Christmas is almost here, do you have your meal plan yet? I’m so thankful to be hosting friends on Christmas Eve. Since we have 5 kids coming for dinner and several menu restrictions (including a non-red-meat eater, an only-red-meat-eater, and me, the mostly-gluten-and-dairy-free gal) I’ll admit I was perplexed as to what to serve. Thanks to a recent helpful conversation on Facebook about Christmas meal ideas, we decided on something different this year: appetizers for dinner! Or if you want to be fancy we can call them tapas. Just don’t tell the kids, because calling them tapas sounds similar to topless and after too many servings of Santa’s Little Helper I might find that funny.
We’re so excited at the thought of a huge spread of appetizers it’s stupid. It’s pretty perfect though– everyone can grab several things they want and no one is left out. Plus with young kids (four of them are under six years old) we can really tailor it to what they want to eat without sacrificing our taste buds. Add in a big fresh & savory salad, some delicious beverages, and a few awesome choices for dessert and I think we’ll have a happy crew.
Here’s what I have planned for the menu, I’d love to hear what’s going to be on your table this holiday!
Christmas Menu Ideas
Drinks:
Santa’s Little Helper (for the adults)
Wassail- recipe from Musings of a Housewife, kept warm in the Crockpot (for everyone)
Appetizers:
{Spanakopita (keeping it easy, bought ready-made from Trader Joes!)
Crostini Bar via Better Homes and Gardens (a loaf of sliced and slightly toasted baguette with a spread that includes bacon jam, capicola, roasted red peppers, tapenade, slivers of fresh parmesan, pesto, and any favorite toppers readily available from the olive bar at the grocery store)
Meatballs (I love the Cooked Perfect brand; I bought a bag of Swedish Meatballs and one of Gluten Free. I’ll bake them in the oven and also whip up a dipping sauce for those that want it.)
Teriyaki Chicken Wings– I’m searching high and low for my mom’s famous recipe; if I can’t find it, I’ll use this teriyaki chicken wings recipe and tweak it a bit)
Macaroni and Cheese Bites– these sound so good I have a feeling both kids AND adults will love them!
Baked Brie with Cranberry and Walnut topping
Salad:
Christmas Desserts:
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies
We don’t have much planned for brunch the next day, with the exception that we’ll be making our absolute FAVORITE breakfast / brunch recipe, popovers! My husband made them recently with gluten free flour, and while they were a little denser they still tasted great. Served with fresh berries and blueberry jam it’s a big family hit.
My son is so happy to have both parents home and lots of time to play trains together.
All of these recipes (and way more) can be found on my Christmas Recipes Pinterest board. Take a peek and follow it if you’re so inclined!
My heart is bursting that we’ll be spending Christmas Eve with great friends. If I can’t go back to my hometown for the holidays, at least we can spend it with friends that feel like family. Can you relate?
What’s on your Christmas menu? Are we nuts for focusing on the Christmas drinks, appetizers, and desserts? Have a favorite holiday meal idea to share? Let’s chat about all things Christmas food related!
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Wow! What a spread! I was up until midnight putting together spanakopita and church window cookies last night, but this is nothing compared to all the goodies you have planned!