What’s on your Christmas menu?
Christmas, as we all know, shortly follows Thanksgiving which is a food focused holiday. We are accustomed to traditional Christmas dinner consisting of several sides like yams, greens and beans, tasty ham and turkey, and a plethora of delicious desserts similar to what we served just 4 weeks prior.
When it comes to Christmas dinner at our house, I love to switch it up a bit. I get excited about creating themed menus that are designed to wow my guests. Every year our family and friends look forward to Christmas dinner with us because they know a fun and interesting food offering will definitely be served!
This year, I will be serving up Christmas Dinner Steak house Style!! That’s right all of our favorite steak house dishes delivered hot and fresh in the comfort of my own kitchen!!
I will also be serving up some of my signature cocktails I shared with you guys earlier this month. If you have not seen my Holiday Cocktail Series, please check my past blogs to view.
Here are some of my favorite Christmas Dinner Ideas I have shared throughout the years for inspiration!
Tasty Tapas
Pescaito Frito (Fried Fish), Calamari, Spanish Omelet, Patatas Bravas, Spanish Cheese Board, Paella, Assorted Olive Plate, Croquettes, Mussels, Pan Tomaca (Spanish Tomato Bread), Flan, Churros Banana Bites, Fig Bars
Small plates of really explosive flavors that can be eaten in a couple of bites. Mix and match to introduce your guests to the wonderful world of Tapas.
Cocktail – Adonis
Wine List: Rioja, Pinot Grigio, Mosacto
A Taste Of Italy
Baked Mushroom Lasagna, Grilled Chicken Parmigiana, Jumbo Shrimp Alfredo, Caesar Salad w/ Garlic Croutons, Italian Style Green Beans, Caprese Salad Skewers, Tiramisu Parfaits w/ Cocoa Almond Brittle
This menu features son traditional Italian inspired dishes that are easy to make. Everyone will enjoy this filling meal of comfort food classics.
Cocktail – Italian Spritzer
Wine List: Lambrusco, Cabernet Savignon, Savignon Blanc, Prosecco
Asian Inspiration
Orange Glazed Chicken, Stir Fry Beef and Broccoli, Shrimp and Lobster Pad Thai, Sesame Sticky Rice, Vegetable Fried Rice, Asian Slaw, Steamed Edamame w/ Sea Salt, Crab Rangoon w/ plum Sauce, Crispy Pot Stickers w/ Ponzu Sauce, Green Tea Cheesecake
Why order Chinese take out for Christmas when you can make it yourself! This menu features tasty and timeless Asian inspired dishes with a varied degree of tastes and textures.
Cocktail – Asian Pear and Ginger Sparkler
Wine List: Saki, Spumante, White Zinfandel
Caribbean Classics
Curry Chicken, Jerk Jumbo Shrimp Skewers, Braised Oxtail, Brown Rice Pilaf w Sweet Green Peas, Jamaican Style Callaloo, Tostones (Fried Plantain) and Maduros (Fried Sweet Plantains), Spiced Beef Patty Bites, Tropical Mango Bars w/ Toasted Coconut Cookies
Serve up Island vibes with these dishes that will take you back to the islands every time. The most popular diches from around the Caribbean makes a great holiday meal filled with good food and memories.
Cocktail – Rum Punch
Wine List: Moscato, Riesling, Merlot
Make It Mexican
Spicy Pork Tenderloin, Taqueria Style Tacos – Carne Asada, Spanish Rice, Poblano & Cheese Tamales, Charred Green Beans with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette, Assorted Flour and Corn tortillas, Salsa Bar, Buneulos
Cocktail – Paloma
Wine List: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot
Pleasantly Plant Based
Vegetable Korma, Basmati Rice, Naan Bread, Whole Roasted Cauliflower, Seared Brussel Sprouts with Rosemary, Honey Glazed Carrots, Buttermilk Yeast Rolls, Upside Down Apple Pecan Pie with Cinnamon Ice Cream
End the year with a wide variety of vegetable dishes that will make you forget meat was not included. This menu highlights some of the best plant based dishes to make your holiday dinner a success.
Cocktail: Mumbai Mule
Wine List: Sparkling Moscato, Riesling, JamJar Sweet Shiraz
Seafood Spectacular
Maple Mustard Crusted Salmon, New England Crab Boil Bags, Steamed Mussels with Lemon & Garlic Butter Sauce, Roasted Tri-Color Fingerling Potatoes, Saffron Rice with Mixed Vegetables, Steamed Green Beans, Butter Basted Broccoli and House Salad w/ Croutons, Butterscotch Creme Brulee
Celebrations and seafood go well together. This menu includes very delicious recipes that will wake up the taste buds and deliver a wow factor for your family and friends.
Cocktail – Sparkling Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
Wine List: Riesling, Pinot Gris & Chardonnay
Let’s Talk Fabulous
I like to plan and create nice table-scapes to complement my theme and make the meal magical. Use cute candles, and eclectic mix of linens and china or over-sized funky silverware to enhance the mood you want to set. There are no hard and fast rules. Just put together a look you love that is fast, simple and stress free.
Must Do Tasks To Set The Mood:
1. Be sure to print your menu. Can be done very easily using an app like Canva.
2. Make a playlist – Use Apple Music or any streaming service to create
I recommend you use your end of the year holiday dinner as an opportunity to experiment with recipes from around the world, or add a twist to familiar items to keep the occasion new and exciting for your family and guests.
Please save me a seat at your table so I can enjoy this feast with my new found blogger bestie! Jasmine 2022 will be my year to just start! You’ve been an inspiration to me since I ran across you! I look forward to coming to Instagram daily just to see what you “GOT” going on in your world! I hope to be that person one day! One more thing before I go, the one thing I absolutely love about you is that you keep it so “REAL”! Keep doing you lady! I loved reading your blog and I will be back!
Anisha, Thank you s much for your kind words. I appreciate you becoming part of my tribe. I wish you and your family the best during this holiday season.