later in the post, I’ll share more about organizing your serving pieces and making your brunch setup stress-free and festive.
What We Usually Serve
We make these brunch items every Christmas…
- Not Just For Christmas: Christmas Breakfast Casserole—I first made this over 30 years ago when our kids were tiny, and they have loved it ever since! What’s so great about this recipe is that it can be adapted to different flavors and ingredients. I make it on Christmas Eve and bake it in the morning.
- Land Of Nod Cinnamon Buns– Another delicious recipe, make the night before.
- Kielbasa- Because it is part of our heritage
- Bacon- We make a few pounds ahead and warm it up on Christmas morning.
- Christmas Fruit Salad- a mix of berries, green apples, grapefruit, and orange wedges in orange juice and champagne.
- Assorted Cookies- From the breakfast coffee bar.
- Drinks- Coffee, Orange juice, bloody Mary’s, Mimosas
Hors D’oeuvres
Since our Christmas Brunch typically wraps up around noon, I skip serving a formal lunch. Instead, I keep things simple and fun with a spread of hors d’oeuvres that everyone can enjoy while we open gifts. It’s the perfect way to keep the festive energy going without too much fuss in the kitchen.
I like to pick up a variety of hors d’oeuvres from my local grocers, offering something for everyone to nibble on throughout the afternoon. Unlike brunch, I like to find interesting bites I think my family might enjoy. However, every Christmas Hors D’oeuvre situation includes a charcuterie board!
These small bites are easy to assemble and even easier to serve since everyone serves themselves! I set everything out on the kitchen island with Christmassy small paper plates and coordinating napkins, adding a touch of holiday cheer to this fun part of Christmas day. Here are the plates and napkins I’m using to serve hors d’oeuvres.
Hors D’oeuvres And Appetizer Ideas
- Peeled Shrimp Cocktail- served with homemade cocktail sauce.
- Holiday Charcuterie Board– see how easy it is to assemble a delicious, crowd-pleasing board step by step.
- Cheese Ball With Crackers- Your family will love this Holiday Pinecone Cheeseball With three different dip recipes.
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates– our family LOVES these delicious bites! I make them up ahead and bake them on Christmas Day.
- Nut And Dried Fruit- served in cute, festive bowls.
- Assorted Olives- These go fast in our home.
- Chips And Nachos- with dips
- Anything that looks fresh and delicious from the deli or frozen food area.
- The bar is open. We serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as Holiday Mulled Cider, which can be spiked.
The idea is to make a pretty spread without too much fussing! I’m busy enough, and I want to enjoy my company.
A Cozy Christmas Supper
Early in our marriage, I decided I wasn’t going to prepare a large, Thanksgiving-style meal for Christmas. With a big brunch in the morning and plenty of nibbles throughout the day, no one is really hungry for a heavy, elaborate dinner. Instead, we’ve embraced the tradition of a cozy Christmas supper, served around 6:00 in the evening—and it’s one of my favorite parts of the day.
Our supper is simple, comforting, and perfectly low-key. I usually serve a hearty dish like stew in a bowl, paired with some delicious crusty bread. It’s the kind of meal that feels warm, inviting, and satisfying after a day of festive fun. This tradition has become a family favorite, and I love how it keeps the focus on togetherness rather than kitchen stress.
What We Are Having for Christmas Supper This Year
The whole idea of a Christmas supper is to make absolutely delicious food and serve it in a bowl.
- Christmas Salad- mixed greens, pears and apples, pomegranate arils, bleu cheese, and honey Dijon dressings
- Make-Ahead Beef Brisket And Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes With Au Jus- served in a wide shallow bowl.
- Sourdough Bread- my daughter-in-law makes the most delicious homemade bread.
