Christmas Eve: the checklist to check before tonight

No need to change everything, but check that the menu is manageable. Better a few well-made dishes than a marathon at the stove.

Check now:

• How many dishes need to be cooked at the last minute
• Whether you can prepare anything today
• If the oven is scheduled for too many dishes at once

Golden rule: If a dish makes you anxious, eliminate it now. No one will regret it.

Open the refrigerator and do a quick check on just the basics. This is where you really save money.

Check to make sure you have:

• Main fish (right amount)
• Garlic, oil, lemon, parsley
• Bread, croutons or breadsticks
• Butter, eggs, cheese (often run out)

Better to notice today than to pay more for everything tomorrow.

Christmas does not mean going overboard. On the contrary, less waste = more savings.

Quick pointers:

• Fish main course: 5.2-6.3 oz/150-180 g
• Appetizers: small samples
• Side dishes: maximum two

Thus the table is rich, but not excessive.

No extra expense needed, just a little attention.

Verification:

• Clean tablecloth
• Matching napkins
• Candles or small lights
• Sufficient plates and glasses

Easy trick: white plates + a sprig of rosemary or bay leaf make Christmas instant.

We stumble here often.

Last check:

• Wine and bubbles
• Enough water
• Soft drinks
• Coffee and sugar
• Salt, baking paper, aluminum foil

You don't need to use it, but having it calms you.

Keep:

• A spare dessert
• Extra bread

• Manageable menu
• Controlled spending
• Preparations initiated
• Thoughtful table
• Stress lowered

If you've ticked everything off, you can close this page with a sigh of relief. This is how Christmas Eve starts: organized, beautiful to look at and waste-free