Christmas for a crowd away from home - any tips?

This thread almost makes me wish we were doing it.

Sounds really great.

Yes, everyone will be mucking in, thanks, and I've already had offers of meals to bring/cook. And we'll be sorting out who's going to bring what, food and drink wise. Will def. be taking a cool box since will pick up the turkey early in the morning before the long drive down.
Just as well dh's car has a huge boot, since I think it's going to be laden anyway!
I have just bought an exceedingly corny Christmas tin of shortbread from Sainsbury's - I don't really like shortbread but after dh has scoffed it I'll use it for loads of my special very cheesy cheese straws to take down.
If you can't be corny at Christmas...

Have just thought of the stick blender - there will be one vegan among us who I am assured will largely see to his own food, but I might make a huge pot of curried parsnip soup, which is dead easy and lovely after a wintry walk, and can easily be vegan if I use the right stock cubes.
Lists are getting longer!

Oh gosh, this almost made me have a panic attack at the very thought of all that on top of the usual planning for Christmas.

Had Christmas in a rented flat in another city last year (long story).Seemed to take an embarassing amout of 'stuff'for 4 adults (the staff took the extraordinary number of bags and boxes up for us in a laundry trolley )but I knew it would be basic .Nice place but geared to business people not holiday makers .Would endorse the disposable foil trays and rubbish sacks We seemed to produce an embarassing amount of rubbish too!And sealable boxes for any leftovers .

Sellotape and wrapping paper for last minute forgotten wrappers !

There is an air of simmering excitement and anticipation to this thread. Thanks Witzend. Christmas has started here.

Hi Witzend thank you for reminding me to check up, we are renting an apartment in Cornwall for Christmas, nd at the price we are paying I am asuming everything will be provided, but one never knows, we shall see when we arrive, we cant take much as we are flying from Sweden, but there are lots of local shops, if they havent run out by the time we arrive!Happy Christmas Witzend

Sounds fantastic, if you do have young ones go to the pound shop and get some colouring book and crayons or pens and plenty of scrap paper and I expect you will have a few board games to take.

disposabile camera's left in every room for all to use will give you photographs of moments you didnt see

Blu Tac for hanging decorations, after dinner games, cling film/tin foil. Sorry if these have been mentioned. Have a great time!

Whew, so glad I have cancelled Christmas this year, we wil do ecxactly the same as we do any other day, except I will probably give myself the day off work.