Holiday Party Food Guide

Planning for Holiday Gatherings

Holiday parties call for something special. Whether you're hosting a Christmas open house, Thanksgiving appetizers, New Year's Eve celebration, or Hanukkah gathering, the food should feel festive and abundant. This guide covers appetizer-focused parties rather than sit-down dinners.

The holiday season often means guests attending multiple parties, so plan for lighter grazing unless your party is the main event of the evening.

Elegant Appetizers

1. Cheese Tray (The Centerpiece)

A beautiful cheese board makes any party feel sophisticated. It's also one of the easiest appetizers to prepare.

• Plan for 2 oz per person before a meal, 4-6 oz if it's the main appetizer
• Include 3-5 varieties: soft (brie), hard (cheddar), aged (gouda), blue, and one specialty
• Take cheese out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before serving
• Add crackers, fruit, nuts, and honey for accompaniments

Calculate cheese for your party →

2. Veggie Tray

Fresh crudités balance out richer holiday foods and provide a healthy option.

• Plan for 1/2 cup per person
• Include 5-6 colorful vegetables for visual appeal
• Offer 2-3 dips: ranch, hummus, and a seasonal option
• Prep veggies a day ahead, store in water to keep crisp

Calculate veggie tray for your party →

3. Shrimp Cocktail

Nothing says "special occasion" like shrimp cocktail. It's elegant, easy, and always popular.

• Plan for 6-8 shrimp per person
• Buy 21-25 count (per pound) for appetizer-sized shrimp
• Keep on ice until serving
• Pre-peeled and deveined saves significant prep time

Calculate shrimp for your party →

4. Meatballs

Warm, savory meatballs are perfect for holiday parties. Swedish meatballs are particularly festive.

• Plan for 5-6 meatballs per person
• Keep warm in a slow cooker with sauce
• Provide toothpicks for easy serving
• Can be made ahead and frozen

Calculate meatballs for your party →

5. Deviled Eggs

A classic that never goes out of style. Perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Plan for 2-3 egg halves per person
• Make filling a day ahead, fill eggs day-of
• Use a piping bag for elegant presentation
• Garnish with paprika, chives, or bacon bits

Calculate deviled eggs →

Holiday Desserts

Cake

A festive cake makes a beautiful centerpiece.

• Plan for 1 slice per person
• A 9-inch round serves about 12 people
• Sheet cakes are more economical for large groups
• Consider red velvet, chocolate, or spice cake for holiday themes

Calculate cake →

Cookies

Holiday cookies are a must for seasonal parties.

• Plan for 2-3 cookies per person
• Offer variety: sugar cookies, gingerbread, chocolate chip
• Can be baked 3-5 days ahead
• Display on tiered platters for visual impact

Calculate cookies →

Cupcakes

Individual servings eliminate the need for slicing.

• Plan for 1 cupcake per person
• Order 10% extra for display and accidents
• Festive frosting colors and toppers add holiday cheer

Calculate cupcakes →

Drinks for Holiday Parties

• Plan for 2-3 drinks per person for a 2-3 hour party
• Offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options
• Consider festive options: eggnog, hot cider, sparkling cider
• Have plenty of ice (1 lb per person)
• Set up a self-serve drink station

Calculate drinks →

Sample Menu for 20 People

Accommodating Dietary Restrictions

Holiday gatherings often include guests with various dietary needs:

• Vegetarian: Cheese tray, veggie tray, deviled eggs, most desserts
• Gluten-free: Shrimp, cheese, vegetables, flourless desserts
• Dairy-free: Shrimp, veggie tray (with dairy-free dip), fruit
• Kosher: Separate dairy and meat, check certifications
• Label everything: Use small cards to identify ingredients

Make-Ahead Timeline

• 1 week before: Bake and freeze cookies, make shopping list
• 3 days before: Shop for non-perishables, prep freezable items
• 2 days before: Make meatballs, prep deviled egg filling
• Day before: Buy perishables, prep veggie tray, thaw shrimp
• Day of: Assemble cheese board, fill deviled eggs, set up stations
• 2 hours before: Set out room-temperature items, start slow cookers

Presentation Tips

• Use tiered serving platters for visual height
• Add fresh greenery (rosemary, thyme) as garnish
• Incorporate festive colors in napkins and plates
• Use warming trays or slow cookers for hot items
• Place ice bowls under cold appetizers for outdoor or warm rooms

Quick Calculators