Christmas is coming and with it the big question about the Christmas dinner. Are you still thinking about what you will be cooking this year? We got you covered! You will love our selection of cozy comfort Christmas food ideas from around the world plus our tips for a stress-free perfect holiday meal.
Maybe you already have an idea for the main course, but you do not know which starter might fit? Or you would like to spend more time on Christmas Eve with your family instead of in the kitchen? With our tips on recipes, planning, and preparation you can look forward to the big family reunion!
Think in advance how many guests you expect, what ingredients you need for your menu and how much time you want to spend in the kitchen. A 3 to 4-course meal is more elaborate than a cheese or a cold plate and the preparation takes longer.
Make it easier and choose dishes that are well prepared for your Christmas meal, so you do not have to spend all day in the kitchen.
So that you can also relax and enjoy your meal, choose a maximum of one course that must be finished to the point.
You should also note that some ingredients such as duck or geese must be ordered ahead of time. It’s best that you think about what you want to cook and what ingredients you need just three to four weeks before the holiday. Buy everything that is durable already a few weeks before the dinner. This makes cooking on Christmas Eve more relaxed.
Another question that arises when choosing the Christmas dinner: how adventurous do you dare to be? In general, we cook something that we already trust, so we don’t get stressed out. If your menu is a bit more complicated, it’s best to test the Christmas recipe you want before, so there’s no nasty surprise on Christmas Eve.
Do not forget the holiday drinks and Christmas table decoration – it all creates a festive atmosphere. The most important thing about Christmas dinner is that the family comes together and everyone is comfortable.
A menu consists of at least three courses: appetizer, main course, and dessert. For a 4-course meal, the entree usually follows a cold and a hot appetizer. But three courses are perfectly adequate for a family dinner – especially if there are children and the food is served before the presents are opened.
When composing a menu, it makes sense to first set the main course. Try to find something that tastes good to all guests. If a vegetarian is present, plan just one meat dish and a few vegetarian side dishes or offer another alternative.
The starter should not be too heavy, so the guests are not already full when the main course comes on the table. Before a hearty main course, a salad is ideal.
When choosing your ingredients, you should pay attention to variety. If the main course is a meat dish, choose fish or something vegetarian for the appetizer.
As you know, we eat with our eyes first – so make sure that the dishes on your menu also differ in color. For example, if you serve a light cream soup as an appetizer, try the darker sauces for the main course. In addition, it is easy to set accents with starters and desserts: sprinkle pomegranate seeds on your salad, or garnish the dessert with mint or roasted nuts.
Although most vegetables are available around the year, use seasonal vegetables such as cabbage, root vegetables or leeks when putting together your Christmas meal and also prefer winter varieties such as chicory or arugula in salads.
You still need a hostess gift? Discover our delicious homemade Baileys, the cute snow globe German gingerbread cookie village, or no-bake chocolate salami.
Featured on The Boondocks Blog and Art Decoration Crafting.
This is such a great post Jas! Such interesting recipes! Thanks for including my Boozy Cranberry Sauce!
You’re welcome, Beth! I love both your parsnip and cranberry sauce recipes. Thanks for sharing them with us!
Lots of awesome tips and delicious dishes in this post Jas, thanks so much for including my recipes!
Thank you, Ramona, and thanks for sharing your yummy recipes with us!
Hi Jas, sending out good wishes for your quick return to full-time posting. You’ve corraled in a great collection of Holiday recipes here.
Thank you, Ron. I’m still on the same posting schedule, although fighting through my flu. I might slow down in January to tackle projects that are now on the back burner. Hope you’re enjoying your weekend!
So many delicious choices! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party – hope your week is great!
Thank you, Helen! Happy Holidays!
Such lovely colors and yummy. Really good. Thanks for this Fiesta Friday treat. Happy Holiday!
Thank you, Rita! 🙂 Happy holiday season to you and yours!
So glad you like them! Thank you for stopping in and Happy Holidays!
I’m happy you like them, Christina! There are a few I haven’t tried yet and am looking forward to making them. Happy Holidays!