Up to 1 Month Before

  • Make Tom-and-Jerry Brownies. Cover tightly and freeze.
  • Make Santa's Favorite Snack.
  • Make cake for Spiced Praline-Pumpkin Roll. After wrapping in towel and cooling at least 30 minutes, wrap tightly in freezer paper or place in large resealable plastic food-storage bag. Label and freeze.

Up to 1 Day Before

  • Make Sausage-Cheese Balls, but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate.
  • Make Betty Crocker cheesecakes from mixes. Cover and refrigerate.
  • Make Christmas Tree Appetizers. Cover and refrigerate.
  • Make Orange Yogurt Fruit Dip. Cover and refrigerate.
  • Make Salmon Topping for Cucumber, Carrot and Smoked Salmon Crudités; cover and refrigerate.

The Morning Of

  • Mix up Hot Crab Dip, but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate.
  • Make mini corn muffins for Merry Mini-Muffin Sandwiches. When cool, store in airtight container.
  • Cut up assorted fresh fruit for Orange Yogurt Fruit Dip. If serving bananas or other fruits that brown, wait until closer to serving time. Then dip fruit in orange, lemon or pineapple juice to keep from browning.
  • Thaw Tom-and-Jerry Brownies and cake for Spicy Praline-Pumpkin Roll.

About 2 Hours Before Party Begins

  • Finish Spicy Praline-Pumpkin Roll. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Finish Cucumber, Carrot and Smoked Salmon Crudités. Carefully cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Make and heat Spiced Cran-Apple Cider.

About 1 Hour Before Party Begins

  • Cut Tom-and-Jerry Brownies into desired shapes. Place on serving plate; cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve.
  • Make Endive with Cherry-Chicken Salad. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Assemble Merry Mini-Muffin Sandwiches; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

About 30 Minutes Before Serving

  • Finish Hot Crab Dip.
  • Bake Sausage-Cheese Balls.

About 5 Minutes Before Serving

  • Make Brie with Cranberries and Pistachio Nuts.
  • Make Noel Spritzers.
  • Set out assorted crackers and raw vegetables for dipping and assorted beverages, as desired.