Other Ideas To Serve In A Bowl
Here are other make-ahead main dishes perfect for a cozy Christmas supper…
- Yankee Pot Roast or Beef Stew
- Boneless Short Ribs And Cheesy Polenta
- Beef And Mushroom Ragu Gnocchi (I’ve made this with deer meat- my family loved it)
- Chicken Stew
- Amish Chicken Pot Pie
- Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle
Christmas Evening Dessert
Favorite Christmas Desserts
While we don’t have one dessert that graces our table yearly, we have some family favorites everyone loves. I like to offer a selection of three desserts—usually a variety of cookies, a cake served with ice cream, and one other sweet treat to round out the spread.
When our dessert guests ask if they can bring something, I always answer, “Yes, please! Bring your favorite to share!” It’s such a delightful way to add variety and make everyone feel included in this special part of the evening.
We serve dessert on fancy small paper plates and coordinating napkins.
- Famous Bacardi Rum Cake- my Mom’s specialty.
- Beautiful Cranberry Orange Holiday Bundt Cake– my specialty.
- Sticky Toffee Pudding With Vanilla Sauce- my sister’s specialty.
- Grown-Up Gingerbread Men—I posted this the third month my blog went live. The images are horrible, but the recipe is the best!
- Gingerbread With Hard Sauce– my husband’s family favorite.
- Cobblers and Crisps
- Cheesecake
- Triffle
- Truffles
- Barks And Brittles
- Assorted Cookies
Setting The Dining Room Table
Before we dive into setting the table, I have to say—I have more help than I could ever need! While I create the master tablescape plan and design the centerpiece, my amazing daughters and daughter-in-law do all the heavy lifting. It’s become a beautiful tradition and such a joy to share the work with them.
In the past, I’d set the table a few days before Christmas. But now, with my wonderful helpers, we set it on Christmas Eve day, so it’s ready and waiting for Christmas brunch.
Every year’s table is unique—I love planning and setting the table! And truth be told, I love it even more now that I don’t have to do all the work myself.
The Kid’s Table
The grandchildren, except for the littlest one, gather at a utility table at the banquette. They’re 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and 3 this year, so I’m keeping the setup simple and fun. I’ll use a white tablecloth that resists every stain known to man (a trusty favorite I’ve had for decades!) and decorate the table with a collection of bottlebrush trees in a tray of faux snow.
I can already imagine what the table will look like after brunch—pure holiday magic with a big dose of chaos!
The Grown-Up Table
For the “grown-up” table, I’ve planned a woodland-themed tablescape with a crisp white tablecloth as the foundation. The centerpiece will feature natural elements, perhaps evergreen sprigs, pinecones, and twinkling candles for a warm, inviting feel. It’s all about creating a cozy, elegant atmosphere.
Tips For Using The Same Table For Christmas Meals
Setting and resetting a table for multiple meals can be easy and seamless with a little planning. Here are some practical tips:
- Layer Your Linens: Use placemats for one meal and a tablecloth for another. You can also double up tablecloths, placing a heavy-duty clear plastic layer between them. Simply remove the top cloth after a meal for a fresh table underneath.
- Reuse Dishes and Flatware: Use the same dishes and flatware for both meals. Wash them right away—by hand or in the dishwasher—and reset the table immediately.
- Incorporate Paper Products: Mix and match your china or dishes with festive paper plates to save time and reduce cleanup.
- Napkin Variety: Combine cloth napkins for one meal with paper napkins for another. Always have extra of both on hand.
- Glassware Flexibility: Reuse the same glasses for each meal. Wash and reset them as needed.
- Simplify Centerpieces: Opt for a versatile centerpiece that can stay in place all day, or create two simple, swapable arrangements.
- Kid-Friendly Setup: For the kid’s table, use durable, wipeable tableware and keep decor low-maintenance.
- Pre-Set Utensils: Roll utensils into napkins and tie them with festive ribbon for quick resetting between meals.
- Use a Sideboard: Move dishes and serving ware to a sideboard, kitchen island, or buffet to keep your dining table clear and ready to reset.
A Joyful Feast
Christmas is a time for celebration, love, and togetherness—and nothing brings people together quite like sharing meals around the table. Whether it’s early morning coffee, a hearty brunch, interesting hors d’oeuvres, or a cozy supper with delicious desserts, these moments of gathering are what make the season truly magical.
