3 holiday menus + hosting essentials
I'm hosting this year...
We’re hosting a very merry California Christmas this year. My husband’s family is all coming in from England over the next few days, so I’ll be trying to make it feel as festive as possible, without the blistering weather and picturesque country walks.
It will be a special one for us and our kids, because they will be with both sets of grandparents, and Ozzie is just desperate for his cousins to arrive.
Food is my love language. I love to plan a menu, cook, decorate and make the house cozy—I think I was made to host Christmas. Especially when I have my sous chef (slash head chef) mom with me. This is where we shine.
Holidays or not, when people come over I want them to feel nourished. For me, that means a menu that checks all the sensory boxes (it looks good, smells amazing, tastes satisfying, and feels comforting to eat) but also leaves you feeling good after the meal is over.
I plan menus that can mostly be made ahead, hold well, and don’t require constant attention. There is no faster way to burn dinner than someone chatting you up during a critical cooking moment. And I don’t like being stressed in the kitchen, especially since ours sits right in the middle of the house.
I know we all have different traditions and ways of celebrating, but I thought I’d share a few holiday menus and hosting essentials in case you’re still figuring out what to cook.
Happy Holidays,
xx
Mia
HOLIDAY MENU #1, A Cozy Night In — Roast chicken, soup, salad, a baguette with really good butter…this is my favorite dinner in the world to make. Come over and this is likely what we’re having.
Roast Chicken:Everyone should know how to roast a chicken—it’s an important life skill and (with the help of a meat thermometer) is really not that hard to throw together.
Lentil Soup: Roast chicken and soup is classic, but adding in a heartier lentil soup here will be a helpful addition for any non-chicken eating guests at the table, but still goes great with the chicken. I made this in my favorite slow cooker.
Classic French Salad: This is the salad I make on repeat. A simple shallot vinagrette brings simple greens to a whole new level. I like to add a little sliced fennel and herbs, but that’s it.
Warm Baguette with Butter: Because yum.
Dark Chocolate + Clementines: An easy dessert that will keep the conversation going but doesn’t involve any cooking or cleaning.
HOLIDAY MENU #2, A Festive Feast — A delicious meal that will wow you guests and can feed many, but isn’t that crazy to put togther.
Braised Beef with Pistachio Gremolata: An impressive main that can (and should—it will taste better) be made the day before. That means you just heat and eat. The sauce is great with everything, not just the beef.
Wild Mushroom Farro: This dish is soooo delicious and unexpected. Your family and friends will be asking for this recipe, trust me.
Green Beans with Shallots: Blanching is an underatted cooking technique (basically boiling in salted water, then putting in an ice bath to stop the cooking). It creates perfect crisp and bright, yet cooked grean beans that taste great with some sauteed shallots. Enlist a helper to trim the green beans—it’s the most tedious part.
Chicory, Apple & Walnut Salad: If you come to my house I will always have a salad on the table. This one is bitter and cruchy and sweet and just the perfect addition to the table.
Apple Crisp: An apple crisp is not only delicious, but will make your house smell absolutely divine. It’s also very low in sugar, but no one needs to know that. Serve with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
If you really want to level up this meal, my dad’s famous latkes make a great appetizer, plus a bougie box of andSon’s chocolate for after dinner.
HOLIDAY MENU #3, Christmas Breakfast — A morning that feels celbratory and cozy without being chaotic. Everything can be prepped ahead.
Frittata: The recipe book has two versions, Mushroom + Leek, and Garlicky Kale. Make one or both!
Banana Bread: This is my not-so-secret recipe. It has no added sugar, and will be gone before the last present is open.
Fruit Salad with Mint: Think seasonal fruit like pears, apples, persimmons, citrus with a little squeeze of an orange and some fresh mint.
Yogurt Bar with Toppings: A little DIY situation so people can have their yogurt the way they like it.
7 HOSTING ESSENTIALS | A few things to make you, your house, and your guests feel good.
A clean, fresh space. I love the citrusy sent of Koala Eco’s nontoxic cleaning products.
A good playlist (Snoopy Christmas is on repeat at my house)
Chic slippers and cozy socks for you (hosting is athletic and you need the support)
Lots of serving bowls, platters, and wooden boards for whatever you’re serving.
Seasonal fruit and anytime snacks around the kitchen (clementines, persimmons, blueberry muffins)
A comfortable but put-together outfit. These pants and this top have been the hero of my holiday season.
A fun kid activity to keep the little ones out of trouble. My kids are obsessed with these frame making kits and polaroid printer.
Thank you, as always for being here! If you enjoyed this post, please consider tapping the heart, leaving the comment, or sharing with your community.
I know it seems like jsut a small gesture, but it really helps increase visibility for these posts, and allow me to keep this little Substack going.
And, I’d love to see if you end up making any of these recipes! Tag me @mia_rigden.
What perfect timing! I was just starting to brainstorm Christmas meals.
These are amazing, thank you! ♥️