40 Christmas dinner party ideas to warm up your winter

With the arrival of shorter days and longer evenings, it’s natural to start dreaming of warm and festive Christmas dinner parties. Hot drinks, twinkling lights, chestnuts roasting (or at least Nat King Cole singing about them)—we’re talking the whole Christmas card picture, in the form of a real-life get-together.

If you want to throw a cozy holiday party this year but you don’t know where to start, we’ve created a guide with all our favorite holiday dinner party ideas for the perfect gathering. Plus, Marcie Pantzer, founder of Dear Annabelle, a luxury stationery and home goods brand, has a few tips for those finishing touches that turn a normal meal into a gorgeous holiday dinner party. Follow along and your holiday dinner party will be the hit of the season.

Christmas dinner party appetizer ideas

 

It can be difficult to know what appetizers to serve at a Christmas party. How much is too much before the main course goes out? 

We’ve got a collection of light, easy-to-make holiday appetizers that’ll give your guests plenty to eat before the main course and give you a little more time to decorate for your Christmas party.

 

 

1. Cranberry brie bites

As pretty as they are delicious, this Christmas party staple is the hit of every gathering. And no one needs to know how easy they are to make.

• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2 dozen 
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Recipe: Try this one from The Country Cook.

2. Tortellini skewers

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time at your own party when you serve up simple yet delicious skewers. White mozzarella cheese, red cherry tomatoes, and green spinach tortellini tie all the holiday colors together.

• Total time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 18 skewers
• Diet: Vegetarian, gluten-free
• Recipe: Use this one from Food Network.

3. Pine cone cheese ball

Who knew that cream cheese, almonds, and a handful of other ingredients look just like a pine cone on your table? Add this beautiful appetizer to your menu, which may be just as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 16 balls
• Diet: Vegetarian, gluten-free
• Recipe: We like this one from Allrecipes.

4. Cheese-stuffed cherry tomatoes

Make your appetizer spread a little more merry and bright with festive red cherry tomatoes. Stuffed with delicious feta cheese and oregano mixture, these bite-sized apps are quick to make and handy to grab during a party.

• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 tomatoes
• Diet: Vegetarian, gluten-free
• Recipe: Here’s one from Taste of Home.

5. Pull-apart Christmas tree

Decorate your holiday table with herb rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree—hot and ready for guests to serve themselves. Best of all, you don’t even need to make the dough—this cute appetizer comes courtesy of store-bought pizza dough.

• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8 rolls
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Recipe: Make yours with Delish.

6. Salmon and mashed potato croquettes

Mashed potatoes that you can eat with your fingers? Yes, please. Prepare these crispy salmon and mashed potato croquettes and get ready for oohs and ahhs all evening long.

• Total time: 2 hours, 40 minutes
• Servings: 20 croquettes
• Diet: Pescatarian, dairy-free
• Recipe: Try this using tips from Martha Stewart.

7. Baked coconut shrimp

Wish guests a Mele Kalikimaka with a coconut shrimp recipe that takes you to Hawaii in every bite. You don’t need to host a Hawaiian-themed Christmas party to serve this dish—though we highly recommend it.

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 shrimp
• Diet: Pescatarian, gluten-free, dairy-free
• Recipe: Use this one from The Modern Proper.

8. Crispy olives

Anyone can set out olives in an appetizer spread, but it takes a special host to raise it up a notch and prepare this crispy olive recipe. Breaded and fried for just a few minutes, these olives taste great with any dip your guests bring over.

• Total time: 30 minutes prep, 1–2 minutes to fry
• Servings: 4–6 olives
• Diet: Vegetarian, dairy-free
• Recipe: Here’s one from Bon Appétit.

9. Charcuterie cups

The only downside of a beautiful charcuterie board is that you find yourself hovering around the appetizer table all night long. That’s where this handy little recipe comes in! Stack charcuterie ingredients into individual cups—like Meri Meri’s Block Print Cups—for easy access while guests mingle.

• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 8 cups
• Diet: Make this dish vegan with ingredients from the Minimalist Baker.
• Recipe: Use a recipe from Inspired by Charm.

10. Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus

Impress your guests with elegant prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, served with a tart raspberry sauce. These fancy appetizers are deceptively simple to make—they only require four ingredients.

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 16 asparagus stalks
• Diet: Gluten-free, dairy-free
• Recipe: Use one from Taste of Home.

Christmas dinner party main course ideas

 

Though Thanksgiving tends to be the dinner-centered holiday of the season, this year Christmas has a fighting chance. Go bold with savory flavors and herbs in these easy Christmas dinner party ideas—and if you can’t decide between two of these delectable entrees, serve a two-course dinner.

11. Glazed baked ham

With only 10 minutes of prep work and seven ingredients—one of which is a ham—this classic holiday main dish is simple to make and heavenly to enjoy.  

• Total time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 
• Diet: Gluten-free, dairy-free
• Recipe: We like this one from Ahead of Thyme.

12. Grilled Cornish game hens

For an elegant addition to your Christmas dinner party, serve Cornish game hens as your main course. Easier to prepare and roast than they look, this recipe chills the hens in an herb brine to infuse the meat with savory flavor throughout.

• Total time: 11 hours (45 minutes active)
• Servings: 6–8 
• Diet: Gluten-free, dairy-free
• Recipe: That herb brine recipe is from Myrecipes.

13. Cranberry and lentil bake

Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will love the mingled holiday flavors of tart cranberry and hearty lentils baked into one dish. With unique herbal combinations and a short baking time, this entree may become one of your Christmas dinner staples.

• Total time: 30 minutes (5 minutes active)
• Servings: 1 (increase accordingly for larger guest lists)
• Diet: Vegan, gluten-free
• Recipe: This dish is delicious from BBC Good Food.

14. Peppercorn-crusted standing rib roast

Pepper, rosemary, and sage come together for the perfect first bite of your rib roast. All you need to do is prepare the flavorful coating—the oven does the rest.

• Total time: 15 hours, 55 minutes (10 minutes active)
• Servings: 10 
• Diet: Gluten-free
• Recipe: Get the flavor with Southern Living.

15. Salt cod brandade

Delight the fish fans around your table with a delicious baked salt cod brandade—perfect as a holiday main course or side dish.

• Total time: 4.5 hours prep, 30 minutes cooking
• Servings: 4–6
• Diet: Pescatarian
• Recipe: Here’s a great one from Bon Appétit.

16. Pomegranate glazed pork

For a rich pork roast to remember, use a sweet pomegranate and maple syrup glaze to invoke the flavors of winter. This recipe comes with its own side dish—roast carrots—making it a quality use of holiday cooking time.

• Total time: 2 hours, 50 minutes (30 minutes active)
• Servings: 6–8
• Diet: Dairy-free, gluten-free
• Recipe: Find the recipe mentioned above at Food Network.

17. Stuffed turkey breast

If you’re still tired from making a whole turkey at Thanksgiving, opt for a kale-and-sausage-stuffed turkey breast instead. Seasonal stuffing enhances a juicy turkey breast for a satisfying holiday main dish, complete with roasted brussel sprouts on the side.

• Total time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (55 minutes active)
• Servings: 8
• Diet: Gluten-free, dairy-free
• Recipe: Cook it with Martha Stewart.

18. Eggplant parmesan “meatballs”

Don’t be fooled by these “meatballs”—they’re completely vegetarian. Full of smoky eggplant flavor and served with sweet marinara, these meatballs may find their way to your table again after the new year.

• Total time: 1 hour
• Servings: 20 meatballs
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Recipe: We like this one from Woman’s Day.

19. Christmas tamales

Is it even Christmas without tamales? Take part in this time-honored Mexican tradition with a platter of tamales auténticos.

