How do you prepare for a Christmas meal when you arnt sure how many people are going to be there???

Question

Expecially when it is HIS family not yours, so you dont really know tastes and likes. HELP IM FREAKING OUT!!!!

Answer 1

try to get a good estimation on how many people will be there, by atleast counting the ones that you know are coming. Then count the ones that could possibly show up and make enough for both. This way you will have enough food (even if its to much you can always have leftovers for a few days or freeze the left over turkey and or ham for later meals) I always make a ham and a turkey, because some in my family think ham is traditional and some think turkey so i make both. And then as far as sides go make the typical ones that most do and then throw in the ones that you and your family like also.

examples of some of mine:

appetizers----sausage balls, tortia wraps, crackers and cheese w/ smoked sausage. and a veggie tray.

meats---ham and turkey

sides---candied yams, green bean casserole, mash potatos, salad, cranberry sauce, giblet gravy, squash cass., corn on the cob.

desserts--pumpkin pie, pecan pie, sweet potato pie, choc. cake. and a choc pie., spice cake.

I always have alot left over, so i make sure to also have disposable bowls w'lids to send leftovers home with guest.

Hope this helps
And dont get to freaked out about it, laugh about the mistakes you make, and if you do make mistakes then you learned for next year. And i was alarmed at how mcuh there was to do. I made most of the desserts the day before. And usually cooked the ham the day before, and made up the appetizers (except sausage balls) the day before. Anything you know will keep well overnight, that reheating will not effect taste then try and do the day before. And get a game plan down on paper. That way you can mark off things you have done and be assured you didnt forget anything.

Answer 2

Hey I am going throught the same thing. I am just going to cook a whole bunch of different kinds of food. If there is not enough or they dont like it to bad, they should give us plenty of time and let us know for sure if they are comming. Just make sure to have a bunch of alcohol and if everyone is drunk maybe no one will notice if anything goes wrong. Dont stress Christmas is about being with your family and enjoying your self. Screw everyone else.

Answer 3

First of all chill out. It will be okay. go on the internet and get a bunch of different side dishes, green bean cassorole, potato salad, macaroni salad. etc. A little bit of everything is a good idea, if they dont like it they dont have to eat it. you will just shock them with how much you have put into making food for them if you have a lot on the table trust me. And also just act like you are feeding every single one of them even if they dont show. I know it sounds like a waste but it is always better to have enough than not. good luck and merry christmas

Answer 4

Why allow such uncertainty to rule your life? Ask them how many are coming. Say you need to know to prepare for the dinner well and if seats at the table are enough for them. You need to limit the number of guests to avoid embarrassment of not seating some of them. How horrible.

Answer 5

it relatively is, yet, with the huge volume of individuals in my kinfolk, all of us convey something to assist the Hostess out. Works out tremendously lots. MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAVE a large 2008! one extra tip: cleansing the abode whilst your babies are starting to be- Is like shoveling the walk whilst it continues to be snowing! would your loved ones have a Blessed 2008 SMA! :)

Answer 6

Make sure there is plenty of food, have it pot luck if possible, have everyone bring side dishes, and serve it buffet style, don't set the table.

Answer 7

Over prepare and send left overs home with those who do show up.

Answer 8

An extra tin or 2 will do you!

Answer 9

Cook a turduckin.