Easy And Impressive Holiday Dinner Party Recipes

It’s the holidays, which means it’s the perfect time to throw a dinner party! Send out the invites, do some grocery shopping and plan your meals; it’s going to be one to remember. We know that the holidays can be a stressful time, and a lot of effort, planning and preparation go into them. You want to plan the perfect event and make sure everyone is catered for. But between work, shopping, and all of the other holiday prep, who has the time to stand in front of a hot stove all day?

If there’s one thing we can do for you, it’s taking the guesswork out of what recipes you’ll be making for your dinner party. We’ve whipped up some easy and impressive festive dinner party ideas that are quite perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for main meals, side dishes or desserts, we’ve got you! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the party.

What Makes a Great Holiday Dinner Party?

If you’ve ever hosted a holiday dinner party before, you know how stressful it can be. You can spend hours planning the menu and then changing your mind maybe four or five times. We don’t want all that extra stress this holiday, so from us to you, here are our top tips for what makes a great holiday dinner party.

1. Beautiful venue and table set-up: everyone loves a good table set up. It’s essential to make the eating space clean, spacious, and lightly decorated to set the mood for the rest of the evening.

2. Delicious food: is it even a party if there’s no food? Everyone looks forward to the meal and a delicious dinner feast is the easiest way to bring a smile to your guests’ faces.

3. Mouth-watering desserts: puddings, cakes, or cookies; there’s always room for dessert! Satisfy their sweet tooth with a winning dessert recipe.

4. Ambience: the mood is everything. We know that stress can sometimes bring out the worst in us, but don’t forget to have some fun and keep your guests happy. Play a little music in the background, have a selection of drinks set up for your guests’ arrival and make sure your meals are fresh and hot.

5. Entertainment: games aren’t just for kids! Keep your holiday party buzzing with some fun holiday games.

What Can You Serve at a Holiday Dinner Party?

There is so much that you can serve at a holiday dinner party, it’s not just limited to one dish. It also depends on the type of dinner party you’re hosting. For example, if it’s a ‘bring your own dish’ type of dinner, it means everyone at the holiday party is responsible for bringing something for everyone to enjoy. If you’ve been invited to a festive dinner party or hosting one, here are some easy, tasty, and creative meals, snacks, and desserts you can make in no time.

Starter Snacks to Get Your Festive Dinner Party Started

It’s time to get your festive dinner party started with some yummy starter snacks! Your guests are hungry, dinner is about an hour away from being ready and you don’t want them to starve or feel uncomfortable. Finger food or light snacks are the easiest ways to keep your guests nibbling and satisfied until the festive dinner is ready.

Easy Prawn and Avo Cocktail

Sophisticated yet tasty, this easy prawn and avo cocktail recipe is the perfect Christmas starter to ring your guests in. Packed with crunchy prawns, creamy avocado, and crispy lettuce leaves, it’s hard not to love this festive starter. Drizzle a little Knorr creamy thousand islands salad dressing and you’re good to go.

Thai Chicken Spring Rolls with Sweet Chilli Mayo

Forget store bought spring rolls, bring out your creative cooking skills and make up a batch yourself. This Thai chicken spring rolls recipe promises a bunch of flavour and a mild kick. Serve this easy festive starter dish with a creamy mayonnaise and sweet chilli-based dip for more taste.

Main Meals You Can Make for a Holiday Dinner Party

Sticky Chicken Dinner, Green Goddess Dressing

What if we told you this dish can be cooked without dishes? The Knorr Cook-in-Bag Sticky Chicken wings does all the work in the oven for you! Perfect for a festive dinner, this sticky chicken dinner recipe ticks all the boxes of deliciousness and it’s served with a healthy, green goddess sauce, yum!

Glazed Gammon with Brussels Sprouts, Red Wine Gravy and Apple Slaw

If you’re looking to keep things classic, this glazed gammon recipe is just for you. Served with a fresh apple, cabbage and carrot slaw and heart gravy, the cherry on top of this recipe is the sticky Knorr Balsamic and Pineapple salad dressing that makes this gammon addictively sweet and sticky. This festive dinner recipe is a show stopper!

Classic Desserts and Cocktails for a Jolly Good Dinner Party

Chocolate and Spicy Pear Malva Pudding

A classic twist on a nostalgic South African dessert; this chocolate and spicy pear malva pudding is warm, soft, and delightfully sweet. Explore a new world of flavour and try this chocolatey pudding for your festive dinner party!

Spicy Pineapple Daiquiris

Let’s cheers to the holidays! This spicy pineapple daiquiris recipe is refreshing and has a zip of heat. Made with fresh pineapples and limes, this drink is sure to keep everyone at your dinner party cool and refreshed. Visit Whatsfordinner for more inspiration