40 Christmas Dinner Ideas

If you’re planning a festive feast for Christmas Day,
you’ve probably spent a lot of time, effort and money making sure that the turkey is perfect and the presents are all bought. But what about the table?
The Christmas Day dining table is the centrepiece of the day – and it’s not just about the food.
You want to create a setting that’s going to wow your guests, make it a day to remember and look great in the photos.
1. Pomegranate cocktails

Pomegranate juice is the perfect festive color for the holidays. Use it as the base for these easy vodka cocktails.
Top with seltzer and a sprig of rosemary, then garnish with pomegranate arils.
If you want to make this drink ahead of time, just combine the juice and vodka and store it in the fridge.
2. Pesto pull-apart bread

This pesto pull-apart bread is a great starter recipe that you can make with your kids.
You can make the bread dough from scratch or use a store-bought dough.
Then, you’ll roll the dough out and cut it into squares before layering it with pesto and cheese.
3. Goat’s cheese and roast shallot tart

Get ahead with your Christmas dinner prep and make this easy goat’s cheese tart.
Roast the shallots up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container, then assemble the tart on the day.
Served with a side of leafy greens, this is a great recipe to serve to any vegetarians at your Christmas dinner table.
4. Roast duck with cherry and red wine sauce

Treat your guests to a roast duck with a cherry and red wine sauce.
Duck is rich and delicious and is a great alternative to turkey or chicken if you want to try something different this year.
This recipe uses a simple salt and pepper seasoning, and the cherry and red wine sauce is a great way to add some sweetness to the dish.
Serve with all the usual Christmas trimmings, like roast potatoes, brussels sprouts, and carrots.
Top tip: Duck is a great option if you are cooking for a small group as you can buy a whole duck and cook it in just a couple of hours.
5. Spiced red cabbage

This spiced red cabbage is an easy way to add a pop of color and flavor to your holiday table. The best part? You can make it in just 30 minutes.
The cabbage is cooked with onions, apples, and a variety of spices to give it a sweet and tangy flavor.
It’s the perfect side dish to balance out all the rich and savory flavors on your plate.
6. Brussels sprouts with shallots and pancetta

Brussels sprouts are a must-have at any holiday meal, and this recipe is a great way to serve them up with a little something extra.
Shallots and pancetta add a nice salty flavor to the dish and make it feel a little bit fancier than simply steaming or roasting your sprouts.
7. Pigs in blankets

Pigs in blankets are a Christmas dinner staple and you can’t go wrong with a classic.
This recipe uses a combination of veggie sausages and smokey carrot strips, and you could also try using a vegan bacon if you want.
8. Roast potatoes

Crispy, golden roast potatoes are a Christmas dinner must.
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, drain, then shake the pan to roughen up the edges.
Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper, then roast in the oven until golden and crispy.
For extra-fluffy potatoes, try parboiling the potatoes, then leaving them to cool in the pan. This will help make the edges extra rough and crispy.
9. Christmas pudding
The grand finale of the Christmas feast is a decadent dessert.
Christmas pudding is a staple in the UK and is a dense, fruit-filled cake that is steamed rather than baked.
It is then aged for a few weeks or months and then doused in brandy and set on fire right before serving.
If you’re not a fan of the boozy dessert, try a classic American Christmas dessert like pecan pie, apple pie, or red velvet cake.
10. Cheese and biscuits
We can’t think of a better way to round off your Christmas meal than with a cheese board.
With so many varieties of cheese to choose from, you can really make it your own.
We love to include a stilton, a brie, a cheddar, a red Leicester and a goats’ cheese.
Serve with a selection of crackers, chutneys and pickles to really make the cheese board sing.
Conclusion
Don’t let the holidays stress you out. We’ve got you covered with everything from Christmas appetizers to Christmas desserts, and we’ve got ideas for everything in between, too.