Holiday Dinner Party Menu | Recipes for Christmas Dinner Party

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_TpMOas9TTBReC7n9Tyx1qpYT0-xyd7r01mhJPiALdvG7d_vLW73pCqYHsve1nzYorGE8pWcVeIC9AW1QjbJJKH3qJR12RrxmMUmCG26NFEy-a9OPBpQ85azETt1ry5hclUyHIThE0w/s1600/IMG_8034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_TpMOas9TTBReC7n9Tyx1qpYT0-xyd7r01mhJPiALdvG7d_vLW73pCqYHsve1nzYorGE8pWcVeIC9AW1QjbJJKH3qJR12RrxmMUmCG26NFEy-a9OPBpQ85azETt1ry5hclUyHIThE0w/s640/IMG_8034.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />When you're entertaining for the holidays, it is so, so important to make it easy.  Yes, it must, of course, be amazing and special, but make sure it is something that is simple!  Sound like a challenge?  This menu is both.   This was THE most popular menu I prepared as a caterer - which I loved because it was soooo easy.<br /><br />Holiday Dinner Party <br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hors D'Oeuvres </span></i><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/07/crab-cakes-with-panko-bread-crumbs-red.html" target="_blank">Petite Crab Cakes with Red Pepper Remoulade</a><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/baked-brie-caramelized-pecans-in-puff.html" target="_blank">Baked Brie with Caramelized Pecans & Crackers </a><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dinner </span></i><br /><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/beef-tenderloin-recipe-for-holiday.html" target="_blank">Beef Tenderloin with Warm Blue Cheese Cream Sauce</a><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/truffled-potatoes-roasted-truffled.html" target="_blank">Roasted Truffled Potatoes</a><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-pancetta.html" target="_blank">Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta</a><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dessert</span></i><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipes-poached-pears-tuscan-pasta.html" target="_blank">Poached Pears in Wine & Spices</a><br />Coffee with Whipped Cream <br /><br />Beef Tenderloin may sound intimidating, but it is really the easiest thing you can make for a crowd at a dinner party.  Top it with a blue cheese cream sauce to make it even more special.  Both of the sides, Roasted Truffled Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, are roasted in the oven on baking sheets at the same temperature just before dinner, making them so simple to prepare.<br /><br />All of the menu items in this menu can be prepped ahead of time, then put in the oven during cocktail hour.  All you'll have to do before dinner is slice the beef and put everything onto platters or plates.  Below I've included the timeline I would use for this party.  It always helped me to have it written out for me ahead of time, so everything would be on auto pilot during the party.<br /><br />6:50 pm : Preheat oven to 500 degrees<br />7:00 pm : Guests Arrive!  Cocktails & Light Hors D'oeuvres<br />7:15 pm : Beef Tenderloin - goes into 500 degree oven for 20-25 minutes<br />7:35 pm : Check/Remove Beef Tenderloin<br />7:35 pm : Lower Oven heat to 425 degrees<br />7:40 pm : Truffled Potatoes go into 425 degree oven for 15-20 minutes<br />7:45 pm : Brussels Sprouts go into 425 degree oven for 10-15 minutes<br />7:50 pm : Slice Beef Tenderloin <br />7:55 pm : Remove Potatoes & Brussels from oven <br />8:00 pm : Plate & Serve!

Holiday Dinner Party Menu | Recipes for Christmas Dinner Party

When you're entertaining for the holidays, it is so, so important to make it easy.  Yes, it must, of course, be amazing and special, but...

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Truffled Potatoes | Roasted Truffled Potatoes for Holiday Dinner Party | Recipes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc1HdeDnEzPlGn6olqP4UVyzdK0DjUMNYebyH2lcNoXt6XiEhjmmJiB2YtHBh-Sr7iomr5rVj36ETATyBMQ1gu8cjGgLOEhI14GPXSTwOurcLT7iPQBqoXUOF1NPjFu6GMSY8g3XfLtA/s1600/IMG_7996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc1HdeDnEzPlGn6olqP4UVyzdK0DjUMNYebyH2lcNoXt6XiEhjmmJiB2YtHBh-Sr7iomr5rVj36ETATyBMQ1gu8cjGgLOEhI14GPXSTwOurcLT7iPQBqoXUOF1NPjFu6GMSY8g3XfLtA/s640/IMG_7996.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBu6KBA87FMPoYzrU9vhOqyl2cPJL5VGUsXHw-zRTuGpvvu5YHOwo4dj0C8-QGNwlbxLs0hWDnrYbXnz-5SrXrAWI9R-9D6SQyZvJpQWhLuV8px8q8NwsQ76LHHVNSoS2w7-EbJaxgA5k/s1600/IMG_8034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBu6KBA87FMPoYzrU9vhOqyl2cPJL5VGUsXHw-zRTuGpvvu5YHOwo4dj0C8-QGNwlbxLs0hWDnrYbXnz-5SrXrAWI9R-9D6SQyZvJpQWhLuV8px8q8NwsQ76LHHVNSoS2w7-EbJaxgA5k/s400/IMG_8034.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Roasted Truffled Potatoes</span><br /><i>serves 6</i><br /><br />Easy and Elegant!  Add a special touch to your roasted potatoes for the holidays.  This is a great side dish to serve with Beef Tenderloin (<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/beef-tenderloin-recipe-for-holiday.html" target="_blank">get the recipe here!</a>) for a Holiday Dinner Party. <i><br /></i><br /><i><br /></i><br />3 pounds of red or fingerling potatoes<br />2 tablespoons of olive oil<br />1/2 tablespoon of sea salt<br />1/2 tablespoon of cracked pepper<br />2 tablespoons of truffle oil<br /><br />Heat oven to 425 degrees. <br /><br />Slice potatoes into wedges (about 6-8 from each potato).  Place them on a baking sheet.  Drizzle olive oil, salt and pepper over them.  Toss to coat.  Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and beginning to brown.<br /><br />Remove from oven.  Drizzle truffle oil over the potatoes.  Serve.

