by Tamara Laschinsky

Created on: December 15, 2010   Last Updated: December 19, 2010

The holiday seasons is all about friends, family and entertaining. If you've decided to throw a Christmas party, don't worry, you can have a nice dinner party without pulling your hair out! Keeping it simple, yet elegant, will help you enjoy the party with your guests, instead of running around trying to make sure everyone has what they need.

Appetizers and Various Hors D'Oeuvres Make a Great Food Selection

You don't have to cook a huge meal and have everyone sitting down to eat. Consider turning your table, counters and islands into buffet selections featuring tasty cold and hot appetizers. By decorating each platter and placing centerpieces around the tables, you can create an elegant buffet table along with a comfortable setting.

Cheese, Crackers and Cheese Complements: Offer some platters with various cheeses, crackers, spreads and fruits. These are great foods to nibble on and are healthy too.

Shrimp Rings: Such a popular appetizer item and with some lettuce and cherry tomatoes, it can also turn into a decorative piece for your party. To keep the shrimp cold, put the platter on top of ice packs or bowls full of ice. You can also make a pile of crushed iced and place the shrimp directly on top.

Sushi Platter: Sushi is neat in its presentation and is great finger-food for guests. Keep sushi on cold platters to keep it at the proper temperature during the evening.

Warm Appetizers: Heat up some pot stickers, chicken fingers, spring rolls and other warm treats to keep your guests happy. They will cool off quickly, so put out a small amount and bring out more as needed. They can be kept warm in the oven until ready to be eaten.

Baked Dips and Breads: Have a selection of warm dips and various types of breads for your guests to snack on.

Fruit and Vegetable Platters: Healthy and great presentation, these platters are a must at any dinner. You can even get creative and make fruit edible arrangements that serve both as a healthy food choice and also as a decorative piece.

Decorate your table and counters with gold ribbons, pine cones and centerpieces with candles, to create that elegant holiday look. On-line resources are also available to spark your creative flair and offer great decorating tips.

By having the food available and accessible, your guests can mingle and enjoy the evening by snacking when they feel like it. It can also help those who are drinking, and may encourage them to eat more, diminishing the effects of alcohol. Having the food out and ready will also help you relax and mingle with your guests; making it a fun and enjoyable evening for everyone!

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