Holidays & Entertaining Holidays Christmas Holiday Party-Planning Timeline Checklist Not sure whether to chill the wine or just plain chill? Consult our handy guide. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on November 2, 2010 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: JOHN LAWTON 2 Weeks Before Reserve a coatrack at a local party-rental supply. 1 Week Before Clean glasses and serving dishes. Create a playlist. 3 Days Before Buy food, alcohol, punch mixers, napkins, garbage bags, and toilet paper. 1 Day Before Prepare the Crab and Chive Puffs and the Hot Ricotta Dip (but do not bake). Make the Mini Gingerbread Cupcakes and frosting (store them separately).Clean the house. Rearrange the furniture. Top the side tables with trays (for used dishes). Place plates, napkins, and serving utensils on the buffet, and glasses and napkins on the bar. Set out extra platters for any dishes that guests may bring.Fill large bowls with nuts and clementines. Set them on the coffee table. 6 Hours Before Make the house drink, but leave out the fizzy stuff. Frost the cupcakes. 3 Hours Before Buy the ice. 2 Hours Before Bake the Maple-Glazed Ham. Shower, primp, and put on an apron. 1/2 Hour Before Bake the Crab and Chive Puffs. Slice the ham and put it out with the biscuits, condiments, and pickled vegetables.Uncork the wine and make an ice bath for the wine, beer, and sparkling wine. Fill the ice buckets. Finish the house drink and put it in a punch bowl or several large pitchers.Fill a plastic bin with soapy water and place in kitchen. 15 Minutes Before Put on your party shoes and make yourself a stiff drink! 5 To 10 Minutes Before Broil the Hot Ricotta Dip. Put it out with the Crab and Chive Puffs. (Place extras in a 200° F oven.) Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit