Their First Christmas

Their First Christmas

If you're newly married, deciding where to spend Christmas dinner can be a challenge. Tim and Elizabeth Griffin solved the matter by starting their own tradition and inviting over a few couples for a laid-back get-together at their home in Little Rock, Arkansas. "These recipes are perfect for folks preparing Christmas dinner for the first time; they look special but are really easy to make," explains Elizabeth. In fact, she recommends preparing the Holiday Roast With Gravy the day before. "Once the roast cools, I cut it into slices and then pour the gravy over the meat," she says. "I cover it with foil and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, I pop it in the oven for about 45 minutes to reheat." The Griffins encourage each couple to bring a bottle or two of wine for an informal predinner tasting. Whether you're new to wine or a true aficionado, there are loads of serving tips and pairing suggestions on the Food and Wine Resource Guide.