Yesterday we tackled Christmas Breakfast and Brunch and today it's Christmas Dinner.

I know it can be intimidating, but if you hosted Thanksgiving you know that Christmas dinner is a breeze compared to that.

I usually make about half the side dishes and we do a Spiral ham, which is way easier than making a whole Turkey.

To the Recipes...

Appetizers

I like easy appetizers that keep people from getting hangry. Here are a few amazing ones, that look festive for Christmas too:

• ​Bacon Cream Cheese Rolls: These are mandatory for our family at every holiday, and I usually make two batches, even if it's a smaller gathering.
• ​Phyllo Baked Brie: Looks fancy, but it's super easy. Serve with crackers and apples (make sure to slice the apples right before serving, so they don't brown).
• ​Homemade Cocktail Meatballs: I make these on Christmas Eve and throw them in the crockpot for our Xmas Eve Party. They're homemade and take a bit of time, but it's worth it.
• ​Spinach and Artichoke Dip: A classic appetizer for the holidays.
• ​Ranch Oyster Crackers, Bacon Cranberry Cheese Ball, Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board and Crack Pretzels: All of these can be prepped ahead of time to eliminate stress.

Drinks

I always stock the garage fridge with waters, soda, beer, wine, etc.

I also love this Non-alcoholic Christmas Punch & Pomegranate Vodka Cocktails for Christmas.

Christmas Main Course

This Smoked Spiral Ham is my favorite ham recipe and it cooks in the smoker, so I have room for side dishes in the oven.

Now, if you don't have a smoker DON'T FREAK OUT. Make the Spiral Ham according to package instructions in the oven, but throw out that fake pack of glaze and make this Pineapple Ham Glaze instead. It's super easy to make and it makes the ham taste so much better!

Not big on Ham? Try my Smoked Turkey Breast, Oven Roasted Turkey Legs, or popular Boneless Beef Short Ribs.

Christmas Side Dish Ideas:

Decisions Decisions..here are a few of my faves.

• ​French Onion Potato Bake​
• ​Oven Roasted Glazed Carrots *Easy
• ​Broccoli Cheese Casserole​
• ​Herb Roasted Crispy Potatoes​
• ​Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes​
• ​Hashbrown Casserole: *Quick prep
• ​Winter Kale Salad​
• ​Balsamic Glaze Brussels Sprouts​
• ​Green Beans with Bacon and a Umami Sauce​

I usually pick about 3 sides (probably French onion potatoes, green beans and carrots this year) and for the rolls, I make these Sally's Baking Addition Dinner Rolls.

Dessert

I'm not going to lie to you guys, we eat leftover Fudge, Christmas Cookies and/or Puppy Chow for Christmas dessert. Sometimes, I'm so tired of sugar that I don't even eat dessert. If I'm feeling really festive, I'll make hot cocoa and coffee.

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That's it for this week. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas with family and friends.

Thank you so much for reading this newsletter. It's been a great year for this little business of mine and that's all because of you making my recipes.

Happy Holidays and Happy Cooking.

I'll be back in your inbox before January 1st with some lucky recipes to ring in the New Year.

xoxo~Tara with Simply Made Eats