Universally, one of the best things about the holidays is the food. Whether it’s traditional or a new recipe, people love to celebrate with tables of delicious dishes garnished with holiday decorations. When it comes to holiday foods, not only for parties and celebrations, but small home cooked meals, there’s a plethora of festive ideas. Luckily, you don’t have to be overly skilled in the culinary arts to create beautiful trays of food for your family and friends to enjoy. 

Holiday dinners, desserts, and drinks are the main staple of any festival celebration. They’re fun, delicious, and bring people together under one roof during the fall and winter seasons.

Festive Dinner Ideas

While breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, a holiday dinner is the most important part of the end of the year seasonal feasts. Choosing the right type of dinner can be creative and fun, not only for the person who cooks it but the friends and family who enjoy it. During your celebration, dinner may be important but doesn’t always have to be so formal. Having anything from festive homemade pizza in the shape of a candy cane, to sides like salads that give your feast a healthy and colorful touch, can make your get-together that much more delicious.

One of the staples of any festive holiday dinner is turkey or sugar ham. For many people, both turkey and ham are traditions that are never forgotten during their celebrations. However, they don’t have to be the only tradition anymore. Try any of these tasty ideas for your holiday dinner and give your traditions a new creative spin!

Sunny’s Easy Holiday Spiral Ham – made with brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and, of course, whole ham

Pizza Candy Cane Crescent – made with crescent rolls, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni

Christmas Tree Bread – made with pizza dough and cheese

Big Festive Salad – made with nuts, dressing, and a variety of fruits and salad leaves

Holiday Refreshments

Finding something appropriate and fun to serve with your dinner can be just as important as the dinner itself. There are many holiday drinks to choose from that are colorful, tasty, and festive. Holiday drinks are fun, and you can always get creative while making them. From alcoholic to nonalcoholic drinks, it’s easy to find a fun quick beverage for your holiday celebrations.

One of the staple drinks of any fall or winter holiday is apple cider. Whether you like yours simple and fresh or spiced and warm, you will never go wrong with apple cider. Try some of these delicious and easy refreshment recipes during the holidays this year!

Holiday Apple Cider – made with apples, apple juice, and cinnamon 

Christmas Punch – made with various fruits and sprite

Grinch Drink – made with lemon-lime pop, alcohol, and fruit for garnish

Sweet Bites

A party or celebration can’t go without various desserts. Almost everyone brings their own version of their favorite dish and sometimes your own dish doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Trying new and complicated recipes can be tricky but it can be fun finding delicious new sweet dishes that are easy and have a glorious presentation. 

There’s nothing more traditional during the holidays than a bread pudding dish. Try this and more listed below, to make your sweet festive dish the talk of the celebration.

Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding – made with challah bread, cinnamon, and cream

Christmas Tree Tarts – made with pie crust and pie filling

Five-Minute Fudge Wreath – made with chocolate, butterscotch, and walnuts

The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and great food. Whether it’s a dinner feast or simple sweet treats, stay festive this season and try any of these delicious recipes. You can also join our celebrations at The Terrace Retirement Community and enjoy our holiday food with your family and friends. 

Want to learn more about our food or senior living? Call us at 573-875-2538 or reach us online at any time!