• Total time: 6 hours
• Servings: 30 tamales
• Diet: Gluten-free, dairy-free
• Recipe: Use this one from Hispanic Kitchen.

20. Chicken pot pie

The weather outside may be frightful, but you’ll find nothing more delightful than a fresh-baked chicken pot pie on your table. With store-bought crust and a simmering stew inside, this pie goes from oven to table in 15 short minutes.

• Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Diet: Make it gluten-free with a recipe from Meaningful Eats.
• Recipe: Find the traditional recipe at PureWow.

Christmas dinner party side dish ideas

 

From Southern comforts to modern delights, holiday side dishes are the unsung hero of your meal. Add one—or several—of these side dishes to your Christmas holiday party menu.

21. Corn biscuits with savory herb streusel

Biscuits can make or break a holiday meal. With infusions of thyme, onion, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and fresh chives, these delectable corn biscuits enhance the other flavors on your table.

• Total time: 2 hours (35 minutes active)
• Servings: 10–12 
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Recipe: Try this one from Food & Wine.

22. Instant Pot cranberry sauce

Anyone who claims canned cranberry sauce as their favorite side dish hasn’t tried this easy-to-make and easier-to-love cranberry sauce, conveniently prepared in your Instant Pot.

• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 
• Diet: Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free
• Recipe: Use this from The Pioneer Woman.

23. Kale salad with pecan vinaigrette

Bring in the flavors of the season with a rich kale salad dressed in homemade roasted pecan vinaigrette.

• Total time: 20–30 minutes prep
• Servings: 8 
• Diet: Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free
• Recipe: Use this recipe from Bon Appetit.

24. Green bean casserole

To save time, it’s tempting to opt for classic green bean casserole ingredients—frozen green beans, canned soup, processed onion topping—and call it a day. For a homemade touch on this holiday tradition, make it all from scratch, including the sauce and fried onions. It’s an hour well spent in the kitchen!

• Total time: 1 hour (15 minutes active)
• Servings: 8–12 
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Recipe: Here’s a gem from Gimme Some Oven.

25. Christmas pasta salad

There’s no need for extra Christmas décor when you have festively colored Christmas pasta salad around. With only 35 minutes of prep time—and that includes making homemade pesto—this side dish is a perfect addition to an otherwise oven-heavy meal.

• Total time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Recipe: Use this from Food Network.

26. Candied yams

Thanksgiving doesn’t get to have a monopoly on sweet potato side dishes. Prepare these four-ingredient candied yams for a classically sweet side dish.

• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6 
• Diet: Vegetarian, gluten-free
• Recipe: Cook with Allrecipes.

27. Honey balsamic brussels sprouts

Sweet, roasted, and ready in a half hour, these honey balsamic brussels sprouts complement any holiday main dish on your table. Double or triple the recipe for a larger party—or if you want leftovers for the next day.

• Total time: 30 minutes (10 minutes active)
• Servings: 4 
• Diet: Vegetarian, gluten-free
• Recipe: Here’s one from Ahead of Thyme.

28. Roasted squash with goat cheese and poached cranberries

This red, orange, and white masterpiece makes mouths water from the moment it hits the table. Tart goat cheese and cranberries blend with sweet, roasted squash and fragrant rosemary for a holiday flavor powerhouse.

• Total time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 
• Diet: Vegetarian, gluten-free
• Recipe: Try this from Country Living.

29. Thyme-roasted vegetables

Celebrate the winter harvest with a classic roasted veggie dish. It brings the best of sauté and oven goodness together, and it even includes potatoes—so you can skip the mashing if desired.

• Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
• Servings: 10 
• Diet: Vegetarian, gluten-free
• Recipe: We like the recipe from Taste of Home.

30. Creamy garlic slow-cooker mashed potatoes

Seasoned with six cloves of garlic and blended with Greek yogurt or sour cream, these potatoes are as delicious as they are low maintenance. Just toss everything together and let the slow cooker do the work. For even more time to spare, make these potatoes a day in advance and reheat in the slow cooker on the day of your party.

