Christmas Hosting Tips & Menu Ideas

Realization hit me – Christmas is near. It’s time to plan my menu! We usually have family staying several days and sometimes we host more than one holiday gathering.

Here is a list of things I think about before hosting, along with some recipe options. (click on link for the recipe)

Hosting Checklist

1 – 2 weeks before:

• Confirm number of people attending
• Plan menu (delegate side dishes to other guests, if possible)
• Read recipes, make shopping list
• Plan decorations, center pieces, name cards and serving dishes
• Prepare food that can be made ahead of time and frozen

Day before:

• Finish food shopping
• Chop veggies and store in covered bowls
• Set the table
• Take out frozen pre-made dishes to thaw

Day of the gathering:

• Prepare or reheat food dishes
• Arrange food on buffet or table
• Enjoy the day with your guests

 

Menu Ideas

Appetizers

Veggie Pizza https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/veggie-pizza/
Barbecue Meatballs https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/barbecue-appetizer-meatballs/
Easy Appetizer Mushrooms https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/easy-appetizer-mushrooms/

Beverage

Orange Cider https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/orange-cider/

Main Dish

Ham Balls https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/ham-balls/
Baked Ham and Pineapple https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/baked-ham-and-pineapple/
Cherry Glazed Pork Roast https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/cherry-glazed-pork-roast/

Sides

Cheesy Potatoes (page 184 of Eating Pure in a Processed Foods World^®) https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/cheesy-potatoes/
Creamy Butternut Stuffed Potatoes https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/creamy-butternut-stuffed-potatoes/
Roasted Potato and Asparagus Medley https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/roasted-potato-asparagus-medley/
Cheesy Spinach, Quinoa and Potato Bake https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/cheesy-spinach-quinoa-and-potato-bake/
Sweet ‘N Spicy Asparagus and Broccoli https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/sweet-n-spicy-asparagus-broccoli/
Sweet Potato Casserole https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/sweet-potato-casserole/

Salads

Apple Spinach Salad (page 33) https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/apple-spinach-salad/
Spinach Salad (page 222) https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/spinach-salad-and-steak/
Italian Salad https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/italian-salad/
Three Bean Salad https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/three-bean-salad/

Desserts

Ice Cream Cake https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/ice-cream-cake/
Cranberry Cake https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/cranberry-cake/
Gluten-Free Gingerbread https://www.farmgirlfresh.com/gluten-free-gingerbread/