Part 2: Festive Christmas Dinner and Canapés & Drinks Option

For a more formal celebration, a Christmas dinner setup with lights, fine dining, and a cozy ambience is a great idea. Alternatively, a relaxed canapés and drinks option keeps things simple for a laid-back yet elegant Christmas gathering. Let’s explore both ideas, with menu and drinks options, along with ways to keep the little ones entertained.

For ideas and suggestions for a festive Christmas Lunch click here.

Outdoor Christmas Dinner Under the Stars

Decor Ideas

• Lighting: String up fairy lights or hang lanterns in the trees to create a magical vibe. Use candles or LED tea lights for soft table lighting. 

• Table Styling: Use wooden tables for a rustic look with elegant touches like linen runners, glass ornaments, and small bouquets of native flowers. 

• Seating: Try for long benches or informal garden seating to create a communal feel. 

Menu Ideas

• Starter: Oysters on ice with lemon wedges and chili sauce or a fresh tomato and burrata salad.
• Main Course: Whole grilled fish or steak, served with roasted garlic potatoes and asparagus.
• Dessert: Chocolate mousse with raspberries or a citrus tart.

Drink Suggestions

• Adults: Mulled wine served chilled (perfect for summer), or gin cocktails with tonic and fresh herbs.
• Kids: Sparkling fruit sodas, mango lassis, or berry slushies.

Indoor Christmas Dinner Idea

Decor Ideas

• Centrepieces: Use tall candles, festive wreaths, and elegant tableware.
• Table Settings: Personalized name tags on each plate add a warm, personal touch. Incorporate gold cutlery and stemware for a festive touch.

Menu Ideas

• Starter: Pâté with toasted baguette slices or soup shots (like chilled cucumber soup).
• Main Course: Roast turkey with cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole.
• Dessert: Sticky toffee pudding with ice cream or mince pies with brandy cream.

Drink Suggestions

• Adults: Red wine, spiced cider, or champagne.
• Kids: Mocktails with mint and citrus, or hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows.

Canapés & Drinks Option

For a more casual vibe, consider an evening of canapés and drinks. This works both indoors or in the garden with minimal setup.

Decor & Setup

• Use a buffet table for canapés, decorated with garlands and ornaments.
• Serve drinks from a dedicated bar or a mobile drinks trolley with pre-mixed cocktails.

Menu Ideas

• Canapés: Stuffed mushrooms, mini quiches, prawn cocktails, and bruschetta.
• Dessert Canapés: Mini pavlovas or bite-sized brownies with festive toppings.

Drink Suggestions

• Adults: Aperol spritz, sangria, or margaritas.
• Kids: Fruit slushies, mocktails, or flavoured lemonades.

Keeping Kids Entertained

1. Craft Station: Set up a station where kids can make Christmas cards or paper snowflakes.
2. Outdoor Fun: Provide bubbles, glow sticks, and small toys for night-time fun.
3. Santa Visit: If possible, arrange a surprise visit from “Santa” to deliver small gifts or candy.

Pro Hosting Tips

• Keep canapés light and easy to eat while standing.
• Offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to suit all tastes.
• Place comfortable blankets or chairs outdoors for guests to relax as the evening progresses.

With these festive ideas, you’ll be set for a magical summer Christmas celebration – whether it’s a relaxed lunch, an elegant dinner, or a night of canapés and cocktails. Happy hosting!