• Total time: 4 hours, 15 minutes (15 minutes active)
• Servings: 10 
• Diet: Vegetarian, gluten-free
• Recipe: Try one from Ambitious Kitchen.

Christmas dinner party dessert ideas

“So Plaid” by kate spade new york for Paperless Post; Image by Life, Love and Sugar.

 

Save the best for last at your holiday dinner party. Whether you’re serving a whole dessert course or setting up a treat table, these Christmas confections are the final touch to a successful holiday menu.

31. Yule log cake (Bûche de Noël)

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a yule log. Serve up this beautiful—and delicious—Bûche de Noël, a holiday staple dating back to medieval France.

• Total time: 1 hour, 42 minutes (12 minutes cook time)
• Servings: 8–10 
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Recipe: Get sweet with Life, Love & Sugar.

32. Vegan gluten-free gingerbread men

Dietary restrictions don’t have to mean less fun. Invite everyone to the dessert table with a gingerbread man recipe that’s vegan, gluten-free, and completely delicious.

• Total time: 1 hour, 23 minutes
• Servings: 30 cookies
• Diet: Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free
• Recipe: Get baking with the Minimalist Baker.

33. Gingerbread and white chocolate mousse trifle

If gingerbread cookies won’t do it this year, pair them with white chocolate mousse in a multi-flavored trifle. Homemade caramel tops this unforgettable dessert, which looks just as delicate and delicious as it tastes.

• Total time: 3 hours (1 hour, 15 minutes active)
• Servings: 8 
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Recipe: We like this recipe from Food & Wine.

34. Peppermint macarons

Up the candy-cane factor in your dessert course with melt-in-your-mouth peppermint macarons. With cool peppermint buttercream pressed between soft red macarons and topped with a hard candy shell, these cookies may inspire guests to enjoy more than one—or two, or three.

• Total time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 18 macarons
• Diet: Gluten-free, vegetarian
• Recipe: Enjoy these macarons from Ahead of Thyme.

35. Cupcake snowman

No matter whether you’re hosting a Winter Wonderland celebration or an Ugly Christmas sweater party, this gigantic standing snowman makes a spectacular centerpiece for a large party. He’s made of mini cupcakes topped with snow-white vanilla frosting, and his charming multicolor scarf—woven strips of sour candy—fits any holiday theme.

• Total time: 4 hours
• Servings: 50–60
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Recipe: Here’s one from Food Network.

36. Rum ball slices

A modern take on a classic treat, this rum ball recipe turns an adult party favorite into a portable delicacy. Healthy ingredient substitutions make this a nearly guilt-free indulgence—but don’t worry, the rum’s still there. 

• Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 
• Diet: Vegan, gluten-free
• Recipe: Enjoy this one from Delicious.

37. Christmas fudge

If you’ve misplaced Grandma’s legendary fudge recipe, don’t worry—we found an amazing replacement. With a short prep time, high yield (96 pieces!), simple instructions, and a bounty of mix-ins, you may opt for this one next year as well.

• Total time: 30 minutes (15 minutes active)
• Servings: 96 pieces
• Diet: Vegetarian, gluten-free
• Recipe: Stay sweet with Taste of Home.

38. Hot cocoa cheesecake minis

Should you serve hot cocoa or cheesecake after dinner? Split the difference with these cheesecake minis—adorable hot cocoa-flavored desserts in the shape of tiny mugs—complete with chocolate handles.

• Total time: 3 hours, 45 minutes
• Servings: 12 
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Recipe: Use this from Lil’ Luna.

39. Plum pudding

You don’t have to be British to enjoy plum pudding. Gather seasonal spices, raisins, currants, a cup of sherry, and other baking ingredients to create this customary confection.

