The Christmas Dinner Menu to Make Your Guests Go Fa-La-La-La-La

It’s that time of year again! The time of year when friends and family come together to share in the joy of the season and celebrate each other. As we get ready to enjoy the holidays, one of the best ways to bring everyone together is with a delicious Christmas feast!

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gathering around the table to enjoy a meal that you have lovingly prepared with your own hands, and nothing says “I love you” more than a home-cooked meal. From the smells of the kitchen and the taste of the food to the festive cocktails and decadent desserts, the experience of preparing a Christmas feast is truly one of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of the holiday season.

Coming up with your own Christmas dinner menu can be as stressful as shopping for your mother-in-law or your best friend’s dog, but it is truly rewarding to put your own special twist on traditional holiday dishes. To make things easier on you and your mother-in-law, we have put together a complete guide to putting together the perfect Christmas dinner plan, from Christmas cocktails and starters to the main course and dessert. So arm yourself with a pair of tongs and a spatula and let’s get cooking!

The Festive Christmas Cocktail

Hosting a big Christmas dinner usually means you’ll be dining with family, and sometimes seeing family during the holidays can be stressful. To make sure that your dinner is filled with laughter and good cheer, start off the night with a festive Christmas cocktail! Whether you decide to go for a traditional eggnog or something more unusual like a peppermint martini, people will always appreciate a special holiday treat.

Serving the perfect Christmas cocktail is essential for a successful Christmas dinner as it provides a special touch to your holiday meal and adds a festive cheer to the event. It’s a great way to kick off the evening and set the tone for a wonderful night of fun, food, and fellowship—no matter who is attending. Not only that, but the right cocktail can add a unique flavor to the meal and create a memorable experience for everyone. With the right ingredients and creativity, you can craft the perfect Christmas cocktail and make your holiday meal even more special.

Find a number of festive Christmas cocktails recipes at The Spruce Eats.

Holiday Appetizer Option #1: Baked Brie with Cranberry Chutney

Christmas calorie consumption does not end after all of the presents are opened up. In fact, you can make the case that your holiday calorie intake should be saved for Christmas dinner. With that in mind, your guests will be salivating over baked brie with cranberry chutney appetizer. It’s sure to be a hit, as it balances sweet and savory flavors for an unforgettable starter.

Get the Baked Brie with Cranberry Chutney recipe at Food Network.

Holiday Appetizer Option #2: Spinach Artichoke Dip

This holiday season, ditch the chips and bring out some spinach artichoke dip. This dip is a classic for good reason, as it’s packed with unique flavors and textures that make it the perfect starter or snack for your Christmas dinner. You can serve it with crackers, pretzels, pita, and, yeah okay, chips—or whatever you like! It also makes an excellent choice when paired with a glass of bubbly, so why not go all out and serve it as a part of your festive cocktail hour?

Get the holiday Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe at Food & Wine.

Holiday Appetizer Option #3: Avocado and Tomato Bruschetta

If you’re not into the idea of serving a heavy and decadent appetizer and don’t want to settle for simple sliced veggies, then consider the avocado and tomato bruschetta. This light and refreshing appetizer is perfect for a Christmas dinner, as it combines healthy ingredients with an impressive presentation. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and simply place it on the table when guests arrive—no cooking required!

Get the Avocado and Tomato Bruschetta recipe at The Modern Proper.

The Main Course: Classic Christmas Prime Rib

Let’s face it, the name “prime rib” is a little intimidating, but preparing prime rib for Christmas dinner is not as difficult as it seems. With a few simple steps, you can produce an impressive main course that will be sure to impress your guests. Prime rib is the perfect entrée for any holiday celebration and makes for a delicious and visually appealing presentation when served with any number of side dishes (which we’ll get to). So strap on your adulting boots, summon your inner Julia Child, and get cracking on a classic Christmas prime rib.

Get the Classic Christmas Prime Rib recipe at Allrecipes.

Side Option #1: Sauteéed Mushrooms

If your mouth didn’t start watering back when we covered those creamy apps or a minute ago when we were talking about prime rib, then it will now. When it comes to a savory plate neighbor for that prime rib, sautéed mushrooms are a must-have side dish for any Christmas dinner table, as they add both flavor and texture to the meal. Not only is this side dish easy to make in under 20 minutes, but it also pairs so well with prime rib. Consider it the perfect sidekick to your main course.

Get the Sauteéed Mushrooms recipe at Drive Me Hungry.

Side Option #2: Roasted Broccolini

Another tasty side dish for your Christmas feast is roasted broccolini. This delectable veggie may be small, but it packs a lot of flavor. Roasting the broccolini brings out its sweetness and makes it a great companion to that prime rib—or any protein you decide to serve up. It also adds some nice texture and color to the plate.

Get the Roasted Broccolini recipe at Well Plated By Erin.

Side Option #3: Perfect Mashed Potatoes

To pull the entire plate together, you’ll need something to soak up all those delicious juices. Enter: the perfect mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes are a go-to side dish for any classic Christmas menu, as they pair so well with prime rib and the other sides. This creamy with a hint of garlic and chives version takes it to the next level.

Get the Perfect Mashed Potatoes recipe at Simply Recipes.

Dessert: Tiramisu

Okay, okay, we know what you’re thinking—can’t you just set out some stale Christmas cookies and some candy canes after the main course is over? To that, we say no. Because by now you have gone all-in on your Christmas dinner, and we encourage you to see it through to the very end. No one at the dinner table is expecting you to deliver on one of the dreamiest desserts around, and this is where you will surprise them all! Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert made with layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and espresso. It’s not only delicious but also looks impressive. Take the leap this year and pull the trigger on a classic Christmas dessert.

Get the Tiramisu recipe at The New York Times.

Time to Get Cooking!

Putting together the perfect Christmas dinner recipe may be a daunting task, but before you know it you’ll have your shopping list completed—and that’s half the battle, really. So when you’re out there selecting all the ingredients for your classic Christmas menu, remember that with a little time, energy, love, patience, and maybe an early Christmas cocktail, you can deliver on a memorable holiday meal that will be talked about for years to come. Happy cooking and happy holidays!

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Wine!

Whether you serve up a red, white, or something bubbly, don’t forget about the wine when romancing your dinner guests. To pair nicely with the prime rib, we recommend a dark red like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot. But ultimately it’s what your guests prefer. So stock up because it’ll be comforting to know you have enough wine on hand for everyone from appetizer to that delectable tiramisu.

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