By planning ahead, you can create a festive atmosphere that allows you to enjoy the day as much as your family and friends. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about the joy of being together, making memories, and savoring the food and every moment.
From the littlest hands at the kid’s table to the candlelit calm of dessert and drinks, Christmas at your home can be filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Wishing you a beautiful, delicious, and unforgettable Christmas Day surrounded by the people you cherish most.
Merry Christmas, friends!
Yvonne, thank you for all of this good advice. It was very helpful reading through it. Your page that you gave the link to with how you figured out the dishpan idea is inspired! Can you tell us what games you have for the adults this year? I think this is a fabulous idea!
I have table topics, see my comment to Nancy. We also have many Christmas scramble games we find online and then print off and everyone plays. This year we are going to play, WHO AT THIS TABLE? One person at the table makes a statement and everyone at the table points to the person most fits that statement. Like: this person has the best shoes. Or this person gives the most thoughtful gifts. Or this person tells the best jokes. Or this person is the biggest Eagles (football) fan. Keep this very positive and light. We don’t want a sensitive person’s feelings to get hurt. It often is very funny. Hope this helps.
I agree to making it as simple also with added guests
Even thou I don’t usually have more than 10-13 family in my husbands side but they know how important it is to use my limited place- I don’t have to mess up my decorations & pretty areas in my kitchen- here in AZ we are very lucky with weather mist my sitting is in open living on patio with foods displaced on counter
Thks for all your help in extra little decorating ideas
You are super !!!
Such helpful suggestions for Christmas Day entertaining. I usually have people over from brunch to dinner, and with only one dining area, your table setting ideas will save me time and stress. And, your gorgeous table settings put me in the Christmas spirit! Thanks, Yvonne, for your inspiration all year long. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thank you Michelle!
Thanks so much! Great advice and will definitely use some of the ideas:) CJ
May I ask re the fun table games to play? Sometimes we play LCR ( left, center, right), other than that I’m clueless. Thanks
I have a great box of great questions. You can find it HERE:https://amzn.to/2QI1mSg
My daughter has a few other games we play. And nothing beats taking about our blessings this year.
Yvonne, The Tabletopics Family Gathering looks PERFECT! I’ll be ordering that for mine. Thank you!
I really like the dish pan idea. I have a large kitchen with two dishwashers which is helpful when serving a large meal to many people. However, during a meal, using the dish pan idea, means you can enjoy your guests and load the dishwasher later.
You’ve go the idea!
Thanks for all the suggestions for the table. I wait all year to use my Cuthberson original Christmas china so paper is NOT an option. But I do like the idea of removing dishes to the plastic pans and putting them in the garage. (If I can convince Mr. P. To leave them alone!) Like you, I want the children at the table so we will put in the 2nd extra leaf and be a bit crowded but it is worth it. Also i like the idea of the elevated centerpiece on a cake plate. That may happen.
For the morning the table is a buffet and plates are carried downstairs to the family room where we do the tree. Christmas giving is a big deal with this family so it takes hours, makes a lovely mess, and requires hearty casseroles upstairs to “sustain” us! We can all rest on the 26th so we will be using all the treasured silver, crystal etc (for the dinner) and the same without the crystal in the morning. Like you I will set up a refinishing station for dinner and dessert will be its own pretty spot! Can’t wait!
Sounds like you’ve got this Christmas thing down!!! LOVE your concentration on family and tradition!
Love these ideas Yvonne! Thank you so much for sharing and hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!
Yvonne,
Your table settings are so beautiful. I love your plan well and then go with the flow attitude. Your guests are lucky people.
Loved reading this post, Yvonne! So many helpful tricks and tips, and I love your different tablescape photos, too. Hope your season is going well!
As always, your ideas are wonderful. Merry Christmas!
Great plans & great tips!