• Total time: 4 days, 10 hours (8–10 hours steaming)
• Servings: 12 
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Recipe: We like this from Epicurious.

40. Cranberry Christmas cake

Finish your evening with a tart-and-sweet holiday cake made from fresh cranberries, butter, sugar, eggs, and not much else. It’s a special seasonal treat that you’ll look forward to every year.

• Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes (20 minutes active)
• Servings: 16 
• Diet: Vegetarian with gluten-free option
• Recipe: Bake a cake with Barefeet in the Kitchen.

How to host a Christmas dinner party

 

No matter the theme or the menu, it’s always nice to have some helpful tips on hand for  planning a Christmas party to make sure you’ve thought of everything. Follow these pointers—and a few from dinner party expert Marcie Pantzer—and you’ll be feeling calm, cool, and cheery when the guests begin to arrive for your amazing meal.

Step 1: Decide on the style of your Christmas dinner

 

The style of your Christmas dinner can make a significant difference in the amount of planning and preparation you’ll need to do. 

• Potluck: An all-out potluck can take most of the cooking off your plate—but you will need to coordinate who’s bringing what to ensure you don’t end up with 10 of the same dish.
• Traditional: Traditional Christmas foods can include lots of options beyond the usual ham and mashed potatoes, depending on the style of cuisine you’d like to incorporate. 
• Multicultural: Consider combining dishes from your own family’s traditions, your favorite restaurants or chefs, and traditional Christmas fare from around the world.
• Casual: If your ideal Christmas party involves heavy apps and watching your favorite holiday movies, your Christmas dinner may not need all of the fixings.

Step 2: Set your cooking schedule

If you’re planning to do all the meal preparation yourself, constructing the menu in advance can help you stay organized. 

• Plan recipes: Carefully read over each recipe to find steps that can be done ahead of time. 
• Batch prep work: For example, chop all your veggies at once, then split them up into baggies for each recipe and store them in the fridge until it’s time to cook.
• Freeze foods: Any foods that freeze well should be made several days to a week in advance. Baked cookies and cookie dough both freeze very well and can be made days before the party. Even cake layers can be baked in advance, then thawed and decorated the day of.
• Consider dietary restrictions: You may want to offer a plant-based main course for vegetarian guests, or gluten-free options for those who can’t eat wheat. (Find out what restrictions you should keep in mind by requesting guests to share these in their RSVP or on your holiday party invitation’s Comment Wall.)

Step 3: Plan and send invitations early

 

Ms. Pantzer takes the guests into account before anything else. “You have to have the people there that you want to celebrate the holidays with—people that you love, your dear friends, family,” she says.

To ensure they can all make it, send your invitations at least four weeks in advance. With so many events happening at this time of year, it’s helpful to get your party on the books as early as possible. 

Paperless Post has hundreds of beautiful Christmas party invitations, so choose something that fits the tone and style of your Christmas party theme. Online invitations are the easiest method for tracking opens and replies, RSVPs, and messaging your guests all in one place. Add a Details Block to include all the delicious tidbits about your holiday menu, and use Guest Questions and Surveys to ask guests about dietary restrictions and other logistics.

Some of our favorite ways to tell guests about a dinner party include:

• Text message invitations: Sending invitations by text—an option with all Paperless Post invitations—is a simple way to quickly get the word out to guests who always have their phone close by. It also makes replying fast and easy, so you’re likely to get RSVPs sooner. 
• Share a link to your invitation: Is Whatsapp or Messenger your favorite method of communication? Try a shareable link invitation. Drop it casually into a group chat or share anywhere and everywhere for your potential guests to see.
• Animated Flyers: Throwing a more casual dinner? Try a cheery holiday-themed animated Flyer. You can even upload your own favorite gif for a personal touch. 

