A giant platter of rib roast or baked ham is an integral part of a proper Christmas feast, and as the day approaches, you may be already searching for ideas for the all-important main course.
We’re here to help.
Fortunately, several of the best options from our Recipe Finder take little advanced work, like this incredibly tender Butter-Poached Standing Rib Roast. Ingredients are minimal as well — a bone-in rib-eye roast, a little thyme, rosemary, shallots, horseradish and a lot of butter. Clarifying the butter may be the most labor-intensive part, but well worth the effort. 
(James M. Thresher for The Washington Post)
This Slow-Roasted Beef recipe requires a similar process, but the searing and roasting are reversed. It also includes steps for a red wine sauce.
To avoid searing all-together, try this Cold Salt-and-Pepper Beef Roast. But note the roast needs to be refrigerated in the rub for 3 to 4 hours.
For those who are more excited about a baked ham, try this sweet Mustard-and-Molasses-Glazed Ham. The molasses forms a nice coating, and wine and stock are the base for a flavorful gravy.
This Apricot-Glaze Ham is a fruitier version, with orange juice, lemon juice and dried apricots.
(Nikki Kahn - The Washington Post)
Roasts and hams provide a great base for side dishes as well.
This Sweet Potato Bourbon Soup makes a great complement to a hearty meat dish. The preparation takes a bit more concentration and a lot of stirring, but can be made a day in advance and refrigerated.
For a rich and elegant potato dish, try this Upper Crust Potatoes recipe. The gratin includes a bit of rosemary and parmesan.
An easy, last-minute side dish is this Carrots With Ginger and Honey. After a quick boil, the carrots are sauteed for only a few minutes in the honey, ginger and butter.
This Holiday Crepe Cake makes a perfect cap to any meal, along with the 25 varieties of sweets from our 2011 Cookie Guide.
More from our Holiday Guide:
Sugar cookie recipes for holiday baking
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