Backward design (Educational design method)

Backwards design is an educational concept of really just knowing where you want to get and planning all the steps to get there. But, I promise this applies to hosting big events.

Plan what time you want to have the big meal and then look at all of your recipes and components and make a schedule of when you need to start each thing so that it will all be ready at the identified serving time. I overestimate times and include time to prep and essentially time block it all out. I write this on paper and put it on my fridge. Easy to keep track of and timing everything out makes it all feel manageable.