Written By As the winter holidays approach, many people look forward to hosting parties with family and friends. But with the chilly weather outside, it’s important to serve up some warm and cozy foods and drinks to keep everyone feeling comfortable and cheerful. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a big bash, these festive foods and drinks are sure to be a hit.
- Mulled Wine Mulled wine is a classic winter drink that is perfect for warming up your guests. Simply simmer red wine with some spices and sweeteners, like cinnamon sticks, cloves, honey, and orange peel, for a delicious and fragrant drink. Serve it in a punch bowl or crockpot to keep it warm throughout the party.
- Hot Cocoa Bar A hot cocoa bar is a fun and interactive way to let your guests customize their own warm and sweet drinks. Provide a variety of toppings, like marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and sprinkles, as well as different flavors of hot cocoa, like peppermint, cinnamon, and caramel. Don’t forget to have some non-dairy options available for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Roasted Chestnuts Roasted chestnuts are a classic winter treat that are easy to make and delicious to snack on. Simply cut an X in the shell of each chestnut, roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes, and peel off the shell to reveal the nut inside. Serve them in a bowl with a sprinkle of sea salt for a cozy and satisfying snack.
- Slow Cooker Chili A warm bowl of chili is the perfect hearty meal for a winter party. Make a big batch in your slow cooker using ground beef or turkey, canned tomatoes, beans, and chili powder, and let it simmer for hours until it’s thick and flavorful. Serve it with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped scallions.
- Cheese Fondue A cheese fondue is a fun and delicious way to get your guests involved in the cooking process. Set up a fondue pot with melted cheese and provide plenty of dippers like bread, veggies, and apples. Your guests will love dipping and sharing while they chat and enjoy each other’s company.
- Baked Brie Baked brie is a warm and gooey appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. Simply bake a wheel of brie in the oven until it’s soft and melty, then top it with sweet or savory toppings like honey, nuts, or cranberry sauce. Serve it with crackers or sliced baguette for an easy and elegant appetizer.
- Mini Quiches Mini quiches are a great finger food that are easy to make and can be customized with different fillings to suit your guests’ tastes. Simply mix up some eggs and milk, pour it into a muffin tin with your desired fillings, like bacon, cheese, and spinach, and bake until they’re puffed and golden brown.
- Peppermint Bark Peppermint bark is a festive and easy dessert that is perfect for a winter party. Simply melt some white chocolate, spread it onto a baking sheet, and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Let it cool and harden, then break it into pieces to serve.
- Spiced Cider Spiced cider is another classic winter drink that is easy to make and perfect for a party. Simply simmer apple cider with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a fragrant and flavorful drink that will warm up your guests. Serve it in a big pot or crockpot with some cinnamon sticks for garnish.
- Mini Gingerbread Cookies Mini gingerbread cookies are a cute and tasty dessert that are perfect for a winter party. Simply mix up some ginger.
Another popular winter holiday drink is eggnog, a rich and creamy beverage made with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and nutmeg. While traditional eggnog can be high in calories and fat, there are many variations that are lighter and healthier, using almond milk or coconut milk instead of cream.
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, hot apple cider is a classic choice that can easily be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop with apple juice or cider, cinnamon, and other spices. It’s a comforting and aromatic drink that will make your home smell amazing.
When it comes to food, there are endless options for winter holiday party fare. One popular choice is a charcuterie board, which includes a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruit. It’s an easy and elegant way to offer a range of options for guests to nibble on throughout the party.
Another classic winter dish is roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. These can be seasoned with herbs and spices and roasted in the oven for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
For a heartier option, consider serving a warm and comforting soup, such as butternut squash or tomato soup. Pair it with a crusty bread for dipping and you have a satisfying meal that will warm your guests from the inside out.
For dessert, there are plenty of options that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Classics like apple pie, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie are always a hit, but there are also lighter options such as fruit crumbles and baked apples. Don’t forget to offer a warm beverage to accompany dessert, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
In addition to these traditional options, there are also plenty of ways to put a unique and festive spin on winter holiday party foods and drinks. For example, you could make a hot cocoa bar with various toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and candy canes. Or, you could serve a signature cocktail that incorporates seasonal flavors like cranberry, pomegranate, or cinnamon.
Overall, the key to a successful winter holiday party is to offer a variety of comforting and delicious foods and drinks that will make your guests feel warm and welcomed. Whether you stick to traditional favorites or put your own spin on things, the most important thing is to enjoy the company of loved ones and make lasting memories.
