The Prettiest Holiday Dinner Spread

Holiday Dinner Recipes

A holiday dinner menu with dishes that stand out in taste and looks. 

Aesthetics are important in my holiday meals, so I’ve tweaked my typical Christmas Eve dinner menu (but it’s fantastic for any fall/winter holiday!) for the last few years in an attempt to find the prettiest and best-tasting meal.  This year, I finally put together a menu that suits the bill. Scroll down to see the preparations, full menu, and final product. Enjoy!

Rosemary Wreath

Roasted Purple Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts

Vegan Purple Sweet Potato Pie

Hot White Chocolate

Rosemary Wreath

I always always ALWAYS have a dish available for immediate snacking.  My family either shows up early or I’m behind schedule, so this is another essential for my table.  I typically opt for a charcuterie board, but wanted something simpler this year. That’s where the rosemary wreath comes in; it’s gorgeous, it’s simple, and it’s easily restock-able.  I used fresh rosemary sprigs for the wreath, sliced pear, green and kalamata olives, and goat cheese crumbles.  

Standing Rib Roast

This was a non-negotiable for me.  My grandmother--the fancy prosecco at noon one--prepared standing rib roast with Yorkshire pudding most every Christmas Eve. This dish is outstanding and much easier than a turkey. I follow the linked recipe word for word and have yet to be disappointed.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/standing-rib-roast-3645335

Yorkshire Pudding

In my opinion, standing rib roast cannot be served without Yorkshire pudding. This classic english side dish is less popular in the States, and this is one of the reasons I enjoy serving it.  If I weren’t dairy and gluten intolerant, I would make this recipe exactly how it’s written. I sub for a non-dairy alternative and a GF flour.  

https://www.food.com/recipe/gordon-ramsays-yorkshire-pudding-424498

Purple Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts

This is another eye-catching and crowd-pleasing dish, and the purple cauliflower looks beautiful on the same table as the purple pie. 

https://www.wifemamafoodie.com/roasted-cauliflower-brussels-sprouts/

Deviled Eggs with Greek Yogurt

Before I had my dairy allergy, I used this deviled egg recipe.  

https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/greek-yogurt-deviled-eggs

Spring Mix Salad with Pear and Goat Cheese 

I don’t have a recipe for this just spring mix for the base, sliced pears, goat cheese crumbles, and walnut halves. I serve it with a dijon vinaigrette dressing linked below. 

https://downshiftology.com/recipes/dijon-vinaigrette/

Mashed Potatoes

The title is accurate.  These are indeed the best damn vegan mashed potatoes I’ve ever had.  I don’t miss dairy when I find recipes like this. 

https://minimalistbaker.com/the-best-damn-vegan-mashed-potatoes/

Vegan Purple Sweet Potato Pie  

This is a showstopper on the table and taste buds. The rich purple color is striking, and the taste is quite unconventional-- sweet with a kick.  My take on the recipe : 1. the crust didn’t sound appetizing, so I substituted for a homemade GF pie crust. 2. Only add ¼ tsp of Cayenne pepper. ½ will be too prominent for some guests.  

https://www.theendlessmeal.com/vegan-purple-sweet-potato-pie/

White Hot Chocolate

I wanted to provide hot chocolate, but sought a more-attractive version. I landed on this white hot chocolate recipe.  Garnish with white chocolate shavings and a cinnamon stick. 

https://thatgirlcookshealthy.com/white-hot-chocolate-recipe/

Push play on one our B.E Merry playlists on Spotify before guests arrive, and you’re set to host your prettiest holiday dinner yet.

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