Advent: Party Food

by | Dec 12, 2018 | Holidays, Recipes

Advent: Party Food - my menu for a Christmas party this year. Everything from meatballs, to peppermint punch, Christmas Crack and Birthday Chex Mix. All the recipes for my Christmas Extravaganza.

I don’t even know where to start with party food. Because ITS MY FAVORITE!!!! I love dips. I love little munchies. I love snacks. And I love trying new things and I feel like parties always provide those opportunities. 

I don’t have to host a party on my agenda this year, which I need to fix for future years. But if I did, this would be my menu:

Advent: Party Food - my menu for a Christmas party this year. Everything from meatballs, to peppermint punch, Christmas Crack and Birthday Chex Mix. All the recipes for my Christmas Extravaganza.
  • Meatballs – I like to mix cocktail or chili sauce and a jelly like grape, orange, or blackberry. 
  • Bacon-wrapped chicken bites – it’s a Paula Deen recipe that someone brought to Bunco years ago, but they are so good and perfect for a holiday party.
  • Pimento Cheese Spread– perfect for any party, gathering, fall, spring or winter. The secret – smoked cheddar and pepper jack with roasted red peppers instead of pimentos
  • Cranberry Salsa over Cream Cheese – my new favorite holiday party go to! I saw it on Facebook and we have had a couple of times and I LOVE it!
  • Pinwheel Sandwiches – I love doing these with any combination of things. You can mix together pepper jelly and cream cheese and spread on flatbreads or tortillas. Top with sandwich meat and cheese (all kinds of combinations). Roll up. Refrigerate overnight and slice in 1/2 in widths. They are the perfect “walk and talk” food. Or, I guess you can buy them in the frozen section at Walmart or Sam’s Club.
  • Nacho Ranch Texas Trash or BBQ Party Mix – I’ll leave it here. Both are great and I”m planning on making a similar version to pass out at Mr. McKinney’s work this year. I might sub Balsamic Vinegar for Worcestershire sauce. Just because I’m crazy like that! Oh, and if your party is a fiesta, you might want to try my new GuacStar Taco Cereal Mix with the zing of chile and lime.
  • Sausage Balls – check out the recipe on the blog – 3 ingredients, make ahead and they are duh-lish!
  • Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball – my mom introduced me to something close to this recipe and it is so good to make or take. People are always impressed when you show up with a homemade cheese ball. 
  • Christmas Crack – what is a Christmas menu without some almond bark used? You can do so many things here. You could dip pretzels, pour out the melted bark and sprinkle with nuts or broken up candy canes. But, I love the Saltine Toffee. I’ll be honest, I usually mess this up somehow, but I LOVE it when its out on a menu. Sweet, salty, crunchy…what’s not to love?!?!
  • Birthday Party Crunch – I don’t think I’ve shared the recipe for this and I need to remedy that – but you take 1 big block white almond bark and melt it. Pour 1 box rice chex into a big bowl. Pour over the melted almond bark. Softly stir to coat. Sprinkle with 1 Funfetti or White Cake mix. Add in a few holiday sprinkles if that’s your style. Softly stir until all pieces are coated. You will not be able to stay out of this and well…you can thank Jesus for being born so you have a reason to celebrate all year long!
  • chocolate-dipped peanut butter Ritz sandwiches – my uncle Keith makes these for us and they are such a labor of love. Just a slab of peanut butter spread between 2 Ritz crackers and then dunked and coated in melted chocolate chips. They are ridiculous. My sister and I both steal a Ziploc baggie full to take home after Christmas Eve dinner. 
  • Peppermint Punch – this is going to sound weird from the ingredients, but it is so good! 1 carton of peppermint ice cream (not mint chocolate chip, but peppermint), 1 carton of egg nog, 1 ginger ale. Put the Ice cream in the bottom of the punch bowl and pour over eggnog. Slowly pour in chilled Ginger ale so it doesn’t bubble over. 
  • Cider – any variety, whether a homemade wassail or store-bought. Bonus, it makes your house smell amazing.
  • Cranberry orange water – useful and pretty. Mix this in a pitcher or large water dispenser. Put frozen cranberries in the bottom, slice the oranges and even add a few mint sprigs. Add ice or just add water and serve over ice. Your guests will be refreshed and amazed!
  • BONUS: The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie You’ll Ever Eat – because I probably have some already made in the freezer. (keeping it easy!)

When it comes to parties, I’m always a fan to make as much ahead of time. I also like to make some and buy some. I think the point is to have good food and an excuse for people to get together. Being impressive and fancy may or may not happen!

What would be on your menu? Share the link in the comments! 

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