Whether you’re on a beer budget or a champagne one, we’re sharing all our tips and tricks for enjoying the holiday season in style. We have got you covered from appetizers and cocktails to decorating the perfect table setting, so read along for your go-to guide on festive food celebrations!
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APPETIZERS
Mini-eats, party bites, appeys … no matter what you call them, appetizers are a great addition to holiday dinners as friends and family gather around to enjoy the season.
Budget-friendly: Slice refrigerated pie crust into 2-inch strips and sprinkle with salt, pepper and grated parmesan cheese. Twist each strip and bake in the oven until crispy for delicious “parmesan twists”.
Upscale: Roll thinly sliced beef tenderloin spread with an herbed goat cheese. Top with a fresh slice of fig and an herb garnish. Skewer and serve for a decadent appetizer.
COCKTAIL
Sip in style with both of these cocktails. Pick your budget and serve up these drinks to enjoy the holiday season. Add in a rosemary sprig, cinnamon stick or festive striped straw for a little pizzazz.
Budget-friendly: Store-bought apple cider becomes an instant crowd favorite when mixed with rum and a dash of allspice. Your Thanksgiving guests will love these “spiked cider” cocktails.
Upscale: Add a splash of pomegranate liquor to your finest champagne and toast to the season. You can even float in cranberries for an extra pop of color.
SIDE DISHES
Whether you’re on a budget or not, both of these sides are winners.
Budget-friendly: Keep things simple by picking up green beans from your grocery store’s frozen section and enhancing flavor and looks with sautéed butter, sea salt, black pepper and parsley for garnish.
Upscale: Steam fresh edamame and toss with crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries for a decadent side dish that is sure to jazz up your holiday meal.
ENTRÉE
Now that it’s time for the main course, presentation is key. Always serve your entrée on a platter with garnishes. We’re sharing both a budget-friendly and upscale way to enjoy your entrée.
Budget-friendly: Wow your guests with a store-bought seasoned rotisserie chicken garnished with orange slices and parsley sprigs.
Upscale: Brine and roast your turkey, and go all out by topping it with lemon-herb seasoned butter and stuffing with roasted hazelnuts, sage and mushrooms.
DESSERTS
Nothing says the holidays like dessert! From pies to cakes and everything in between, your guests will appreciate a little something sweet to end the meal.
Budget-friendly: Top an inexpensive store-bought cheesecake (check the frozen aisle) with a jar of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect “salted caramel cheesecake” sure to please the crowd.
Upscale: Serve up a variety of mini desserts on a silver platter to let guests try several of their favorites, like mini chocolate cakes with a bourbon glaze, pumpkin pie parfaits with hazelnut whipped cream, and champagne sorbets for a lighter treat.
TABLESCAPE
You’ve worked hard in the kitchen to prepare the dishes for your holiday meal. Serve them up on a beautiful table to really cap off the festive holiday!
Budget-friendly: Combine rustic with elegance by using inexpensive burlap as your table covering, colorful fall leaves scattered throughout your table, and a variety of tapered candles for lighting and a glowing ambiance.
Upscale: Pull out all the stops from crystal water glasses and champagne flutes to gilded pears for a beautiful centerpiece. Formal china sets the mood for an evening of fabulous food and family.