The holiday season is upon us, and there's no better way to celebrate than by throwing a spectacular Christmas party that's a feast for the senses. From the shimmering decorations to the joyful carols, it's a time for merriment and, of course, indulgent food. Let’s dive into the top food choices that will make your Christmas party a delectable success, leaving your guests craving for more.

Classic Roast Turkey

Let's start with the star of the show – the classic roast turkey. It wouldn't be Christmas without this beloved centerpiece gracing your dining table. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and aromatic stuffing create a mouthwatering combination that's hard to resist. Serve it with rich gravy and cranberry sauce for that perfect balance of flavors.

Classic Roast Turkey for Christmas Party

Ingredients

1 turkey – approx 4.5kg/10lbs

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

240 ml (1 cup) chicken stock - this can be warm or cold

How to Make

1. Preheat the oven to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas mark 4

2. Remove the giblets and neck (you can save these to make stock another time), tuck the tips of the legs into the cavity, and tuck the tips of the wings underneath the bird.

3. Place the turkey on a large wire rack on top of a large roasting tray.

4. Rub the oil all over the turkey, then sprinkle on the salt and pepper.

5. Pour the stock into the base of the roasting tray.

6. Brush or spray the foil with a little more oil, then tent the foil over the turkey and the tray so there are no gaps. Try not to let the foil touch the turkey – this will allow steam to circulate around the turkey as it’s cooking. You will probably need to connect a couple of large pieces of foil together so it will fit – just roll and then scrunch the edges of the pieces of foil together so they stay connected.

7. Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 2 hours.

8. Remove the foil roast for a further hour.

9. Once the turkey is lovely and golden brown, remove from the oven and transfer to a warm serving plate.

10. Leave to rest for 30-60 minutes (I usually rest mine for about 45 minutes). This is ultra-important if you want a juicy turkey. The turkey will still be warm after this period (plus if you’re serving on warm plates with hot gravy you have nothing to worry about at all). There is no need to cover the turkey (unless you’re in a really cold room) during this time, as the internal temperature tends to rise a little more during the resting period, and covering with foil would just cook the turkey further and the skin will soften.

How to Make Classic Roast Turkey for Christmas Party

If you need more time to make roasties after the turkey comes out of the oven and think you might need to let the turkey rest for 60-90 minutes, then tent foil over the top, leaving space between the turkey and the foil (this is so any trapped steam on the foil isn’t touching the skin – which would make it go soggy).

Use the juices in the bottom of the tray to make gravy (or add these juices to gravy you’ve made ahead – check out my video for make-ahead Christmas gravy **** Coming soon!).

Turkey Roasting Timings

Turkey Roasting Timings

Note: this is for whole turkeys (not turkey crowns).

For turkeys under 4kg (8.8lbs), this is 20 minutes per kg (2.2lbs) plus 70 minutes.

For turkeys 4kg (8.8lbs) and over, this is 20 minutes per kg (2.2lbs) plus 90 minutes.

Always check that your roast turkey is cooked before serving! 

Honey-Glazed Ham

For those who prefer pork, a succulent honey-glazed ham is an excellent choice. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the ham a delightful crust. It's a dish that's sure to please both young and old alike.

Decadent Prime Rib

Decadent Prime Rib for Christmas Party

If you're aiming for a luxurious spread, prime rib is the way to go. Cooked to perfection, this melt-in-your-mouth cut of beef is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. Pair it with horseradish sauce and au jus for an unforgettable experience.

Christmas Dinner For Couples

Vegetarian Delights

Don't forget your vegetarian guests! A festive vegetable in Wellington, stuffed with a medley of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and cheese, is a delightful alternative. It's not just for vegetarians; everyone will savor this dish.

Appetizers to Impress

Appetizers to Impress

Kick off your Christmas party with a bang by serving a selection of mouthwatering appetizers. Stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped dates, and mini quiches are perfect bite-sized treats that will keep your guests coming back for more.

Cheesy Delights

Cheesy Delights

A cheese platter is a must-have at any holiday gathering. A variety of cheeses, paired with artisanal crackers, fresh fruits, and nuts, makes for a visually appealing and palate-pleasing addition to your spread.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables add a burst of color and freshness to your Christmas table. Seasoned with herbs and olive oil, they are a delightful and healthy accompaniment to the rich main dishes.

Decadent Desserts

Decadent Desserts

Christmas is synonymous with sweets, and your dessert table should be a sight to behold. Serve up classics like Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, and a Yule log cake. Don't forget the rich, creamy eggnog for sipping or spiking!

Creative Cocktails

Creative Cocktails

Get creative with your drink selection by offering themed cocktails. Spiked hot chocolate, mulled wine, and cranberry mimosas are sure to keep the spirits high and the conversations flowing.

Gingerbread Everything

Gingerbread Everything

Gingerbread is a quintessential Christmas flavor. Beyond cookies, consider gingerbread pancakes for a festive brunch, or gingerbread cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for dessert. The warm, spicy notes are a delightful addition to your menu.

Christmas Morning Brunch

Christmas Morning Brunch

If you're hosting a Christmas brunch, serve up classics like fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and a hearty frittata. Don't forget the champagne for mimosas to add a touch of elegance to the meal.

Chocolate Fondue

For a fun and interactive dessert experience, set up a chocolate fondue station with an assortment of dippable goodies like strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels. It's a delightful way to end the evening.

Gathering Together On Christmas

In the spirit of giving and sharing, a Christmas party is an opportunity to bring friends and family together over a table laden with delicious dishes. Whether you opt for traditional favorites like roast turkey and ham or venture into creative culinary territories, remember that the heart of any Christmas party is the joy of celebrating with loved ones.

So, as you plan your Christmas gathering, let your menu reflect the warmth and togetherness of the season. With these top best food choices, your Christmas party is bound to be a memorable, delectable, and heartwarming affair that will have everyone looking forward to next year's festivities. Cheers to a delicious and joyful holiday season!

We hope you will enjoy it!See you in the next article.