5 Foods That Work Great for Christmas Parties

When making Christmas dinner for the family, lots of deliciously traditional foods come to mind: turkey and ham, Grandma’s green bean casserole, candied yams, stuffing, plenty of mashed potatoes and soft dinner rolls. Fear not. You don’t have to invest a ton of time to produce a truly memorable holiday party. Appetizers are the name of the game for a Christmas-themed party. Many of them you can make well ahead of time so you can sit back and enjoy the party as well. You’ll want one main dish, of course, but a few appetizers paired with some delicious cocktails will really kick off the party.

1. Stick with the Skewers

Christmas party food ideas are nearly endless when it comes to cocktail party food on a stick. Try tortellini on skewers (buy green and red pasta for a brilliant touch), or opt for coconut-fried shrimp with pineapple sauce. Pigs in a blanket are always a welcome sight, and you can cut up some broccoli bites to dip in queso with toothpicks. Break out your indoor grill and make shish kabob with green and red peppers for a festive treat.

2. Finger Foods

Give guests appetizers they can simply pile onto a plate, with no flatware required. Bruschetta is always a perfect touch here. Add some green pepper to the tomato-basil mixture for a more festive feel. Mini pizzas also work well, and flatbread is another option. If you happen to have a panini press, now’s the time to go wild. In addition to queso and bites, you can also put out a rich, creamy dip with chips. Try a creamy shrimp dip with chives or artichoke dip for those who abstain from shellfish.

3. Simple Main Dishes

Think simple when it comes to your main dish. Roasts are perfect for holiday entertaining. Opt for that traditional turkey, ham or even prime rib. Prepare it the day before the party, carve and set aside. Simply warm it up right before your guests arrive, then place it on a serving platter. Pair turkey with gravy, prime rib with au jus and ham with pineapple sauce to make a wonderful main dish treat.

Keep-it-Simple Tip: It is perfectly acceptable to skip the main dish entirely and simply make a myriad of appetizers. It’s your party, remember?

4. Festive, Make-Ahead Cocktails

Depending on the amount of people you’re having, you may not have time to play bartender. Well before the guests arrive, whip up a batch of a holiday cocktail. Try a twist on an old egg nog recipe by adding some Southern Comfort, or make a hot buttered rum drink ahead of time. Spike the punch, or simply serve some beers in an ice bucket. The right bar accessories can really come in handy here to reduce your preparation time as everyone is asking for a drink. Make some non-alcoholic versions of fun holiday drinks for children or guests that don’t drink. A Cherry Bomb comes to mind – simply add a generous amount of grenadine to plain seltzer for a delicious and festive treat. Don’t forget to add the cherries and limes at the end!

5. Easy-to-Manage Desserts

When it comes to desserts, again think along the lines of finger foods. You can go for many holiday favorites, from Christmas cookies to apple roses. Apple roses are also a fun and festive recipe. Slice apples very thinly, rolling them up in strips of pie crust along with preserves. As you roll the apple with the pie crust, it forms a rose. Place in a muffin tin and bake for a beautiful and unique holiday treat. Don’t forget to offer coffee with your delectable desserts, pairing the after-dinner beverage with a selection of holiday-themed coffee mugs to add a special touch. Making fudge ahead of time also works well for Christmas parties. Sprinkle the pre-cut fudge with red and green sprinkles to make it festive.