After a season of shopping, wrapping, parties and gift exchanges, the thought of hosting a Christmas dinner has that edge-of-the-slope feeling of excitement and fright. And didn’t we just spend hours helicoptering a turkey along with all of its faithful sides? If you were to do a poll, and trust me we have, ask partygoers to choose their favorite part of the holiday meal and it’s typically the small bites. You know, the kind of appetizers served on a platter, gently peddled by a cute server wearing a bow tie and apron. By offering appetizers as a meal, cross out preparation anxiety and the fear your guests won’t like the menu with enough nibble-sized options to equate to a full meal. It’s simple, delicious and even the clean up is a breeze since you don’t have to set up a formal sit-down dinner.
A variety of platters, which includes sliders and dessert trays, meet the demands of versatile eaters.
4 Ideas for a Simple Holiday Feast
Decor: Create a festive table with Christmas crackers, small ornaments, gifts and greenery adorned with cranberries. Pine clipped from the tree is great for embellishing the platters. Desserts add holiday pizzaz. A versatile poinsettia delivers on the simple Christmas scheme.
Festive Christmas crackers are part of the decor and entertainment.
Grazing Boards: Pull out a variety of cutting boards to assemble your smoked meats, cheeses, nuts and dried fruit. A basket of rolls, salads and fruit bowl complete the buffet and satisfies all palettes.
Menu: Consult your trusted caterer, fine food purveyor or even the frozen food section of your market for their selection of small bites, notably sliders and mini sandwiches. Offer gluten-free and vegetarian options so all dietary restraints will be accounted for.
Guests help themselves, keeping the meal relaxed.
Dessert Buffet: If we could all live in a town with a local fudge shop, their dazzling selections this time of year inspires. Otherwise ogle online sweets venues where candy canes, peppermint bark, ribbon candy and chocolate wrapped in festive foils are almost too pretty to eat. A gingerbread house adds whimsy while a statement cake in Christmas colors will generate a round of applause.
-
- Candies and treats alluringly displayed in different levels.
-
- Classic peppermint bark is part of the decor and dessert.
-
- A Christmas cake is pure statement.
Resources:
Cutting board: J.K. Adams
Smoked turkey breast and duck: Nueske’s
Pedestal plate: BIA Cordon Bleu
Christmas crackers: Harrods
Christmas ornaments: Bethany Lowe Designs
Foiled snowmen chocolates: Madelaine Chocolate Company
Striped paper straws: Shop Sweet and Treats
Belgian chocolate peppermint bark: terrain
Holiday truffles: Lindt Lindor
Christmas cake: Palmer’s Bakery
That is dinner perfection for me. We have so many allergies and intolerances: just give me some cheese and good conversation and I’m a happy girl!
Grazing is so much more fun and no pans! Simpatico once again friend.