Okay, so Christmas party food, right? Every year it’s the same panic. What to make? How much? Will anyone actually eat it?
This year, I decided to be organized. I started by actually asking people what they like! Crazy, I know. I sent out a super simple Google Form with a few categories: appetizers, mains, sides, desserts. And then, most importantly, a “Anything you absolutely DO NOT want to see?” question. Vital for avoiding any Christmas-cracker-level-awkwardness.
Once I had the survey results (and after ignoring the one dude who requested a seven-layer dip – seriously, who brings that to a Christmas party?!), I started planning. I always think it’s good to have a mix of stuff that’s easy to eat standing up, and some that’s a bit more substantial.
The Food List
- Appetizers: These are key for when people first arrive and are mingling. I went with:
- Mini Caprese skewers: Super easy to assemble, festive colours, and always a hit. I just grabbed those little mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. Drizzled ’em with balsamic glaze. Boom.
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Crusty Bread: A classic for a reason! I made it the day before and just reheated it. Ain’t nobody got time to be making dips during the party.
- Deviled Eggs: Because Christmas isn’t Christmas without deviled eggs, right? I experimented with adding a little bit of sriracha for a kick this year. Turned out pretty good.
- Mains: I didn’t want to do a full-on sit-down dinner, but wanted something a bit more filling.
- Pulled Pork Sliders: Made the pork in the slow cooker (dump and forget!). Just needed some slider buns and coleslaw. Easy peasy.
- Vegetarian Option: Roasted Vegetable and Halloumi Skewers. I chopped up bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and halloumi cheese, threw them on skewers, and grilled them. Even the meat-eaters liked them.
- Sides: Kept it simple here.
- Green Bean Casserole: A must-have, even though I secretly hate it.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon: A little sweet, a little savory.
- Desserts: My favorite part!
- Christmas Cookies: I cheated and bought some from a local bakery. Sue me.
- Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Bites: I actually did make these myself. Box brownie mix + peppermint extract + crushed candy canes. SO easy.
The day of the party, I prepped as much as possible in the morning. Got the dip ready, the pork in the slow cooker, chopped veggies for the skewers. It makes such a difference to not be scrambling when people start showing up.
And you know what? It actually went really well! People seemed to enjoy the food, there were very few leftovers (always a good sign), and no one complained about the seven-layer dip being missing. Victory!
My biggest takeaway? Don’t overthink it. People are there to have fun, not judge your culinary skills. Focus on making a few things really well, and don’t be afraid to take shortcuts. And always, always ask people what they like beforehand!
