Sounds perfect in every way!

Enjoy!

I wouldn't make the guacamole a day in advance. I know other people do, but I want it fresher. You can chop all the ingredients except the avocados, and just add them on the 24th.

It all sounds great.

Sounds like a great buffet! I agree with sushipup about the guac - it gets brown really fast! I LOVE refried beans - any chance of adding this to the buffet? And maybe a punch bowl of sangria?

hostapasta

Have enough napkins!
And bowls for those people like me who take one bite out of a taco and everything comes spilling out!

A taco buffet dinner -- great idea!
And your friend Susie is smiling down on you (and I'll bet her mouth is watering...).

Just a tip I read: Put the pit from the avocado in your dip before refrigerating it will keep the green from turning brown. It worked for me but I made it the morning I was going to serve it.

If you have to make the gaucamole in advance, save the seed and put in/bury it in the dip... it should help keep it from turning too brown.

I like tacos for a crowd -everyone can pick and choose what they like.

The "pit-in-the-guac" is an old wives tale. Use citrus (lime preferred) and cover the surface with plastic wrap.

Here is a link that might be useful: keep it green

You are not organized. You are SUPER-ORGANIZED! Very impressive, Caroline.

I just wonder if you need black and refried beans both. Just trying to make it a little easier for you.

You are doing a beautiful job of honoring your dear friend, Susie. Enjoy yourself!

Sorry - I re-read & you do have refried beans! And I would keep both refried & black beans - yum!

Sonds wonderfu;. My best friend is having subway sandwiches for Christmas Eve! You're right about too many hams and turkeys. I like to serve beef on Christmas, just to be diofferent. steaks or prime rib.

I have fallen in love with Glenda's corn pudding, and I think it would go great with your meal as a side dish. It can be made ahead and reheated quite nicely.

I love tacos and your dinner sounds great! Sometimes when we have tacos we also have cornbread? That would be the only thing I'd add! Enjoy!

I too am having a big party on Christmas Day (now over 190) and do not cook like you all do. I have to have help. I like to have a cleaned up kitchen at all times so things move easily through to the party. Garbage and dirty dishes need to go away.

My tips are: Start with an empty disihwasher and garbage cans. Have a covered tub or tubs that you can put the rinsed off dishes in that can't go in the dishwasher and keep it off to the side. Keep the dishwasher going the whole party and empty it and add. At the end of the party, if this works, you have a lot less to do.

That's what I have to offer.

sushipup, you know the link provided says the pit trick works? :-) (maybe not as good as other things..but it does say it works/ can help - at least that's how I read the article).

A local chef taught us the Pit trick at a cooking demonstration. He also said to cover the guac. with a thin layer of mayo. That too would cut out the air. He did use lime juice in his so maybe that was helping too, and of course covering tightly can never hurt!

From that article: "referred ... to the book The Curious Cook by Harold McGee. McGee did experiments with guacamole and avocado pits and discovered that the secret was simply that the avocado pit physically blocked air from oxidizing the guacamole." I assume this to mean that it blocked the air contact where the pit was in contact with the avocado. Doesn't work for any other surfaces.

And when you cover it, press the plastic wrap down against the surface, like a skin.

At work, to our taco bar, I brought a can of pickled jalapeno's with sliced carrots. They cost me .79 cents for a HUGE can and displayed nicely in a bowl with shrimp forks to pluck out, on the table. People, generally men, like to eat them plain, not on a taco. :0) It's a cheap and pretty accompaniment.

Was going to suggest the jalapenos.

Your menu sounds wonderful!
We have always had Mexican food on Christmas Eve. Gotta have tamales and a glass of Champagne after Midnight Mass!

I realize it's too late now but I'm shocked that I don't see doggie biscuits or the like on that menu anywhere. What has happened to you Caroline?