Holiday Meal Planning Made Easy

Flash forward to that “cheers” moment when you’ve finally taken your seat at the table. Each plate looks like it belongs in a magazine. Candles glow over the holly and pine centerpiece. You’re calm, collected, and somehow pulling off Martha Stewart-level hosting like it’s second nature.

A holiday miracle? Not exactly. Just smart planning.

Planning ahead is the way to get the best experience. You can make a lot in advance and freeze it. It’ll still taste fresh and bright.

 — Chef Lisa Peterson, A’Tavola, Boise

Chef Lisa Peterson

Lisa Peterson, chef and owner of A’Tavola, a gourmet marketplace and café in downtown Boise, knows that hosting a happy occasion starts well before the guests arrive. She creates full holiday meals in advance for families and swears by one golden rule: prep early, enjoy more.

Three Rules to Live By for Stress-Free Holiday Hosting

1. Start Early: Your future self will thank you.
2. Write Everything Down: Don’t trust your memory after the third batch of cookies.
3. Do What You Can Handle: You don’t actually have to be Ina Garten.

Holiday Meal Planning Timeline

6 Weeks Out

• Finalize your guest list: Good food starts with good company.
• Start your playlist: Set the vibe early. Recruit family DJs to curate music.
• Plan your menu: Pick mains, sides, desserts, and drinks. Be realistic and delegate dishes if needed.
• Check dietary restrictions: Gluten-free cousin? Lactose-intolerant niece? Plan accordingly.
• Reserve rentals: Don’t assume grandma’s folding chairs or extra tables are available.

4 Weeks Out

• Place your Snake River Farms order: Frozen at peak age, the meat course is easy to order in advance. December 1st is perfect for Christmas delivery.
• Plan your drinks: Stock the bar, supply wine, and craft a signature cocktail (and mocktails). Consider pairings with your centerpiece roast. Explore drink pairings for American Wagyu →
• Deep clean your kitchen and dining areas: Create space ready for magic.
• Inventory your holiday dishes: Do you have enough serving platters, roasting pans, and wine glasses?

2–3 Weeks Out

• Create your master grocery list: Organize by category for efficiency.
• Plan your tablescape: Get creative and seasonal — think sugared cranberries, candles, holly, or Grandma’s china. Need Inspiration? Plan Your Holiday tablescape  → 

1 Week Out

• Thaw your beef or centerpiece roast: Prime rib or tomahawk may take several days to thaw completely. Sealed Snake River Farms products stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days. See our guide to thawing large cuts →
• Clean out fridge and freezer: Make space for prepped dishes and leftovers.
• Buy non-perishables: Stock canned goods, flour, sugar, and other essentials.
• Prep freezer-friendly dishes: Casseroles, pies, and gravy can be made ahead and frozen.

3–4 Days Out

• Shop for perishables: Fresh produce, dairy, herbs, and bread.
• Prep ingredients: Chop onions, peel potatoes, make cranberry sauce, or cube bread for stuffing.
• Set the table (if possible): Gather napkins, plates, silverware, and décor in advance.

1–2 Days Out

• Make salads and fresh dishes: Wash greens, chop veggies, and mix dressings ahead of time.
• Chill beverages: Keep wine, cocktails, and soft drinks ready in the fridge or cooler.

Little hands, big help: Kids can pitch in with table setup or simple prep tasks. They love having a role!

Christmas Morning

• Start your centerpiece roast or ham early: The main course takes time — plan ahead.
• Bake appetizers, casseroles, and reheat sides: Timing is key to serving everything hot.

I serve prime rib for Christmas dinner. If it’s Snake River Farms, it’s already delicious. Just season well with salt and freshly cracked pepper, start at high heat, then lower. With a good piece of meat, you don’t need to do too much.

It’s Go Time

• Set out appetizers and drinks: Guests can nibble while you finish the main meal. Freezer-friendly options like baked brie with a holiday egg wash design are perfect.
• Tidy up: Clear surfaces, put away prep tools, and empty the dishwasher for post-meal cleanup.
• Just before guests arrive: Light candles or twinkle lights, turn on your holiday playlist, take a deep breath, smile, and pour a drink.

Holiday hosting doesn’t have to be a high-stress, low-sleep affair. With the right plan and a solid checklist, you can actually enjoy the moment you’ve worked so hard to create.

Shop for Your SRF Holiday Centerpiece

Each roast is frozen at peak age, ready to cook, and guaranteed to impress, making it easy to plan ahead while enjoying stress-free holiday hosting. Make your holiday table unforgettable with a showstopping centerpiece: