Casual Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas

For a casual Christmas dinner, labor should be light, but without sacrificing taste or tradition. Even though you might take a shortcut or two, dinner can still be enjoyable. In addition, a casual Christmas dinner can entail a broad or elegant menu with a casual atmosphere.

Starters

The word "casual" conjures images of comfort and closeness. Begin the meal with passed hors d'ouerves, easy finger foods that will allow people to mingle and munch. Fruit, cheese and cracker trays served with wine are always crowd pleasers. In addition, cheese or chocolate fondue, snack mixes, seafood platters with shrimp or imitation crab, pigs in a blanket or roasted peanuts, almonds and pecans are fast, easy and tasty.

If traditional meals without the traditional work is what's desired, consider visiting the local grocer for ready-made turkeys, hams and other classics. Another option is foregoing the classic meal altogether for a new take on the holiday. Consider making something in a crockpot---a homemade stew, pot roast, chili or soup would be warm and familiar on a cold Christmas day. If you live somewhere warm or remain undaunted by the cold, consider grilling outdoors. Steaks, chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers are quick on the grill and filling. Or, if you want traditional without the hassle of a turkey or goose, consider a pork loin or beef tenderloin served with festive sides.

Start with the ones that require little labor: tossed salad, roasted potatoes or instant mashed. In addition, consider having guests bring side dishes as a potluck variation on the holiday. Stuffing is available in the instant variety and other less labor-intensive varieties. Roast onions, make a Waldorf or Citrus Spritz Salad and add glazed carrots, baby snap peas and a few rolls to a pork loin or beef tenderloin dinner, and the result is an elegant and easy affair.

The easiest method is to visit the local grocer to purchase pies and cakes for the affair. Provided that's not an option, no-bake cheesecake topped with strawberries, Christmas sugar cookies (either ready-made dough or homemade), cherry gelatin topped with whip cream and vanilla ice cream with red sprinkles are all fast, delicious and easy options.