Step 4: Prepare your Christmas party schedule

Like planning an agenda for a meeting, a dinner party timeline can help you coordinate what happens when, allowing you to anticipate guests’ needs and keep from scrambling around on the day of. Here’s an example of what your Christmas dinner party timeline might look like:

• 6:00 pm: Guests arrive and remove their coats
• 6:30 pm: Serve appetizers and cocktails
• 7:00 pm: Guests sit down at the table; serve more drinks
• 7:15 pm: Serve first course
• 7:30 pm: Serve second course
• 8:00 pm: Clear plates and offer coffee, tea, or more drinks
• 8:15 pm: Serve dessert

Step 5: Enlist help from family or from other guests

Delegating tasks to your kids or your best friend doesn’t just get chores off your plate—it’s also an opportunity to make sure everyone feels like part of the fun. 

• Even if you aren’t doing a potluck, ask your bestie to contribute a favorite recipe or festive cocktail to the table to get one more dish out of your kitchen.
• If you’ve got a baker in your friend circle, ask them to handle dessert so you can focus on the main course.
• See if loved ones can arrive early to help you set up, or stay late to clean the party area—and wash a dish or two.
• Let the robots do the work! Enlist Instant Pots, slow cookers, and other automated appliances in your kitchen to cook while you focus on more detailed prep work.
• Kids especially love to contribute in ways that put their special skills and interests to use. If your kiddo is artistic, let them help with decorations.

Step 6: Clean early to lighten the load

 

Get a handle on the cleaning with these quick tips. 

• Before-party cleaning: Rather than one marathon cleaning session that leaves you frazzled by the time the doorbell rings, clean the house a little at a time in the days leading up to your party. 
• Make a cleaning schedule: Plan the cleaning list in order of how fast grime accumulates. Dusting can be done a week ahead, the floor mopped a day or two before, the bathroom cleaned in the morning, and so on.
• Prioritize dishes: If you really want to use vintage china or crystal that must be hand-washed, opt for dishwasher-safe silverware or disposable table décor from Paperless Post Party Shop.

Step 7: Set the scene the day before

Use the day and night before the festivities to do as much as possible so you can ease into the celebration without hectic day-of tasks. 

You can do the following ahead of time:

• Tidy and decorate
• Lay out flatware/glassware
• Set up tables and chairs
• Food prep—this can include pre-chopping vegetables for a roast or presetting trays of snacks that will keep in the fridge
• Test your sound system
• Set up games, activities, or other supplies for your party’s events

Step 8: Make a seating chart and set out place cards for guests

While seating charts are optional at smaller, more intimate dinner parties, there are plenty of reasons you might want to include them.

• You can seat people next to others you want them to meet: Know your friend and neighbor have something in common and may hit it off? This small Christmas dinner idea is the perfect way to introduce them.  
• It’s a thoughtful way to welcome your guests: Sitting down to a seat with your name on it can show just how much the hosts anticipated and prepared for your arrival.
• It can avoid the shuffle of finding seating before the meal: Having pre-set seating can make a smoother transition to dinner and prevent any questions of who should sit where.

Step 9: Enjoy the festivities!

Set the scene with just the right finishing touches. “It’s important to set the stage from the front door,” says Ms. Pantzer. “Make sure you’re lighting a beautiful candle. I’m a huge fan of dimming lights. Everyone looks prettier when it’s a little bit darker.”

With your last boxes checked, your goodies on display, and the mistletoe hung strategically, it’s time to sip your favorite winter beverage and wait for the guests to arrive!

Warm up your Christmas celebration with Paperless Post

 

With everything else planned to perfection, you’re ready to choose holiday party invitations that match your Christmas party theme from, where you have a world of designs at your fingertips. Whether you’re planning a wintry cocktail party, a traditional Christmas feast, or an out-of-the-box theme that’s uniquely you, Paperless Post is ready to help you design, send, track your invitations, and message your guests all in one place. We’ve even got a few holiday invitation wording ideas for just the right festive mood.

Your party is sure to be the best time of the year with a little help from Paperless Post.