How in the world is it December? I feel like I say it every year, but seriously? It’s December? It can’t be possible. Partly because the year went entirely too fast and partly because I’m not at all prepared for Christmas and all the craziness this month is about to bring. Alas, the calendar says Dec. 1. Better buck up. Instead of putting my head down and checking names off my gift list and figuring out when I’m ever going to feel like addressing ALL of those holiday cards (and whether I even have the right addresses), I’m going to pause and celebrate the fun. It is PARTY TIME people! All the parties… the dinners, the cocktail nights, the friend get togethers, the neighborhood gatherings, the office obligatory party, the cookie exchanges… It’s basically a throw-down all month long. And I’m gonna be ready for that, if nothing else. Priorities. (And lots of babysitters. Sigh, lots of babysitters.) So here’s a collection of great seasonal recipes for your holiday party, either at your house or hopefully, someone else’s… which means you can leave that pile of laundry in the hallway. (Is that just me?) Take a break from the stress this time of year can bring and feast your eyes on these lovely recipes!
Appetizers
Holiday hummusRoasted balsamic, beet and burrata crostini - Climbing Grief MountainCranberry orange baked brie dip - Slim Pickins KitchenSpinach balls - Sweet as HoneyCrispy breaded shrimp - Love FoodiesCranberry basil shrimp cocktail - Cotter Crunch Marinated olives with a red wine vinaigrette - A Dish of Daily LifeRoasted red pepper and artichoke dip - The Recipe WenchGoat cheese stuffed mushrooms - Girl Gone GourmetCheese and walnut stuffed dates - The Things We’ll MakeBoiled oysters with spicy mayo panic sauce - Avocado PestoSavory creamy pumpkin cups - Dine and DishDelicata squash stuffed mushrooms - Fearless DiningOven baked crab rangoon - Unicorns in the KitchenSweet potato salsa dip - Farm Fresh FeastsCinnamon and thyme chicken skewers - Sprinkles and SproutsPumpkin spice roasted chickpeas - Strength and Sunshine OK, and a bonus! One of my favorites at the holidays: Easy vegetable squares
Cocktails
And what’s a party without cocktails? Here are 5 fun ones to try this holiday season. Hopefully not all in the same night, but hey, I’m not judging… 😉 Sparkling cranberry and gin cocktail - Nutmeg NannyPumpkin beertail with tequila and spiced rum - Floating KitchenPear brandy cocktail - Blossom to StemSmores chocolate martini - Culinary HillPomegranate mojito cocktail - Cooking LSLAlso this fun, festive peppermint martini! Cheers and happy holidays everyone! XO, Kathryn ** I’d love to hear your favorite holiday appetizer - or what you wish someone would bring to your party! **
