It's that time of year again-- time to plan your Christmas dinner party. Sure, there are people out there who say "it's that time of year again" in the same tone they use to say "I have diarrhea again." And, sure, some people may want to hit me with a stick for being such a cheerful little Christmas elf, but... I love Christmas!

Whether doing a massive, sparkling Christmas cocktail party or just a quiet dinner with family, parties are the best part of the holidays. But they're also a lot of work-- and unfortunately most of us don't have a troupe of short, pointy-eared slaves to do all the planning and cooking.

But, hey, you have us! Our Christmas food and party guide should seriously help with planning the perfect Christmas dinner party. From food to decorations to everything in between, you'll find it here.

For some people Christmas means turkey. For others, it means duck, ham, tacos, or a nice juicy tofurky. Looking for elegant main dishes for Christmas dinner? We've got everything from ham to turkey to creative vegetarian specialities. Start off with my Ultimate Turkey Guide:

And then take a look at:

Christmas Dinner Party Recipe Ideas

These elegant Christmas dinner party recipes are simple, stylish, and seriously impressive. You'll love hearing your dinner guests say, "Turkey? Who wants a turkey when they can have this?"

Honey Baked Ham Recipes

Several recipes for a perfect Christmas ham. Juicy, meaty, sweet, and perfect. A nice change from Christmas turkey!

Traditional English Christmas Dinner

Great recipe ideas for an old-fashioned English Christmas dinner party. From 18th Century recipes to the perfect English Christmas pudding, it's all here.

Vegetarian Holiday Main Courses

Whether you're soft-hearted about turkeys yourself, or have guests that are, these recipes are a fabulous substitute for eating our furred and feathered friends.

Turkey Stuffing Recipes

These stuffing recipes, from Classic Sage Stuffing to Vegetarian Stuffing in the Crockpot, will outshine the turkey if you're not careful!

Sausage Stuffing Recipes

With rich sausage, nuts, and wonderful flavors, these holiday stuffing recipes are almost a meal in themselves.

Christmas Side Dishes

Force your guests to choose between our Butternut Squash Gratin and Three-Cheese Potatoes al Gratin, and watch a holiday fight ensue. Nutrition and entertainment in one.

Cranberry Sauce Recipes

Cranberry sauce ain't just for Thanksgiving. Serve this festive side dish with the Christmas turkey, too!

Turkey Gravy Recipes

Got a turkey? Gotta have gravy! We have several wonderful recipes for gravy, from meaty make-ahead gravy, to vegan mushroom gravy, to classic giblet gravy.

Make-Ahead Appetizers

These appetizer recipes are perfect for your Christmas dinner party. They're delicious, elegant, and you can make them in advance-- letting you spend time with your guests.

Christmas Dessert Recipes

Make one of these incredibly rich, incredibly tasty recipes for Christmas, and you won't need to hand out any presents.

Pumpkin Pie Recipes

From Drunken Punkin Pie to Pumpkin Pie with a Streusel Topping, these recipes for pumpkin pie take this classic dessert to a whole new level.

Easy, Kid-friendly Christmas Cookies

These easy, delicious Christmas cookies will look like you slaved all day in the kitchen. Plus, these great recipes are wonderful for kid chefs, too. Get those kids to work for their cookies!

No-Bake (and Kid Friendly!) Christmas Cookies

This collection of no-bake Christmas cookies is a great way to keep your kids well-fed (and sugar high!) this Christmas. Each recipe is fun, festive, easy to make. And best of all, no oven reqired.

Ten Creative Christmas Decorating Ideas

These 10 great holiday decorating ideas are creative, cheap, and totally festive. From the secret uses of foil to cinnamon stick tricks, find it here.

Christmas Ornament Dough Recipes

Four different recipes for different kinds of doughs for homemade Christmas ornaments. And all of them are easy and tons of fun!

Christmas Wreath Decorating

Tips on how to build your own wreath for Christmas, and how to decorate a pre-made wreath. Lots of unique ideas for decorating a Christmas wreath!

Sugar Water for Christmas Trees

Want to make your Christmas tree last a little longer? Check here for tips on how to keep your tree alive longer, with or without adding things to to water.

Meaning of the Christmas Tree

Ever wondered what your sparkling and festive Christmas tree really means? Here you'll learn all about the meaning and origins of the Christmas tree and its decorations.

Making & Decorating Cinnamon Dough Ornaments

Cinnamon ornaments make great Christmas decorations and easy, inexpensive holiday gifts. This easy recipe uses an applesauce cinnamon dough to make cinnamon ornaments that last for years!

Top Selling Christmas Gifts

Here you'll find some ideas for great Christmas gifts to buy for the men and women in your life-- including some tips on how to think outside the box.

Adult Dinner Party Games

From party icebreakers (to help guests get to know each other) to drinking games to fun word games to play during Christmas dinner itself, these party games are sure to keep your Christmas dinner party lively.

Mexican Christmas Traditions

Whether you want to celebrate your own Mexican heritage or use some Mexican traditions and foods in your Christmas dinner party, click here to learn all about celebrating Xmas the Mexican way.