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    December 13, 2023 · by Andrea Love · This post may contain affiliate links · No Comments

    7 Simple Canapés for Christmas

    'Tis the season for joy, laughter, and, of course, indulgent feasts! As you prepare for your Christmas lunch or dinner, a selection of delicious canapés to kickstart the festivities can set the tone for the meal ahead. These bite-sized wonders are the perfect way to begin your festive spread, and complement any welcome drinks being poured. Let's explore how a selection of canapés can elevate your Christmas dining experience.

    Canapés to kick off the evening

    The anticipation builds as your guests arrive, and what better way to welcome them than with a dazzling array of canapés? These small, flavourful bites are designed to whet the appetite and fill the gap between arrival and the main course. Offering canapés at this juncture goes beyond mere hospitality; it's a gesture that instantly elevates the entire festive affair. Christmas is after all a time to indulge and celebrate!

    Canapés are a canvas for creativity in the kitchen. They allow for experimentation with diverse flavours, textures, and presentations, reflecting the evolving tastes and trends in the culinary world, as well as your own person preferences and that of your guests.

    Historically, these small snacks were introduced as palate teasers, intended on awakening the taste buds for the indulgent courses to follow. Today, they serve a dual purpose: not only do they satisfy initial hunger, but they also set the tone for a gastronomic experience and encourage socialisation among guests.

    Tips for creating the perfect canapé selection

    Here are some points to consider when curating a selection of snacks for your Christmas feast:

    • Who are you catering for: Consider how many guests you are hosting, and therefore how many canapés you will want to serve. Perhaps for a group of four, two different starter options is enough. Further to this, are there any dietary requirements or preferences you need to account for? It is good to know this information before designing your menu.
    • Balance is key: ensure a balance of flavours and textures. Include a mix of savoury and sweet, creamy and crunchy. A diverse canapé selection keeps the taste experience dynamic and exciting.
    • Match your snacks with your drinks: Usually you'll be offering up first drinks to guests while serving your canapés so consider snacks that complement the beverages. Classic champagne or wine, fancier cocktails or simple soft drink - whatever you're serving, design your canapé to match. For drinks ideas, see my 12 drinks recipes for your next dinner party.
    • It's perfectly fine to keep it simple: while experimentation is encouraged, simplicity can be a virtue. Opt for canapés that are easy to prepare without compromising on taste. If you've got your work cut out for you for the rest of the meal, simple starters can satisfy your guests while easing the burden on the host.
    Prawn cocktail
    Six tostadas on a white tray with a bowl of king fish ceviche

    Classic canapé combinations

    Here are some common snack ideas that can act as some inspiration:

    • Dips with crackers or crudités
    • A cheese or charcuterie board
    • Pickles and olives
    • Deli meats
    • Nuts
    • Fresh vegetables and fruit

    7 Simple Canapés for Christmas

    Read on to see a collection of my favourite canapés and snacks guaranteed to impress your guests. All of these recipes would be fantastic additions to the menu next time you are entertaining friends or family.

    Fried Stuffed Olives
    These fried stuffed olives are the perfect crunchy little snack to enjoy with a glass of wine or glass of sparkling. Savoury and moreish, your guests will not be able to stop at one!
    Check out this recipe
    Citrus Fish Tostadas
    Citrus fish tostadas are fresh, light and easy to make. The perfect summer seafood dish for your table and a great way to get your guests excited for whats to come. These bites look beautiful sitting on a large platter.
    Check out this recipe
    Kingfish ceviche tostadas on a white tray
    Pear, Caramelised Onion & Brie Bites
    Pear, caramelised onion and brie bites are the easiest little appetiser you can whip up in 30 minutes. They combine buttery pastry with savoury onions, creamy brie and sweet pear. Serve warm or at room temperature.
    Check out this recipe
    Gin and Cucumber Oysters
    These gin and cucumber oysters make for a sophisticated summer starter. Light and refreshing, you can prepare the dressing in advance to be spooned over your chilled fresh oysters right before guests arrive.
    Check out this recipe
    Baked Brie with Pecans & Honey
    This baked brie, topped with toasted pecans, honey and rosemary will elevate any cheeseboard and really impress guests! Using only a handful of ingredients, bake this cheese about half an hour before you expect people to arrive for that perfect, oozy cheese pull.
    Check out this recipe
    Prawn Cocktail
    The prawn cocktail always comes back into fashion and for good reason! Chilled prawns with Marie Rose sauce is a wonderful summer combo for your Christmas table.
    Check out this recipe
    Close up prawn cocktail
    Tuna Puffs
    Tuna puffs are perhaps my most underrated recipe. However they never fail to disappear first from the table, they are THAT good. Very easy to make and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. This will be a favourite with adults and children alike!
    Check out this recipe

    More Blog

    • 10 Dinner Ideas for Easy Weeknight Meals
    • 2023 Holiday Gift Guide
    • 10 Sandwich Recipes for Gourmet Lunches at Home
    • 12 drinks recipes for your next dinner party

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    Hi, I'm Andrea! I'm a self-taught home cook and I love to create food that makes me happy, whether it be wholesome or indulgent (or a little bit of both). Eatnik gives me a little corner of the internet to be able to share my recipes and as a result I hope your feel inspired to recreate them at home.

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