The holiday season is filled with special gatherings, beloved traditions and all kinds of delicious food. Whether you’re hosting an intimate get-together or a house full of family and friends, a few thoughtful touches can help you create a festive spread that not only feels special, but is also nourishing for your guests.
Registered dietitian and nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner has shared four simple tips for serving easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers that are celebratory, nutritious and holiday table-ready.
1. Eat the colors of the season. Incorporate colorful seasonal ingredients like pomegranates, citrus, sweet potatoes, cranberries and fresh herbs to naturally create a gorgeous, festive holiday palette and add nutrition.
Even simple touches, such as adding pomegranate seeds to salads or garnishing appetizers with rosemary or sage, can bring festive pops of color without requiring an entirely new recipe.
2. Bring balance to the holiday table. Celebrations and get-togethers are meant for enjoying comfort food – some of which may be less healthy for you. That doesn’t mean you should leave these festive dishes off the menu; instead, create balance around them. Add protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with the seasonal favorites your family looks forward to every year.
Offering nourishing options alongside festive favorites gives guests the freedom to build a plate with the food they love, while keeping their bodies properly fueled and satisfied.
3. Give ingredients a second act. Choosing versatile ingredients that can be easily repurposed into meals and snacks helps reduce food waste and simplifies post-holiday meals.
For example, leftover roasted vegetables can be folded into an omelet, fresh herbs can brighten sandwiches and salads, and proteins can be an easy addition to grain bowls or wraps. Thinking beyond holiday meals can help you get more out of what you already have on hand.
4. Put a fresh spin on a holiday favorite. By adding in unexpected ingredients, such as bold herbs, you can elevate the cherished recipes guests know and love.
One way to put that advice into practice is serving deviled eggs with fresh sage, topped with cranberry. Hard-cooked peeled eggs, such as those made by Eggland, provide plenty of protein and vitamin B12, and they have less saturated fat than ordinary eggs.
