Holiday Planning Guide Menu Ideas, Quantities, Budgets and More!

Festive Holiday Menu Ideas

Tis the Season (to feast)!

Get ready to dazzle your guests with these festive holiday menu ideas. From cozy Friendsgiving dinners to glamorous holiday parties, we’ve got you covered. These menus and tips will help you create a memorable holiday feast. So, let’s get planning!

• Friendsgiving
  • Appetizer: Deviled Eggs
  • Main Course: Smoked Turkey Breast – served with homemade turkey gravy
  • Sides: Roasted Beet Salad, Southern Style Green Beans
  • Finishing Touches: Cranberry Orange Relish
  • Dessert: Apple Pie
• Thanksgiving Day with the Family
  • Appetizer: Crab and Artichoke Dip
  • Main Course: Whole Smoked Turkey – served with homemade turkey gravy
  • Sides: Cornbread Stuffing with Sage, Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Bacon
  • Finishing Touches: Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
  • Dessert: Pecan Bars
• Fun and Festive Holiday Gathering
  • Appetizer: Grilled Marinated Shrimp
  • Main Course: Spiral Honey Glazed Ham – served with Whiskey Mustard
  • Sides: Brussels with Cranberries and Bacon, Mashed Potatoes
  • Finishing Touches: Horseradish Mango Chutney
  • Dessert: Lemon Bars
• Cookie Decorating Party
  • Appetizer: Pigs in a Blanket
  • Main Course: Beef Tenderloin
  • Sides: Candied Yams, Wild Rice With Walnuts and Parsley
  • Finishing Touches: Chimichurri Sauce

Check out our holiday menu to begin your planning.

Portion Estimates for Your Crowd Size

This table provides a general estimate of the number of portions needed for each type of food based on the number of guests. Please note that these are rough estimates and actual quantities may vary depending on factors such as appetite, portion size, and dietary restrictions. The budget is approximate and may vary based on local food prices and the specific menu choices.

Lunch – Entrees	6 oz per person
Dinner – Entrees	8 oz per person
Sides	2 (6oz) portions per person
Rolls	1.25 per person
Mini Corn Muffins	2 per person
Appetizers	1-2 per person each
Wings	3 per person
Ribs (pork)	3 per person

Additional Tips for a Successful Holiday Gathering

• Plan ahead and order early. This will help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure that you have everything you need. Rocklands Catering Order Deadlines:
  • Thanksgiving: Order by Friday, November 22, 2024 at 2 PM
  • Christmas: Order by Wednesday, December 18 at 12:00 PM

• Consider dietary restrictions of your guests. Be sure to ask your guests about any allergies or dietary restrictions before planning your menu.
• Offer a variety of food options. This will help to ensure that everyone has something they enjoy.
• For larger gatherings, set up a buffet style for easy serving. This will make it easier for guests to help themselves and avoid crowding around the table.
• Always factor in additional food for unexpected guests or for leftovers. It’s always better to have too much food than not enough.
• Have plenty of drinks on hand. Offer a variety of beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
• Don’t forget about the cleanup! Assign someone to be in charge of cleanup or consider hiring a professional cleaning service.

By following these tips and using the menu ideas and food quantity estimates provided in this blog post, you can plan a successful and enjoyable holiday gathering. Remember to have fun and enjoy the time spent with your loved ones.

Take the Stress Out of Holiday Hosting!

Let Rocklands Catering handle all the details. Our expert team can create a customized menu that suits your preferences and dietary restrictions, and we’ll take care of everything from preparation to cleanup. Contact us today to learn more about our holiday catering services.