A Well-Planned Holiday Dinner Menu

As we approach the busiest week of the year, we know you have enough on your to-do list. Whether you’re preparing for houseguests or wrapping all the presents, finding time to plan a menu can be stressful in and of itself. The good news? We’ve researched, vetted, and carefully compiled a holiday dinner menu from start to finish. Complete with appetizers, entrees, side dishes, a dessert, and a cocktail, we’ve chosen elevated and inspired recipes that are approachable enough for any skill level. All that’s left to do is prep your kitchen, order the groceries, and recruit a few family members to help you cook.

 

A HOLIDAY DINNER MENU

 

TO START

 

recipe & photo via Bon Appetit

 

Marinated Olives & Feta

 

This appetizer is our team member Leigh’s go-to whenever she’s hosting. It’s such an elegant way to start any meal, but even better? It’s incredibly quick and easy. The oil is flavored with red pepper flakes and garlic, pairing beautifully with warm, crusty bread slices.

 

recipe & photo via Farm Fresh to You

 

Ricotta Stuffed Figs

 

Our Creative Strategist, Sam, serves these Ricotta Stuffed Figs whenever there’s a special occasion to celebrate. To start, you’ll slice each fig, keeping them connected at the bottom. Next, dip your figs into honey followed by chopped pistachios, and fill with about a tablespoon of ricotta cheese. Don’t have ricotta on hand? Goat cheese would be a delicious alternative.

 

ENTREES

 

recipe & photo via Inspired With a Twist

 

Balsamic and Pomegranate Roasted Chicken

 

Nothing pleases a crowd like a classic roast chicken. To make it feel extra special, you’ll make a marinade of olive oil, pomegranate molasses, pomegranate juice, honey, balsamic, lemon, garlic, and pomegranate seeds. Allow the chicken to sit in that marinade for at least 30 minutes (or overnight), and transfer to a roasting dish. It will cook for about an hour and a half and make your home smell delicious in the process.

 

recipe & photo via Half Baked Harvest

 

White Wine Mushroom Stuffed Shells

 

Whether you have vegetarians at your table or just want a meatless option available, having a second entree option is always a good idea. Our Editorial Director, Steph, loves this vegetable-forward pasta made with spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, buttery béchamel sauce, and caramelized mushrooms. It’s such a cozy winter dish that’s perfect for the holiday season.

 

 

 

ON THE SIDE

 

recipe & photo via What’s Gaby Cooking

 

Crispy Cauliflower Gratin

 

We know potatoes are a classic side dish, but we’re shaking things up this year. This Cheesy Crispy Cauliflower Gratin is going on holiday dinner menu, thanks to Gaby Dalkin. As a professional chef and cookbook author, we fully trust her expertise and wouldn’t be surprised if this dish steals the whole show.

 

 

recipe & photo via Love & Lemons

 

Green Beans Almondine

 

If the idea of cooking a holiday dinner sounds intimidating, this recipe is for you. It’s a simple green bean side dish flavored with olive oil, sea salt, lemon juice, and garlic to dress up the fresh vegetables. The toasted almonds add a nice element of crunch, tying everything together.

 

DESSERT

 

recipe & photo via Bon Appetit

 

Apple Gingerbread Cake with Cream

 

You can go a million different directions with holiday desserts. Of course, cookies are always a winner, but we’re making a spiced Gingerbread Cake from Bon Appetit. We are not going to lie—this one is time-consuming, so plan to make this ahead and store for up to a day in advance. Serve it with dark roast coffee and enjoy your seasonal dessert by the fire.

 

 

 

 

TO SIP

 

recipe & photo via Peaches 2 Peaches

 

Sparkling Pomegranate Gin & Tonic

 

No holiday dinner menu is complete without a festive cocktail, and this one from Monique of Peaches 2 Peaches looks like a hit. She put her twist on a Gin & Tonic with pomegranate juice, Champagne, and fresh thyme. You can adjust the simple syrup to your preferred sweetness level, and don’t forget to add pomegranate seeds for garnish.

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to view all our past IDCO Menu Plans!

 

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IDCO Studio is a full-service creative studio for interior designers and boutique lifestyle brands. Offering bespoke branding, web design and social media content creation, we help brands built around beautiful living elevate their digital presence to represent the physical spaces they design. Our recently launched limited-release website templates are the perfect way for interior designers to get a luxury website on a budget. These templates allow designers to maintain control of their content. Want to work together? Shoot us an inquiry here.