Truffled Potatoes | Roasted Truffled Potatoes for Holiday Dinner Party | Recipes

Roasted Truffled Potatoes serves 6 Easy and Elegant!  Add a special touch to your roasted potatoes for the holidays.  This is a great side d...

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Beef Tenderloin Recipe for Holiday Dinner Party | Holiday Party Recipes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagVf9bwR1L9e0lnYAlWYUW7VYIPY3TOP7XTAWb1_rQF4IHuTVx9G-Ke0i6zg-y1xezJus7WEe5JLzYSe0CDbtMQuJYAmDBkHgyXsOTlncslGokYIYqZBX_3GlDckaBkVqpML5vrLBjAg/s1600/IMG_8029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagVf9bwR1L9e0lnYAlWYUW7VYIPY3TOP7XTAWb1_rQF4IHuTVx9G-Ke0i6zg-y1xezJus7WEe5JLzYSe0CDbtMQuJYAmDBkHgyXsOTlncslGokYIYqZBX_3GlDckaBkVqpML5vrLBjAg/s640/IMG_8029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beef Tenderloin is the most classic of holiday fare.  I can not even begin to count how many Beef Tenderloins I have prepared over the years... maybe 100's.  It is the perfect entree for a dinner party, and sliced thinly as an hors d'oeuvres, it is the perfect special item at a cocktail party.  Elegant, easy, impressive... everything you want at a Holiday Party.  </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a caterer, I loved to serve beef tenderloin at dinner parties because it is so easy.  I could prepare it before the party in minutes with the butter and seasoning, it would go into the oven 45 minutes before dinner, then I would slice it just before it was served.   </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">To make it really special, serve it with this <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/blue-cheese-sauce-for-beef-tenderloin.html" target="_blank">warm blue cheese cream sauce</a> - it is so, so easy.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be sure to clean your oven before the party - heating it to 500 degrees can really get it smoking! </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyePpYMSBs0ghHadhJ6FrssT15I4-RJu2vEhfxFxMZRNAR7GB0MFeE2zSmyztSy5PgMLG_YRPnpytH1OuKH22f5WhoRyyl64a6rMnC49NZ-JkF61UYYgMNqQhc4Oho5pgqqkV500fSj8/s1600/IMG_8034.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyePpYMSBs0ghHadhJ6FrssT15I4-RJu2vEhfxFxMZRNAR7GB0MFeE2zSmyztSy5PgMLG_YRPnpytH1OuKH22f5WhoRyyl64a6rMnC49NZ-JkF61UYYgMNqQhc4Oho5pgqqkV500fSj8/s400/IMG_8034.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Beef Tenderloin</span><br /><i>serves 10 for dinner, or 25 canapes</i><br /><i><br /></i><br />5 pound beef tenderloin, trimmed & tied<br />4 tablespoons of butter, softened<br />2 tablespoons of sea salt<br />2 tablespoons of cracked black pepper<br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/blue-cheese-sauce-for-beef-tenderloin.html" target="_blank">Blue Cheese Cream Sauce</a> <br /><br />Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.<br /><br />If it has not already been done by your butcher, trim the fat off of the tenderloin.  Tie the tenderloin together with twine, every 3 inches, folding in the 'tail' (the end that gets really narrow) so the beef is all the same size around.  <br /><br />Spread the softened butter on the entire tenderloin, then coat in salt & pepper.  Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.  Place in a 500 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the beef.  Watch it carefully, a little too much time can make it too done.  If the beef is much larger, it could take 30 minutes.  Check the temperature with a meat thermometer - it should read 135-145 degrees.<br /><br />Remove from the oven, then cover with foil.  Let it rest for 15 minutes.  Slice in thick slices and serve.

