The holidays are right around the corner, which means you’re planning the annual holiday dinner party you host. Whether this is a private event or something you’re organizing for a charity or a business, you want to be sure your guests have a great time.
One of the most important items you’ll need to decide on is the holiday dinner party menu. Food is the highlight of any dinner party, so you want to make sure your menu is a crowd-pleaser. You want your guests to remember the meal for what it got right.
What do you need to include in a holiday dinner party menu?
Start with the Basics for Your Holiday Dinner Party Menu
The first thing you should do is determine what main you’re going to serve at your dinner party. If you’re serving a beef dish or a ham dinner versus a more traditional turkey dinner, you’ll want to have different food offerings on your menu.
You might decide to give your guests different options. This is particularly important if you have guests with dietary restrictions. While you don’t want to make the holiday menu too complex, you also don’t want anyone to feel left out.
Add an Array of Appetizers
One easy way to ensure there’s something for everyone on the holiday dinner party menu is to include a wide variety of appetizers. While you should hope your mains offer enough selection, having different appetizers can diversify your menu.
Don’t be afraid to try something bold and daring for your appetizer selection. You may want to include a few more tried-and-true options, but your guests may also be delighted to try something new and unexpected before a more traditional main.
Don’t Forget the Beverages
Another thing you’ll want to include on your menu for your dinner party is the beverages. Whether you’re serving alcoholic drinks or going all non-alcoholic, your guests will want something to wash down their dinners.
If you have bar service, you’ll likely want to include some non-alcoholic options for guests who may not be drinking. You can include an array of holiday-inspired cocktails and mocktails so no one feels left out.
You may want to include wine pairings for your mains, or coffees and other after-dinner drinks as well.
Include Something Sweet for Last
Dessert is the highlight of a meal for many people, since it satisfies the craving for something sweet. Dessert selections should be on your holiday menu.
Try to add some holiday cheer by selecting season-inspired offerings. You might also want to consider miniature desserts, which will allow your guests to sample more of the sweet treats you have on offer.
Make Sure There’s Something for Everyone
It’s already been mentioned, but it bears repeating. Make sure there’s something for everyone on your holiday dinner party menu. Guests with dietary restrictions may be disappointed otherwise.
If you’re unsure of dietary restrictions, ask your guests to RSVP to the party and to indicate any allergies or other restrictions. This makes it easy for you to know what you need to include on the menu. That said, it’s never a bad idea to include a vegetarian dish or a lactose-free dish no matter who is attending.
If you’re not sure about the options available to you, talk to your caterer. They work with parties large and small, and they’ll have plenty of suggestions for different dishes. With their help and your creativity, you can be sure to craft a delightful holiday menu for your upcoming dinner party that will leave your guests heading back for seconds.
