Take the stress out of hosting with my Christmas Dinner Menu! Features favorite kitchen-tested, family-approved, make-ahead, and quick-prep recipes, from appetizers to desserts, so you can spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
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Make an Unforgettable Christmas Dinner Menu
I promise that hosting Christmas dinner doesn’t have to feel like running a marathon! After over 30 years of planning holiday meals, (and wearing myself out) I’ve figured out the secret: a Christmas Dinner Menu filled with make-ahead and quick-prep recipes that deliver big flavor without the stress. These are the dishes my family asks for year after year, and I’m thrilled to share them with you, along with my best tips for keeping the day fun and stress-free.
This menu is designed to give you the best of both worlds—delicious food and plenty of time to enjoy the holiday. I’ve got everything covered from easy appetizers to desserts that look fancy but are a breeze to whip up. Whether you’re prepping ahead or throwing something together in the moment, you’ll be free to spend more time where it really matters: around the tree, playing games (don’t miss our family favorites!), and soaking in all the laughter and love of Christmas Day. You’ve got this—and I’m here to make sure of it!
11 Hosting Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday
- Embrace imperfection: Your guests care about spending time with you, not spotless floors.
- Broom sweep: Focus on cleaning areas guests will see—don’t stress about the rest. Tip: Get one of your empty Christmas bins, gather all the clutter you don’t have time to deal with, and put it in the garage or basement.
- Set up early: Get out serving dishes and utensils in advance, using sticky notes to label what dish goes in what.
- Ask for help: When someone offers, say yes! Let guests contribute by bringing a dish or helping with setup.
- Plan: Ask for dishes to be brought in advance—it lightens your load and creates a collaborative meal.
- Prep drinks in advance: Have a festive punch or cocktail ready for self-serve. Try this easy make-ahead Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini! Fill a drink bucket with ice, sparkling water, etc. Set out an ice bucket and plastic cups, and be sure to have a big pitcher of water (toss in some sliced oranges, cranberries, lemons, and mint). At every party or holiday meal I am always amazed at how much water my guests drink!
- Set the table early: Lay it out a day or two ahead to save time on party day. If you only have one table, make meals fun and casual—eat by the fire with TV trays!
- Keep appetizers simple – try Cowboy Crack Dip or Cranberry Jalapeno Dip — both are better made in advance!
- Use disposable or easily washable dishes for dessert and set up your dessert station.
- Create Ambiance: Light candles, play soft music, and dim the lights for a cozy, inviting vibe. (Bonus: low lighting makes it harder to spot the dust bunnies—wink-wink!)
- Relax and enjoy: Your attitude sets the tone—breathe, smile, and soak in the moments!
Festive Cocktails and Mocktails
Every year, I love featuring a signature cocktail for our Christmas Dinner Menu, and this year it’s my Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini. It’s bright, fresh, and so easy to make! You can prep most of it ahead—make the Cranberry Simple Syrup, squeeze the lemon juice a day early, and chill everything, including popping the vodka in the freezer for that extra frosty touch (don’t worry, it won’t freeze!). I’ve got tips for making it by the glass or pitcher, so it’s perfect for any crowd. Plus, I’m sharing a few of our past holiday cocktail favorites for inspiration! Cheers!
Favorite Make-Ahead Appetizers
When it comes to appetizers, I like to keep things simple and light—after all, we’ve got a big meal ahead! My go-to recipes are Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip and Cowboy Crack Dip. Both can be served with gluten-free and regular crackers, plus a colorful spread of carrot chips and cucumber slices for a healthier option. The best part? They take just minutes to whip up and can be prepped ahead, so you’re not scrambling last minute. Easy, delicious, and stress-free—just the way I like it!
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Our Favorite Holiday Salad
Are you team salad for Christmas dinner, or do you skip it to save room for the heavier sides? I’ll admit, I used to be in the “skip it” camp, but now I can’t imagine our Christmas Dinner Menu without something light and fresh to balance things out. This Maple Apple Pecan Salad is a total showstopper—whenever I bring it to a gathering, someone asks for the recipe!
The best part? You can prep everything ahead, keep it chilled, and toss it together just before serving. It’s the perfect mix of bright, crisp, and festive. Oh, I typically toss in pomegranate arils for the holidays because they just scream Christmas!
The Main Event: WOW-Worthy Main Dishes
This year, we’re hosting a crowd, and my ham-loving family would never forgive me if I didn’t serve their favorite Spiral Ham. I start it in the crockpot (so easy!) and finish it in the oven for a perfectly caramelized glaze.
And because one star isn’t enough, I’m also making a tender, flavorful Beef Tenderloin. It couldn’t be easier, and I’ve included all the tips for timing and temperatures, whether you like it rare or, like us, a little more well-done. These dishes are simple, stunning, and guaranteed to impress!
Side Dishes That Steal the Show
Now for what I think is the best part of any holiday meal—the side dishes! Sure, we need a protein to anchor the table, but I think the sides are the real stars. These recipes are not only our family’s tried-and-true favorites but also wonderfully easy to pull together. Most can be prepped ahead and baked when you’re ready, whipped up on the stovetop in minutes, or even tossed in the crockpot for a hands-off win. Ready to dig in? Let’s make those sides shine!
The Final Word: Desserts That Shine
For me, no holiday is complete without a delicious dessert (or two!). Along with an assortment of Christmas cookies—our favorites include Pizzelles, Pfeffernusse, Baklava, Snickerdoodles, and Shortbread—I love to serve a show-stopping sweet to end the meal.
My family are HUGE chocolate fans, so I often whip up a no-bake Chocolate Pie, alternating yearly between a graham cracker crust or an Oreo cookie crust. This year, I’m bringing back my Tiramisu, which always impresses! The best part? Both desserts are make-ahead treats and taste even better when prepared in advance. Less stress, more deliciousness—what’s not to love?
How Many to Make: A Guide to Your Holiday Feast
We’re having 12 for Christmas dinner so I’ve planned the menu to make sure there’s something for everyone without going crazy. Whether hosting a small group or a bigger crowd, here’s a simple guide to help you decide how many to make.
- Main Dishes: For 12, two smaller main dishes are perfect. This gives variety and makes sure there’s enough to go around. A general rule of thumb is one main dish for every 8-10 people or two smaller options for bigger gatherings.
- Salads: One salad is enough, especially as a lighter side to the main meal.
- Side Dishes: Plan for 4-6 sides so your guests have some variety without overwhelming the table. Having make-ahead and quick-prep options helps keep things stress-free.
- Desserts: For 12, 2-3 desserts are just right. They’ll give everyone a sweet ending to the meal and make sure everyone gets their favorite treat.
This formula works for any size gathering. Just adjust the number of dishes based on your guest count—and always plan for a little extra because leftovers are a holiday bonus!
Be sure to comment below on your favorite recipes from our Christmas Menu!
Ed
Lactose intolerant here. Too many recipes with cheese/dairy.
Sorry to hear that Ed, I’m definitely not a dairy free site, but have plenty of recipes that don’t have dairy or often I’ll give alternatives. Merry Christmas.