Christmas Dinner Ideas: Menus for Home, Holiday Parties, and Catering

Christmas dinner can mean a table for eight, a packed holiday buffet, or dozens of catering trays headed out the door. For restaurant owners and caterers, the holidays also mean managing larger orders without letting complicated menus slow down the kitchen. For home chefs, the challenge is simpler but familiar: feed everyone and keep the host out of the kitchen.

Tips for Planning Your Christmas Dinner Menu

For home chefs and restaurant operators alike, Christmas ham is a practical centerpiece. It is easy to portion, pairs well with sweet and savory sides, and can be served as a traditional entrée or used in sandwiches, sliders, and catering trays. From there, build the menu around a few reliable sides, festive appetizers, and desserts.

How Much Ham Per Person?

The amount of ham needed depends on whether it is bone-in or boneless and how many other dishes are on the table. A good starting point is ½ pound of boneless ham or ¾ pound of bone-in ham per person.

For home cooks and caterers alike, planning portions can be straightforward, helping you feel more relaxed and in control during busy times.

Christmas Dinner Side Dishes That Pair With Ham 

Once you've covered the ham, build the menu around contrasting flavors and textures. Classic sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and purple sweet potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, and macaroni and cheese can work for both a family dinner and a holiday buffet.

For a more festive menu, add “swicy,” sweet, or tangy elements that complement the ham. Cranberry sauce, glazed carrots, roasted sweet potatoes, pineapple, or a brown sugar glaze can balance the savory, smoky flavor.

For catering trays, prioritize sides that hold well and can be portioned efficiently. A mix of hot entrées, chilled salads, and ready-to-serve sides can make a large holiday order easier to assemble and transport.

Easy Christmas Party Food Ideas

Holiday parties do not have to revolve around a plated dinner. For office parties, open houses, and drop-off catering, turn familiar Christmas flavors into easy-to-serve formats.

• Brisket or ham sliders
• Meat and cheese boards
• Stuffed pastries and cream puffs
• Roasted vegetable trays
• Macaroni and cheese bites
• Seasonal dips
• Assorted cookies and desserts

For home entertaining, a buffet can take some pressure off the host. Set out sliced ham, rolls, cheeses, vegetables, and a few desserts so guests can serve themselves.

Holiday Party Food Ideas That Scale for Any Menu

Restaurant owners should design holiday menus that reuse ingredients across multiple dishes to simplify prep and reduce waste.

For home chefs, the same strategy can cut down on shopping and prep. One ham can anchor Christmas dinner, then become leftovers for breakfast, sandwiches, or soups.

Stock Up on Christmas Dinner Essentials

A successful Christmas menu does not have to mean a complicated kitchen schedule. Choose a versatile centerpiece, add a few complementary sides, and select desserts and appetizers to wow your guests.

US Foods CHEF’STORE  has all your holiday staples at competitive prices. Create innovative dishes this holiday season with bulk ingredients from CHEF'STORE! Don’t forget to browse our selection of high-quality wholesale produce, meat, and seafood to stretch your grocery dollar even further! Stop by one of our many convenient locations, or get our festive products delivered right to your home.