Yvonne, your system makes sense especially when there are so many guests to entertain. My husband’s family is quite large (ten siblings and spouses, etc and lots of grandies and great grandies) and I am used to preparing food for a crowd but wish I knew about your tips long ago! Thank you
GREAT ideas! Always fun to hear what others do to handle the crowd. I have so many fond memories of going to my brother/sister in laws home with over 70 of us. Crazy how we managed but it worked out. Miss those times…so many of my sibs are grandparents and busy traveling to see their children.
What great ideas! I have a crowd this year (Yea!!!) The dish tub idea is awesome!
Great ideas. My family has grown, and I’m expecting more people than ever this year. I simply do not have enough table space or chairs for everyone. . . It’s all going to be a buffet, and I’m going to remember what you said about it all working out. I know it will, but just to make sure things don’t get out of hand, I’m going to get an extra white tablecloth! Thanks for answering a question I haven’t asked yet.
I really appreciate this information, Yvonne. I’m having 16 for Christmas dinner in a very small house and I was feeling quite overwhelmed. I have planned in my head how to handle this, but to see it written down has really organized my thoughts. Many thanks for your many tips. Merry Christmas.
Can you tell me where you got your Christmas tree green napkins? You have them pictured in your coffee bar. Thanks for all your beautiful holiday inspiration! I always look forward to all your ideas!
Hi Katie, I found them at Target a couple years ago. I have not seen them on their site for a while.
A drop leaf table that is in front of my window and a bench that is always behind my sofa makes seating for 4 more to add to my dining room table which seats 12. We have downs sized to a tiny home so every inch helps.
Beautiful! Can you share your menus?
Hi Kathy, I’ll share them on On The Menu. Tomorrow’s post I’ll be talking about a big Christmas party we are having here at StoneGable. Merry Christmas!
Yvonne, Thanks for the great tips! I always learn something new reading your blog!
Hi Merry Christmas and thanks for your info. Can you please tell me where you got those small boxwood wreaths? I would love to get them for my daughter. Thanks so much.
Tried the dishpan solution for clearing the Thanksgiving feast and my written directions in the dishpan my granddaughter took were confusing to her. I wrote, “clear the plates from the table and place in this dishpan.” She proceeded to scrape the plates putting the garbage in the dishpan.
We all had a good laugh!
Where do you find your beautiful white dishes?
The red dishes are from Pfaltzgraff and the white dishes are from HomeGoods. Hope this helps. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Years ago, I wore myself out every year playing Santa at night and then cooking all day. Then I started laying out an-all-day buffet with favorite items, like imported meats and cheeses, paired with fruit and vegetables, artisan bread, and treats. I usually serve a made-ahead breakfast casserole for brunch and soup and salad for dinner, then and rotate some of the more perishable items during the day. So much easier for me and we look forward to it now every year.
I save the big, fancy all-day-in-the-kitchen feast for the day after Christmas, with a very light lunch and breakfast. It is a nice way to extend the holiday.
Our other holiday food tradition is seafood on Christmas Eve—a real treat for us in the Midwest. Kids can have fish sticks and us grown-ups can enjoy the delicacies that are often on sale this time of year. And it is quick and easy, so not a strain to do before evening service. I usually pair it with rice Florentine or pesto linguine garnished with chopped tomato or red pepper for the color. Leftovers often make it into the egg casserole for the next day.
Our New Year’s tradition is Chinese food because the only place open on New Year’s on our honeymoon was the Chinese restaurant! It is another easy option if we want to go out, or we can make a fancier version ourselves at home, and it is a nice change from more traditional heavy holiday fare. On New Year’s Day we serve old German favorites for good luck, pork or ham with sauerkraut and apples.
Interesting how these traditions develop over time!
What a wonderful and yummy plan Kathy!!!! We have pork and saurkraut for dinner on New Year’s Day too! Thanks for sharing all your FABULOUS tips, my friend!
Hi, Yvonne! Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful tips! I just have one question: What will you be serving for your Christmas brunch? Thank you so much! And, Merry Christmas!
It’s all on next week’s menu! Holiday Beef Brisket will be the meat.