'Tis the season to be jolly, and nothing adds more fun to holiday parties than delicious festive food! Whether it's an afternoon tea party with a few close friends or an all-out Christmas bash, party food makes any gathering special.
Here are some yummy party recipes to serve guests this season. Easy recipes for last-minute get-togethers, pretty presentations for dinner parties, and everything in between. Grab a cup of hot cocoa (don't forget the marshmallows!) and browse the list to plan a perfect holiday party.
Appetizers
Holiday appetizers are bite-sized and portable, but pack a whole lot of flavor. Serve a variety of appetizers, both hot and cold, that feature different tastes and textures. Try a combination of these:
- Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs with Cranberry Dipping Sauce
- Cranberry Baked Brie Appetizer
- Deviled Eggs
- Curried Devilled Eggs, Guacamole Deviled Eggs, and Tomato & Basil Deviled Eggs
- Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts
- Savory Christmas Cheesecake
- Festive Mini Cheese Balls
- Seasoned Pretzels
- Shrimp Toasts
- Greek Cheese Squares
- Peach and Almond Baked Brie
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Antipasto Platter
- Bruschetta
- Guacamole Stuffed Tomatoes
- Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese
- Turkey Pinwheels
Dips and Spreads
Dips and spreads are creamy comfort food for vegetables, chips, crackers, and lots more. Get creative with dippers! Try bread sticks, chunks of fresh bread, a variety of crackers, and a wide selection of fresh veggies. Garnish platters with fresh herbs such as parsley and basil.
Dips can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature.
- Blue Cheese and Port Spread
- Grandma's Curry Dip, Salsa Dip
- Pumpkin Party Dips
- Chili Dip, Hot Artichoke Dip, Hot Bacon and Cheese Dip
Drinks and Cocktails
Homemade Irish Cream makes a terrific holiday gift, or serve guests a warming cup of Irish Coffee. Take one of these holiday cocktail recipes and make it a signature cocktail at all festive gatherings.
Fun Food for Kids
For holiday parties for kids, at school or at home, try some of these fun recipes. Reindeer Food gives two options: one for the kids, and one for the furry friends outdoors.
- Reindeer Food
- Teddy Bear Snack Mix, BBQ Party Mix
- Bagel Face Sandwiches (Try making Santa faces!)
- Ham Salad, Cucumber Ranch Chicken Salad, Peanut Butter and Fruit Sandwiches
Fondue
Everything old is new again, and fondue is no exception. Consider making a holiday gathering into a fondue party, which will bring guests together to socialize as they eat.
Miscellaneous
A few more party food ideas that don't quite fit into any of the above categories. That doesn't make them any less delectable, though! For dinner parties, brunch gatherings, or any other occasion, here are some recipes that will make taste buds happy.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
- Cranberry Biscuits
- Crockpot Stuffing
- Pumpkin Soup in Pumpkin Bowls
- Crab and Mango Salad
- Ham and Asparagus Quiche
- Chicken Pesto Pizza
For help in planning holiday parties, check out How Many Appetizers Do I Need?
Happy Holidays!
Carrie Grosvenor - Carrie is a freelance writer from Ontario, Canada. Her writing is featured on numerous websites and print magazines. She currently pens a ...
