It’s always nice to get invited to parties especially when it’s as festive as the holidays. However, coming up with what to bring to a holiday party can get stressful. Don’t fret, here are a few potluck ideas.

What to bring to a holiday party…

Sliders

Grab some Hawaiian rolls, and have at it! For a little variety, pick different cheeses and deli meats, such as ham, turkey, roast beef, etc. If you’re feeling extra motivated, arrange your sliders around some celery sticks, grape tomatoes, olives, and baby carrots, along with a cup of ranch dressing in the center.

Charcuterie Board

Food plating plays an integral role in satiating the hungry eyes and stomach, and nothing screams “fancy” than a charcuterie board. It sounds intimidatingly extravagant but it’s easy to prepare. You don’t have to cook anything and you can throw just about anything in there.

Ideas on what to put on your charcuterie board:

  • Cured meats – ham, salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto.
  • Nuts – almonds, cashews, macadamias, walnuts, pecan, or pistachios.
  • Cheese – parmesan, gruyere, Gorgonzola, cheddar, mascarpone, or blue cheese. (The more texture and firmness varieties, the better — but you don’t have to overspend!)
  • Fruits – oranges, grapes, kiwis, strawberries, just about anything in season.
  • Bread – sourdough, sliced baguette, or just plain croutons.
  • Crackers – saltine crackers, Italian breadsticks, butter crackers, pretzels, Graham crackers, or just plain Ritz crackers.
  • Edible flowers – pea flowers, chamomile, marigolds, anything you can get your hands on.
  • Jam or jelly – apricot, fig, raspberry, cherry, plum, or anything that can cut the saltiness and richness of the other ingredients.

Cocktails

Is it even a party without the bubbly? Well…it is, but cocktails just make everything better. You can bring a few bottles of your preferred concoction of goodness and mix them when the other guests arrive. You can also show off your mixology skills by mixing their cocktails in front of them.

Add a little flair to your cocktail. Use dry ice for a dramatic effect, and add fruits and herbs like cherry, grapes, mint, or rosemary.

Pastries and Desserts

Pastry season may be celebrated all year round but the holidays just make them taste so much better than they already do. You can opt for the classic pigs in a blanket but you can also practice your baking and bread-making skills.

You can never go wrong with a Christmas pudding or a fruitcake. You can also bring more intricately-made pastries like the Yule log cake (complete with wood details and sprouting mushrooms).

Dips

Dips are a no-fail potluck contribution. They go well with just about anything. Do you find the crackers too bland? Artichoke dip! You’re in the mood for Mexican food? Bring the classic salsa and guacamole. By now, you’ve probably already seen the trending butter board. Other people do it also but with cream cheese. You can even try a dessert version of it using Nutella.

“Yule”-timately…

The spirit of Christmas has always been about giving, among other things — and there are inexpensive and easy-to-make potluck ideas you can bring as a guest; you can also make the snack ideas listed above as a host. Remember, it’s the thought that counts; but speaking of thoughtfulness, consider also the other guests’ allergies or conditions as to avoid spending the holidays in the hospital — you don’t want that!

 

 

 

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