Menu suggestions and recipe links for all your holiday meals from brunch to cocktails to dinner.
TThe countdown to Christmas and the end of the year is really on. I write down menu ideas and make shopping lists.
Careful planning is how I stay organized over the next few weeks. Through this planning, combined with meal prep and some batch cooking, I also ensure I’m relaxed with my feet up on Christmas Day. For real!
Thought I’d share a few menu suggestions in case you need inspiration. Also, if you find a dish that rounds off your menu, then I’ve succeeded.
Simple Bites Holiday Menu Ideas
Here are some of my favorite foods and drinks that I bring around the holidays each year. Many of these dishes, like the classic Gruyère Gougères or the braised lamb shank with winter fruits, are recipes I only make in December, which makes them all the more special.
I hope you revisit an old favorite in the Simple Bites archives or discover a new recipe to fall in love with!
A Holiday Cocktail Party:
Chill the bubbles and blast your sausage boards – this is an opportunity to make memories with friends. Keep it simple or go all out; Delegate some appetizers or DIY. Below are some of my favorite holiday cocktail party finger foods.
Cocktail party desserts
No one would complain if they just put out a tin of the best Christmas cookies, and indeed you should. But if you want to make a pretty dessert ahead of time, here are some of my suggestions.
DRINK: Sparkling vanilla cider party punch
Holiday Brunch Menu
I love hosting a big brunch and below are some of my favorite recipes!
May I suggest that you check out the Christmas brunch tips and recipes first? You’ll find a simple breakdown of my Christmas brunch strategy with linked favorite recipes and perfectly acceptable shortcuts in case you need them.
- Citrus salad with honey cinnamon syrup
- Bacon with maple glaze – I bake my bacon so it stays flat. Then, halfway through the baking time, brush the bacon with pure maple syrup. Can be prepared ahead and frozen.
Holiday Brunch Desserts
The need for dessert at brunch is debatable, but here are a few that would go very well if you decide to go all out.
BEVERAGES:
Christmas menu
Christmas Eve is so personal that I’m hesitant to suggest what to eat.
When we lived in Quebec, Christmas Eve was always a classic pork tourtière with sides of roasted mushrooms, whipped sweet potatoes, and a huge kale salad. A butternut squash macaroni and cheese casserole for little ones too!
And here at Maritimes, they serve seafood in all its wonderful forms. This fragrant simple cioppino would be delicious.
This year my sister and I will be collaborating with our families on Christmas Eve at a grazing board with appetizers. Start with freshly shucked Nova Scotia oysters with hearty cranberry mignonettes and finish with our favorite biscuits. We’ll save the big party for the next day…
Christmas menu:
Here is a menu loved by all with something for everyone. The star of the show is the glazed, off-the-bone leg of lamb. It’s made the day before (it’s tastier that way!), making for a very easy reheat on Christmas Day.
Christmas dinner desserts
Time for a showstopper! These don’t disappoint, especially if you have time to make some pretty toppings.
DRINKS:
I would love to hear your holiday menus! Share in the comments.