How does this sound for Christmas dinner?

Question

I will have about 15-16 people here for Christmas dinner. I'd like to keep in simple and casual since we can't all cram into my dining room. I was thinking about doing several easy make-ahead appetizers and a Honey Baked ham, Cook's Illustrated Scalloped Potatoes and some kind of vegetable or nice big green salad and rolls.

How does that sound? Would I just put the appetizers out and then a little while later set out the ham, potatoes and veg and/or salad? Do you put the appetizers away first? Or should I do something different?

Answer

Menu sounds good. I would do both a veggie side and a salad with that number of people, plus rolls because carbs equal good and helpful if there are secret picky types in there.

As far as serving, I would have the apps out as people arrive. So they can nibble, have a drink, and mingle. Then at dinner time, set them aside and put out the meal. If some people are showing up right at diner time, then I would leave the apps out.

Answer

it sounds like a fine menu. It makes things more festive if you remember the small things: good mustard, a chutney of some sort, maybe spiced crab apples or a pickled fruit. These dress up the table. I'd add a cookie you particularly like and a platter of pretty fruit to the desert. Both of these complement your cake which sounds great and are easy to eat without being at a dinner table.

Answer

You could make some gougeres and serve them with drinks but they could double as rolls to eat with the ham. They are easy and always look very impressive.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Gougeres-361149
I always serve candy cane ice cream with chocolate sauce for dessert. I pulverize candy canes and mix it with vanilla ice cream and serve it with the fudge sauce.http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2009/02/hot-fudge-sauce/
I like the idea of everyone eating at their own pace so would not put apps away. I would definitely serve a green veg to lighten up the dinner. What kind of appa were you thinking about?

Answer

Another veg side idea is to just make a mix of roasted seasonal veggies. I made this version last year for the holidays, but with just assorted carrots, parsnips and some yellow beets- whatever you like. The gremolata topping can be made a day ahead and i roasted the veggies that morning and just warmed thru before serving:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Roasted-Vegetables-with-Pecan-Gremolata-236485

Answer

I think with a casual, buffet-style meal, people generally expect more options, not less. In addition to the appetizers, ham, scalloped potatoes, I would do two or three vegetables and a salad. Along with an assortment of bread and rolls.

The vegetables don't need to be fancy. If you want to stick to basics, green beans, (boiled, steamed or roasted), glazed baby carrots, and a bag or two of frozen corn. (Of course, you could dress these up if you want.) If you want something more impressive, choose other veggies as sides. Asparagus and broccoli both go really well with ham. Or a "green" like kale or swiss chard. 

For salad, I would do a basic lettuce/green salad (expect maybe 8 people to eat it, so it does not have to be all that large) and something like Cole slaw or broccoli slaw. 

As somebody else already mentioned don't forget the small things like mustard, chutney, spiced fruit. That could also mean things like sweet or dill pickles. There are some great simple recipes for homemade quick refrigerator pickles available online.

Answer

Sounds very nice to me if I were a guest.....as a host, depending on the crowd attending...I would consider adding another dish...doesn't have to be expensive....I know many families, Italian and not, that serve Pasta...like Baked Ziti or Lasagna. I suggest this only because not everyone may like ham...and I wouldn't want a guest not to eat , or eat only sides for a Christmas Dinner...because they were being polite.

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How does this sound for Christmas dinner?

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