Best christmas party appetizers to feed a crowd

Food is often credited with making the Christmas season magical, not just the gifts. Peppermint, rosemary, cranberry, and cinnamon add charm to Christmas events, when the merry crowds gather around the snack and drink tables.

You read correctly: partygoers are sometimes happy to forsake a traditional, sit-down supper for a more relaxed selection of light nibbles and drinks. Serve plates to start people mixing and save time in the kitchen. Here are some of our favorite Christmas party appetizers and drinks. Now we can nearly taste them.

What to serve at Christmas party

You have sent out Christmas party invites, decorated the tree, and set up outdoor lights. Planning a Christmas party involves more than just that! Follow these fast recommendations to select what to serve at your Christmas party and how much to prepare.

Match refreshments to party theme

After choosing your Christmas party theme, choose appropriate snacks. Casual gatherings, such as ugly sweater parties, may provide appetizers, whereas traditional Christmas dinner parties often feature sit-down dinners and sweets.

Prepare meal early

Select Christmas party appetizers that may be prepared ahead of time and frozen for easy thawing. Find a 30-minute dish that looks and tastes like it took longer if you're too busy to cook ahead.

Going to make extras

Use your guest list to estimate food and drink, but bring extras. Prepare meals for 20 for 12 guests. Avoid running out of food before the celebration ends.

Decorate your snack and drink table

The cuisine at your appetizer table will speak for itself, but Christmas décor will enhance the festive ambiance. Explore the Party Shop Christmas collection for festive serving ware and drinkware, featuring dish titles on meal cards.

Send Paperless Post holiday party invites with Guest Questions to obtain dietary information and limitations before preparing appetizers. Use a Guest Survey to find out what spirits your visitors like, then design a cocktail.

Hire a bartender/server

If your party is larger or more formal, hire someone or engage a trusted friend to mix drinks or serve passed hors d'oeuvres. You may stop watching the refreshment table all night and refilling beverages.

Invite guests to help

Party guests like contributing. Your Christmas party invitation's Comment Wall lets visitors share their wine, dessert, or appetizer plate contributions.

Give leftovers to guests

Who needs party favors when you have leftovers? Double your appetizer recipes, buy decorative to-go boxes, and fill little doggy bags for visitors to take home. Better still, bring one when the party starts in case you don't taste everything while socializing.

Read also: No-cook Finger Foods For Parties

5 Christmas party appetizer ideas

These Christmas party appetizers will brighten up the buffet, whether you're hosting or attending.

1. Hummus wreath

The prettiest wreath at your party is this hummus appetizer platter with green parsley, cherry tomatoes, and a red pepper bow.

Total time: 10 minutes.
Quantity: 12 servings.
Diet: gluten-free, vegetarian.
Recipe: Two Healthy Kitchens.

2. Holiday goat cheese balls

Don't worry about making a giant cheese ball that will be demolished in minutes. Give each individual a cheese ball with cranberries, pistachios, and plenty of cheese.

Total time: 25 minutes.
Quantity: 30 servings.
Diet: vegetarian, gluten-free Recipe: Pioneer Woman.

3. Skewers of melon prosciutto

One cantaloupe, a couple pieces of prosciutto, basil, and mozzarella can start the celebration.

Total time: 25 minutes.
Servings: 12 skewers.
Diet: gluten-free Recipe: delicious.

4. Cranberry meatballs

This five-ingredient slow cooker cranberry meatball recipe gives you the sweet-and-spicy taste without the hassle. Add festive flair with checkered pinwheel fan toppers.

Duration: 3 hours, 5 minutes (5 minutes active).
Quantity: 10 servings
Diet: gluten-free, dairy-free Recipe: Zoo Dinner