How To Host The Ultimate Christmas Feast

Christmas is that magical time of year when loved ones come together — and if you’re the one hosting, it can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. Regardless of whether you’re throwing a traditional festive roast dinner or a quintessentially Australian BBQ, having a solid Christmas checklist can help make your Christmas day planning simple and stress-free.

If you’re feeling anxious about hosting your annual Christmas feast this year, fear not! With expert advice from the RAC Arena functions team, your holiday hosting will be organised, memorable, and (most importantly) fun.

Spread the Word Early

Every great plan for Christmas starts with a guest list. Send out your invites early — electronic invitations are quick, easy, and eco-friendly. Keep your wording short and festive to spread some Christmas cheer. We all know how busy the festive period can get, so get these out early to avoid disappointment.

The top tip from RAC Arena’s multimedia executive? “Keep your wording simple and avoid clutter on your invites. Better yet, be brave with your colours! Who says you have to stick to greens and reds”.

Prep Ahead (the key to a stress-free Christmas)

Don’t leave it all till the last minute. Smart Christmas day planning means prepping well in advance – as any great chef knows, prep saves panic! Make sure to get your groceries in advance, and if possible, shop local! Consider any dietary requirements for your guests and, if you’re planning an early BBQ, we recommend prepping the day before.

RAC Arena Executive Chef, Stuart Montgomery, recommends prepping as much as possible before the day to save you from stress. “Have your vegetables chopped and ready to go in the fridge. Sweet treats can be made up to three days before, while your plum pudding can also be made days ahead. No one likes a last-minute Christmas Day dash”.

And in the wise words of our Partnership Coordinator, “clean as you go to avoid hours in the kitchen after dinner!”

Set the Scene

No Christmas feast is complete without a festive feel and aesthetic. Host a memorable Xmas Feast by creating a merry tablescape -we recommend doing an arts and crafts evening beforehand to create aesthetic menus and settings. Stuck for design? A crisp white tablecloth is always the way to go when leaning towards colourful centrepieces. Christmas baubles in a vase is a super effective centrepiece, without breaking the budget, as well as spray painting pinecones. For more sustainable options, consider using native flowers or shrubbery in your decor. Christmas crackers are another great way to add some colour and fun, and streamline the load if you’re out and about for your dinner!

Get Grooving

No feast is complete without a jolly backing track! Select your favourite Christmas playlist and set it to play from the arrival of your guests till their departure. If you’re planning a beach BBQ, be sure to bring speakers, but be mindful of anyone else who may also be enjoying the outdoors! Stuck on where to look for the perfect Christmas tunes? We’ve got you covered with a RAC Arena Spotify playlist special featuring all of our favourite artists!