The holiday season is synonymous with joy, cheer, and the spirit of sharing, beckoning families, event planners, and companies to create memorable gatherings. As couples, groups, and family events take center stage, the allure of the festivities is often encapsulated in the banquet that celebrates togetherness. A diverse spread of delectable dishes satiates taste buds. It mirrors every guest’s preferences and tastes, making the feast a conversation starter.
Whether it’s the savory goodness of a roast turkey or the sweet delicacy of a pumpkin pie, the essence of the holiday spirit is often found nestled in the heart of a hearty meal. As you plan your next holiday gathering, we’ve curated a list of 10 sweet and savory recipes bound to be loved by all, ensuring your Christmas party or New Year’s Eve dinner is etched in memory for times to come.
We have segmented these recipe suggestions into holiday categories, but you can mix and match them to suit your needs!
Recipes for Thanksgiving
We are sharing a couple of the best Thanksgiving sides to add to your list of Thanksgiving party ideas.
Spiced Cranberry Mold
Retro, red, and tasty. Make this throwback dish to brighten your table, spark conversation, and add a hint of nostalgia to your gathering! Check out the recipe on Southern Living!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The ultimate comfort food and classic Thanksgiving favorite—mashed potatoes! This recipe adds a little kick of garlic, a perfect savory side dish.
You’ll need:
- 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into chunks
- 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of milk or cream (you can adjust this to your preference for creaminess)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish
Peel, cut, and cook your potatoes. While your potatoes are cooking, prepare the garlic butter. Mince the garlic. Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant but not browned. Drain and mash your cooked potatoes. Add the garlic butter, milk, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Christmas Party Appetizers
We have some enticing starters to add to your ideas for Christmas gathering menus.
Baked Cranberry Brie
You’ll need:
- 14-ounce can of Cranberry Sauce
- Sugars (1-2 tablespoon brown and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar)
- Orange for zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 wheel of brie
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
One of the best things about making cranberry baked brie is you can use leftover cranberry sauce if you want to! You can also make your cranberry sauce or a canned version, as suggested here. Mix a can of cranberry sauce with the sugars, orange zest, vanilla, and spices. Place brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and top with cranberry sauce. Bake in a 400° Fahrenheit oven for 7 – 10 minutes. Baking times may vary; you want the cranberry sauce to be warmed and the cheese softened.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a delicious, classic appetizer during the holiday season. Their small size and savory flavors perfectly contrast holiday sweet treats. Your guests will surely enjoy these gourmet treats, delighting your spread. Check out this simple stuffed mushroom recipe on Delish!
New Year’s Eve Party Time
Appetizers inspire mingling and add a relaxed note to even a dressy occasion. Whether you are having a black tie party, everyone is in sweats and tees, or somewhere in between. These NYE appetizers will surely please your guests and complement your New Year’s Eve dinner recipes and champagne toast!
Spinach Dip
There are many variations of spinach dip. Following the packet directions from the Knorr’s Vegetable Soup packet is always an option—and delicious! You might want to elevate your dip on NYE or at any holiday gathering by making this baked version!
You’ll need:
- 10 ounces of thawed and drained frozen spinach
- Mayonnaise
- Sour Cream
- Cream Cheese
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic (fresh minced or from a jar)
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Salt & Pepper
Mix 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup mayonnaise, and softened cream cheese in a large bowl. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, spinach, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Transfer to a baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 375° Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve with chips!
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Bacon-wrapped dates are a delightful party treat, merging sweet, chewy dates with crisp, savory bacon. Their bite-sized nature makes them a fuss-free yet gourmet appetizer, enthralling guests with a burst of contrasting flavors in each nibble, embodying a perfect mingling indulgence. Check out how to make these perfect party bites here.
Sweet Treats
Classic Pumpkin Pie
The most famous classic pumpkin pie recipe has to be Libby’s! Following the recipe straight from the can using a homemade or pre-made crust gives you a delicious pumpkin pie everyone will love. Serve with whipped cream!
Peppermint Bark
You’ll need:
- White chocolate – either baking chocolate or chocolate chips
- Dark chocolate – either baking chocolate or chocolate chips
- Peppermints crushed and/or broken into pieces
Melt 12 ounces of white chocolate. Spread it on parchment paper. Melt 12 ounces of dark chocolate. Swirl or spread it on top. Sprinkle with crushed peppermints and chill. After shilled, break into pieces to serve.
Rum Balls
You’ll need:
- Vanilla wafers
- powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Rum
Mix two cups crushed vanilla wafters, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and ½ cup of rum. Form the mixture into balls and roll in your desired toppings! Chill for a couple of hours.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a visual and flavorful hit with contrasting tender, fudgy centers, and crisp, powdered sugar crusts. Their bite-sized perfection adds a sweet, elegant touch to any party spread. Check out this easy chocolate crinkle cookie recipe from Pillsbury.
Cater Your Gathering
Elevate your holiday party or family celebration by entrusting your catering needs to professionals. Professional catering can customize menus for Christmas, New Year’s Eve dinner, or Thanksgiving dinner, letting you focus on Christmas party outfit ideas or Christmas gift ideas. Catering turns your Christmas party ideas, New Year’s Eve dinner ideas, and other festivities into delicious reality, making each event memorable.
KPacho
We hope you will consider KPacho for an array of catering and event solutions, perfect for any holiday parties or family celebrations. Our restaurant provides a warm setting if you are looking for a “New Year’s Eve dinner near me,” a “Thanksgiving dinner near me,” or a place to make your fun Christmas office party ideas come true. At KPacho, we are ready to help you fulfill your holiday party aspirations. Our excellent staff ensures your gatherings, whether a cozy Thanksgiving dinner or a vibrant New Year’s bash, are occasions to remember.
