Guests remember three things: the lighting, the music and whether the host sat down. Almost nobody remembers the side dish you stayed up until midnight perfecting. This checklist is built around that, so the work that matters happens early, and the last hour is spent on the details people actually feel.
The boxes below are real. Tick them as you go; this page remembers your progress on this device.
One week out
Two days out
The day before
Two hours before
Cranberry-Rosemary Spritz
You’ll need
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- A few rosemary sprigs, plus more to garnish
- Prosecco or sparkling water, chilled
Method
- Combine the juices and rosemary in a pitcher and chill.
- Fill glasses one-third with the base.
- Top with prosecco, or with sparkling water for anyone not drinking.
- Garnish with a small rosemary sprig.
Thirty minutes before
While they’re here
Give yourself one job only: refilling. Clear plates between courses, not during them. Stack, don’t scrub; the dishes will be there tomorrow, and the evening won’t.
After
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours, soak the roasting pans, blow out the candles and leave the rest for the morning. Most good evenings end with a few glasses on the counter.
A printable version of this checklist, sized for the fridge door, is coming to the Shop. In the meantime, use your browser’s print button.
