Christmas is 11 days away. 

I repeat, Christmas is 11 days away! For those of us who are a bit behind on our holiday menu planning (myself entirely included!), it’s crunch time. Time to pour over the holiday magazines, bookmarked blog posts, and dusty cookbooks to piece together that perfect Christmas meal. 

But do you know how much of my meal plan I actually have planned out as of right now? Zip. Zero. Nada. I know. It’s shameful! 

Later this week, I’m helping to cater a Christmas party for 25+ people. We’re putting on a huge spread of appetizers, beverages, main courses, and desserts along with coordinating the musical selection and tablescapes for the night (I also made the invitations). I’m all for party-planning (I joke that in another life I could be a wedding planner), but with all my efforts pumping into toppings for crostini and cocktail sauce for shrimp this week, I have little time to come up with a holiday meal plan of my own. 

Fortunately, ideas and inspiration run deep here in the blogosphere. I’m confident that with a bit of browsing this weekend after the party is all said and done, I’ll be able to whip up a menu in no time—even with Christmas just days away. 

If, like me, you’re down to the wire with holiday planning, below are a few suggestions you might find useful in pulling together a last minute feast. And if, unlike me, you’re on the ball and have your menu planned already, way to go! Take a look at the dishes below anyway…I think they would all be delicious additions to any hearty winter meal. 

Cranberry Pear Sauce

Side Dishes

Everyone knows that a holiday meal is just not the same without plenty of delicious sides! Here are a few of the mouthwatering options speckling the blogosphere. (Oh, by the way, I made the Brussels sprouts recipe below for Thanksgiving and it was a knock out hit! I’ve since made it twice and am craving it still.) 

Cranberry Pear Sauce - Daily Bites 

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Shallots - Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen 

Roasted Potatoes and Peppers with Rosemary - Tasty Eats at Home 

Simple Sauteed Kale and Mushrooms - Ginger Lemon Girl 

Main Dishes

Who says ham must always be served as the Christmas main? What about salmon, a sweet-salty cider turkey, or even a vegetarian option? Check out these recipes for inspiration: 

Cider Brined Roast Turkey - Jenn Cuisine 

Roasted Red Pepper Salmon with Spinach - Elana’s Pantry 

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie - Gluten Free Goddess 

Steak with Burgundy Mushroom Sauce - The Pioneer Woman 

Desserts

It killed me to list only four dessert ideas. I could have given you 400 with ease! But these all caught my eye as real winners. Be sure to come on back this Thursday as I share a healthy, sugar-free, gluten-free dessert I know you’ll love! 

Baked Apples - Simply Recipes 

Double Chocolate Pear Cakes - Tartelette 

Apple Crisp - Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins/Bundt Cakes - Healthy Green Kitchen

Apple Crisp - photo courtesy Whole Life Nutrition

Edible Gifts

If you’re still behind on your holiday shopping, why not make a gift instead? Below are some DIY suggestions. Read my Holiday Gift Guide: Redefined post for more creative ideas…no shopping required. 

Christmas Chocolate Bark - Elana’s Pantry 

Chocolate Snowballs - The Mommy Bowl 

Spiced Maple Pecans – Daily Bites