20 Festive Christmas Party Platters for a Memorable Feast
The holiday season is upon us, and there's no better way to celebrate than by hosting a Christmas party filled with delicious, festive platters. I always find that sharing good food brings people together and creates those heartwarming memories that last a lifetime.
So, I decided to compile a list of "20 Festive Christmas Party Platters for a Memorable Feast" that will have your guests raving about your culinary prowess. From savory bites to sweet treats, these dishes are easy to prepare and perfect for creating a joyful holiday atmosphere.
Article Includes
1. Classic Cheese and Charcuterie Board
A well-curated cheese and charcuterie board is a surefire hit at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- Assortment of cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda, blue cheese)
- Variety of cured meats (salami, prosciutto, chorizo)
- Grapes, apple slices, and dried apricots
- Mixed nuts
- Crackers and baguette slices
- Olives and honey
Instructions:
- Arrange cheeses and meats on a large platter.
- Fill in with fruit, nuts, crackers, and slices of baguette.
- Add small bowls of olives and honey.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.
2. Deviled Eggs with a Twist
These deviled eggs are a delightful spin on a classic appetizer, with a hint of heat and a festive look.
Ingredients:
- 12 hard-boiled eggs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- Paprika and chives for garnish
Instructions:
- Halve the eggs and scoop out the yolks into a bowl.
- Mix yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and hot sauce until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites.
- Sprinkle with paprika and chopped chives.
3. Shrimp Cocktail Platter
A luxurious and elegant option that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs large shrimp, cooked and peeled
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Arrange cooked shrimp on a large platter.
- Place a bowl of cocktail sauce in the center.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
4. Mini Caprese Skewers
These bite-sized skewers are bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors.
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic reduction
Instructions:
- Skewer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves.
- Arrange skewers on a platter.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction just before serving.
5. Christmas Tree Veggie Platter
A festive veggie platter shaped like a Christmas tree adds a fun touch to your party.
Ingredients:
- Broccoli florets
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced yellow bell peppers
- Baby carrots
- Ranch dip
Instructions:
- Arrange broccoli in a tree shape on a large platter.
- Add cherry tomatoes as ornaments.
- Use sliced bell peppers as garlands.
- Place baby carrots as the tree trunk and arrange ranch dip on the side.
6. Festive Fruit Platter
Colorful and healthy, a fruit platter is refreshing and visually appealing.
Ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Green grapes
- Kiwi slices
- Pineapple chunks
- Blueberries
Instructions:
- Arrange fruit in a decorative pattern on a large platter.
- Alternate colors for a festive look.
- Serve with a bowl of yogurt or fruit dip if desired.
7. Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
Warm, gooey Brie topped with tart cranberry sauce is irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- Crackers for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place Brie on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until soft.
- Top with cranberry sauce and serve warm with crackers.
8. Pigs in a Blanket
These classic bite-sized snacks are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 package mini sausages
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Wrap each mini sausage in a small piece of crescent roll dough.
- Place on a baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
9. Bruschetta Trio
Offer a variety of bruschetta toppings for a little something for everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- Tomato-basil mix
- Olive tapenade
- Mozzarella and pesto
Instructions:
- Toast baguette slices until golden.
- Top with tomato-basil mix, olive tapenade, or mozzarella and pesto.
- Arrange on a platter for serving.
10. Spinach Artichoke Dip
This creamy, cheesy dip is perfect with crusty bread or crackers.
Ingredients:
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve warm with bread or crackers.
11. Sweet and Spicy Pecans
A flavorful and crunchy snack perfect for nibbling.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Toss pecans with maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and sea salt.
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until toasted.
12. Antipasto Skewers
Packed with Italian flavors, these skewers are an easy and elegant appetizer.
Ingredients:
- Cured meats (salami, prosciutto)
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Cherry tomatoes
- Marinated artichoke hearts
Instructions:
- Skewer cured meats, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts.
- Arrange on a platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning before serving.
13. Chocolate Fondue Platter
A sweet treat that lets everyone join in the fun.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chocolate, melted
- Strawberries, apple slices, marshmallows, pretzels, and pound cake cubes for dipping
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate in a fondue pot or double boiler.
- Arrange dipping items on a large platter.
- Serve warm chocolate with skewers for dipping.
14. Gingerbread Cookie Platter
No Christmas party is complete without gingerbread cookies.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
- Combine both mixtures and roll out dough.
- Cut into gingerbread shapes and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Decorate once cooled.
15. Meatball Marinara
Mini meatballs in marinara sauce are perfect for a hearty appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan.
- Form into small meatballs and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat marinara sauce and combine with meatballs on a platter.
16. Caponata with Crostini
This savory Sicilian eggplant dish is a flavorful addition to your spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
Instructions:
- Sauté eggplant and onion in olive oil until softened.
- Add capers, olives, and tomato paste and cook for a few more minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with crostini.
17. Pumpkin Pie Dip
A festive dip that captures the essence of pumpkin pie.
Ingredients:
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Graham crackers for dipping
Instructions:
- Beat pumpkin puree, cream cheese, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl and serve with graham crackers.
18. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Simple yet elegant, this dish is great for finger food.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1 package prosciutto slices
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
19. Chicken Satay Skewers
These skewers are flavorful, easy to eat, and always a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken strips onto skewers.
- Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice for the dipping sauce.
- Grill skewers for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Serve with peanut sauce.
20. Red Velvet Cake Bites
These bite-sized treats are a festive and sweet end to your party.
Ingredients:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1 container cream cheese frosting
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions:
- Bake cake according to box instructions and let cool.
- Crumble cake into a large bowl and mix with frosting.
- Form into small balls and roll in sprinkles.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Conclusion
Create this array of festive platters and watch as your Christmas party becomes the highlight of the holiday season. Happy cooking and Merry Christmas!
