There are certain things it’s almost canon to have at the holidays. There will be a centerpiece dish, like a roast, or a turkey, right? (Though even that’s negotiable.) But what about all the other elements? There are so many appetizer, side, and dessert decisions to be made that the choices can seem overwhelming.
In situations like this, it can help to pick a theme. Below, we have more than a dozen thought out for you, from a crab feed to a vegetarian feast and a meal made up entirely of small plates. You don’t have to stick to each menu exactly, of course, but we hope you’ll find the meal plans helpful at the holidays, or any time you’re entertaining a large group of friends and loved ones.
Feast on Crab
It’s prime time for sweet Dungeness. We share our secrets for amazing cracked crab and crabcakes, plus the best sauces for dipping.
More: Feast on Crab
Cabernet Holiday Dinner
Pair the king of reds with the king of beef for a show-stopper of a holiday meal.
More: Cabernet Holiday Dinner
Vegetarian Holiday Menu
Everyone can enjoy this hearty holiday meal, created by a chef at San Francisco’s landmark vegetarian restaurant, Greens.
More: Vegetarian Holiday Menu
Italian Family Lunch
An Italian family’s generations-old tradition of making homemade sausage is shared in this rustic holiday menu.
More: An Italian Family Lunch
An Italian Christmas Eve
Savor spaghetti with anchovies and bread crumbs, salt-baked striped bass, and semifreddo this Christmas with a southern Italian-inspired menu.
More: An Italian Christmas Eve
Grand Feast
Create an old-fashioned Christmas dinner complete with all the trimmings–including a magnificent standing rib roast–by following this menu and prep plan.
More: Grand Feast
Festive Menu for 2
Dinner doesn’t need a turkey or roast to feel like a holiday; Cornish hens are also celebratory, just in a size that’s perfect for smaller groups.
More: Festive Menu for 2
Your Midweek Holiday Party
A party in the middle of the week? You can pull it off in style with this menu of simple, crowd-pleasing hors d’oeuvres.
Easy Open House Party
This menu mixes several chic recipes with a few ready-made items for stress-less entertaining, no matter the size of the crowd.
More: Easy Open House Party
Easy Holiday Beef Brisket
For a simple Hanukkah menu, start off with latkes then move to twice-baked brisket and a light salad before closing with an apple pie.
Easy Open House Buffet
This no-hassle menu features recipes that can be made ahead of time and taste fine served at room temperature, leaving you time to enjoy your guests.
More: Easy Open House Buffet
Search All of Sunset’s Recipes
Read the Current Issue Here!
Get one year of Sunset—and all kinds of bonuses—for just $29.95. Subscribe now!