Beef Tenderloin Recipe for Holiday Dinner Party | Holiday Party Recipes

Beef Tenderloin is the most classic of holiday fare.  I can not even begin to count how many Beef Tenderloins I have prepared over the years...

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Fall Dinner Party Menu | Fall Entertaining Recipe

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlCY1_A_pz7NomyusIT-oumBM8YiWqWzS2v1HP5sxqCpE_iaqakeOyHSbs2svgBjtSBTAR1262ATUwYV6rS4daZ4kFglr4Pq65jZN5BHYceVg8fa-DH-t5Iw3SOvJ7YZ1farCwOOxYwLR/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlCY1_A_pz7NomyusIT-oumBM8YiWqWzS2v1HP5sxqCpE_iaqakeOyHSbs2svgBjtSBTAR1262ATUwYV6rS4daZ4kFglr4Pq65jZN5BHYceVg8fa-DH-t5Iw3SOvJ7YZ1farCwOOxYwLR/s640/IMG_6497.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Fall is a great time for entertaining - there is so much seasonal inspiration to use in the menu and the table setting.  Unlike the hectic Holiday entertaining calendar, in the Fall the pressure is off.  You can host small groups of friends for intimate, casual dinners.  Everyone has great memories from the season - try to trigger those 'feel good' moments as you plan your menu.  Your guests will walk away from the evening with warm fuzzies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fall Dinner Party Menu</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>cozy, casual night</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/10/entertaining-baked-brie-with-pecans.html">Baked Brie with Pecans en Croute</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spiked Mulled Cider (recipe coming soon!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Balsamic Vinaigrette  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/butternut-squash-ravioli-with-sage.html">Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Browned Butter</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/apple-dumplings-caramel-apple-dumplings.html">Caramel Apple Dumplings with Vanilla Ice Cream</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-table-setting-fall-entertaining.html">Fall Pumpkin Table Setting</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgcgpVHXf40aT763_J0WXx8JeWYaUkoVKZXNfsjjqDQowNSxDEYLi8vs1aXYCHLXJKUUHepC76zNcoUDa5KFZdb9jaBgzY39n3CMWufg33CZuIu-R9IygZjMXLosruYH-Eym5xWteq_C8/s1600/IMG_6634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgcgpVHXf40aT763_J0WXx8JeWYaUkoVKZXNfsjjqDQowNSxDEYLi8vs1aXYCHLXJKUUHepC76zNcoUDa5KFZdb9jaBgzY39n3CMWufg33CZuIu-R9IygZjMXLosruYH-Eym5xWteq_C8/s640/IMG_6634.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlCY1_A_pz7NomyusIT-oumBM8YiWqWzS2v1HP5sxqCpE_iaqakeOyHSbs2svgBjtSBTAR1262ATUwYV6rS4daZ4kFglr4Pq65jZN5BHYceVg8fa-DH-t5Iw3SOvJ7YZ1farCwOOxYwLR/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlCY1_A_pz7NomyusIT-oumBM8YiWqWzS2v1HP5sxqCpE_iaqakeOyHSbs2svgBjtSBTAR1262ATUwYV6rS4daZ4kFglr4Pq65jZN5BHYceVg8fa-DH-t5Iw3SOvJ7YZ1farCwOOxYwLR/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/butternut-squash-ravioli-with-sage.html">Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Browned Butter</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlCY1_A_pz7NomyusIT-oumBM8YiWqWzS2v1HP5sxqCpE_iaqakeOyHSbs2svgBjtSBTAR1262ATUwYV6rS4daZ4kFglr4Pq65jZN5BHYceVg8fa-DH-t5Iw3SOvJ7YZ1farCwOOxYwLR/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdO5pXyFppmSS3rVp8RZ1FenKczTxUxv3OOlviq_UtEmkkKqm7YllYFqbr2vVu4JaEzWmU3upL3s4xLTCQOMGEvIRxGA9YiQwWMLA8C86vb496cRP3EZQH4XFlUrVEchIavWQT28D1IHiR/s1600/Apple-Dumpling-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdO5pXyFppmSS3rVp8RZ1FenKczTxUxv3OOlviq_UtEmkkKqm7YllYFqbr2vVu4JaEzWmU3upL3s4xLTCQOMGEvIRxGA9YiQwWMLA8C86vb496cRP3EZQH4XFlUrVEchIavWQT28D1IHiR/s640/Apple-Dumpling-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/apple-dumplings-caramel-apple-dumplings.html">Caramel Apple Dumplings with Ice Cream </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Are you following me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/jennysteffens/">Pinterest</a>?  It is a great way to say updated on all of my recent projects & posts.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Fall Dinner Party Menu | Fall Entertaining Recipe

 Fall is a great time for entertaining - there is so much seasonal inspiration to use in the menu and the table setting.  Unlike the hectic ...

Read more »