The holidays bring a slew of gatherings, and therefore the thought: how to switch it up and create a fun spin on usual evenings? If looking for a night of merriment with a group of 8-10 or more, consider arranging a progressive dinner party. The premise of this party is to hop from home to home, stopping at one place for each course. The larger the group, the more guests can really expand and sparse out the evening. If guests live far apart, consider choosing a few houses, and each couple or participant can prepare their item in advance, cutting down on travel time and enjoying a few items at each location.
The courses can be anything of dreams, and a fun theme can even be chosen, but typically such parties kick off with appetizers or salads, continue on with larger starters, a main course, and a dessert.
Cocktail or mocktail stops can be added in between, and there's no such thing as too many dessert stops. To make it particularly festive, add light display viewings, such as Candy Cane Lane or Tilles Park.
Progressive Dinner Tips
- If your stop is later in the evening, choose a dish that is easily prepared in advance. For salads, pre-plate each serving so the dressing is all to be added. For mains, consider a meal that can be kept warm in the crock pot.
- Set your table ahead of time, or display the items as a "build your own" bar, where guests can create their own plate as they arrive, with each item on separate plates or bowls from which to build.
- If you have dessert, consider a chilled item so it doesn't need to be baked or warmed when everyone arrives. Cheesecake or dessert parfaits would work well. If it's a crafty bunch, making gingerbread houses or decorating cookies as a group would be fun. For the holidays, a festive cookie tray also looks darling and gives the ability to offer a variety of items for the group.
Mel's Go-To Dinner Party Salad Recipe
Combine:
- Mixed greens
- Slivered almonds or candied walnuts
- Dried cranberries
- Thinly sliced pears
- Thinly sliced parmesan cheese or goat cheese cubes
Toss all ingredients with a sweet vinaigrette dressing.
Festive Winter Cocktail
Combine: Prosecco or champagne, Aperol, cranberry juice and soda water to your liking. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Cheers.
Cranberry Goat Cheese Dip Recipe
This is a crowd pleaser. Serve this concoction with a variety of toasted crackers. Simply chill dip prior to serving, but drizzle with honey and extra candied walnuts prior to serving. Pro tip: Make a double or triple batch, as this dip freezes well and easily can be thawed for a quick appetizer all holiday season.
Combine:
- One part goat cheese and two parts cream cheese
- Crushed candied walnuts or nuts of choice
- Dried cranberries
- Brown sugar to taste
- Honey to taste