Preparing for Your Sit-Down Dinner
Two Days Before
Make the Ice Cream Bombe.Select the music.
The Day Before
Set the table. Holly sprigs or evergreen branches can add seasonal color to the table. Clip cuttings from your yard or (discreetly, of course) your Christmas tree.Clean the living room, dining room, and bathrooms; edit the medicine cabinet, in case of nosy guests.Make the Beef Bourguignonne.
Early in the Day
Unmold the Ice Cream Bombe onto a platter and return to freezer.Make the salad and the vinaigrette; refrigerate them separately.
Two Hours Before Guests Arrive
Mash the potatoes; transfer to oven.
One Hour Before Guests Arrive
Heat the stew.Make sure the dishwasher is empty.Change into your party clothes.
15 Minutes Before Guests Arrive
Light the candles and turn on the music.Set out some chilled sparkling water.Uncork the wine.
15 Minutes Before Dinner
Toss the salad.
After the First Course
Make the broccoli rabe.
After Dinner But Before Dessert
Place a load of dishes in the dishwasher.Sprinkle the candy over the Ice Cream Bombe.
After the Last Guest Leaves
Clean the dishes before going to bed so you don’t have to face them in the morning.
