First Christmas Cooking Totally Independently for Others, Guests

[x_los]

Finished menu planning for the Christmas party, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. I asked people what they think is essential, consulted the wiki-list of all UK and US traditional dishes, made a MASSIVE list, and went through to figure out what K and I actually *liked.* Plotted everything onto specific days, into meal-groups, and sorted by food category, ease of prep (Easy, Buy (sub: Buy Immediate, Buy Few Days Ahead), Make-Ahead, Prep-Ahead, Moderate Difficulty, Technical Challenge) and time-frame (Stir-Up (immediate), Make Ahead Next, Make Ahead Few Days Before, Easy: Day Of). Selected final recipes for CCake, mincemeat, and CPudding, wrote out all ingredients. Ready to soak fruit tomorrow, make monday. Will counteract being a week late to start with one extra alcohol feed (should equalize everything).

Somewhat nervous about this, but having looked at everything, feel ready. Less important, but more complicated, than Molly's wedding prep--but still hugely vital. A failed Christmas is unforgivable.

Cake topping: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/christmascake_2359
Cake recipe: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/nov/17/how-cook-perfect-christmas-cake
Stollen: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2007/dec/02/foodanddrink.recipes (part of christmas morning breakfast, perhaps, if not cinnamon rolls)
Pudding & Mincemeat:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/nov/21/christmas-pudding-mince-pie-recipes