Simply Entertaining

Whether you are hosting a large family gathering, an intimate holiday dinner or a cocktail party, these easy and delicious hors d’oeuvres can simplify your menus from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

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WRITTEN BY Tamberlyn Dobrowski
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Heather Ison

The holiday season is a time for gathering, celebration and most importantly, food. As families and friends come together for Thanksgiving and Christmas, appetizers play a crucial role in the tone for the feast. Whether you are hosting a large family gathering, an intimate holiday dinner or a cocktail party, these easy and delicious hors d’oeuvres can simplify your menus from Thanksgiving to Christmas, delighting your guests.

Crudités with Creamy Pistachio Dip

Crudités with creamy pistachio dip is the ultimate party snack for when you are looking to go far beyond the average bowl of onion dip. It is salty, creamy (and even a little crunchy).

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Spinach Puffs

These spinach puffs are the perfect party appetizer. They’re easy to make and will impress everyone!

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Naughty But Nice Cocktail

This Naughty but Nice Cocktail is a delightful blend of seasonal flavors. The choice of alcohol is completely customizable. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or a vodka lover, this cocktail caters to all. It’s the season’s must-try for every festive occasion!

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Bond Street Wines is always a go-to when I am looking for unique and interesting wine options. Sam Bilski and his team always select the perfect wine for easy drinking or a specialty meal. Here are Sam’s recommendations for a holiday hors d’oeuvres gathering.  

Domaine Rolet Crémant du Jura is found in the foothills of the Alps. This is an absolutely beautiful French sparkling wine sure to appeal to any fan of Champagne. 

Steininger Gruner Veltliner Kamptal Reserve is a light bodied holiday crowd pleaser sure to win every house party. Slight notes of crisp fresh fruit on the note paired with a pleasant acid finish make this a great wine for house parties or any dinner table. 

Quinta da Costa do Pinhão Gradual is a full-flavored wine with pleasant complexity. Reminiscent of violets, blueberries and rich earth, this bright and balanced red is perfect for any dinner table.

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Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy, nourishing butternut squash soup recipe is comfort food at its best. Serve piping hot with a hunk of crusty bread.

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Stuffed Mushrooms

These stuffed mushrooms are a staple appetizer: They not only up the fancy factor, but they’re oh so easy to make. If you’re serving a large crowd, I suggest doubling the recipe—these mushrooms are usually the first thing to go.

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When entertaining, especially during the holidays, I like to have just as much fun as my guests. I find that calling in a “little help” from favorite local sources and using recipes that are easy to make, or can be made ahead, allows me to enjoy the festivities too.

Cocktail Skewers

Skewers are an easy appetizer that can be made ahead of time and are simple to scale up or down to match your guest list. I change up the ingredients almost every time, but love including a piece of fruit as a sweet bite to counter the savory. This time I used salami, artichokes, mozzarella, red pepper, parsley, olives and blackberries. A quick balsamic glaze adds even more flavor. Place balsamic vinegar in a small pot and simmer until it thickens.  Drizzle over skewers before serving. 

Lobster Rolls

The Lobster Salad from Clean Catch Fish Market is perfect for a quick and delicious appetizer. I frequent the store not only for the seafood salads, dinners and made-to-order poke bowls, but also for the high-quality fish.

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Spicy Tomato Marinated Feta

This spicy tomato marinated feta is an easy appetizer with tons of flavor to get your palate going before dinner. It’s a little spicy, a bit salty and very saucy. If you put this marinated cheese on crackers or toast, it tastes exactly like pizza!

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Beautiful glassware and linens don’t need to be holiday-themed in order to be festive. The Starry Night Champagne Glasses, Antlers Rocks Glasses and Antlers Modern Ice Bucket from Half Past Seven all give a subtle nod to the holidays but can be enjoyed throughout the year.

SHOP THE PICKS: Antlers Ice Bucket, Starry Night Stemless Champagne Glasses, Bougainvillea Dinner Napkins, Antlers Rocks Glasses, Flora & Fauna Cocktail Napkins and Petite Lettuce Leaf Vase

A very special thanks to Tara Winston Conrad for her hospitality and for sharing her beautiful home with us.