Holiday Menus - Cooking Light

Thanksgiving and Beyond

There are probably as many variations on the Thanksgiving theme as there are folks who start their holiday shopping the day after (and if you've ever been to the mall post-Thanksgiving, you know that's a lot). To accommodate our individual tastes, but with the Thanksgiving theme in mind, we've put together a variety of menus―a mix of the traditional and the modern.

Thanksgiving Menus and More

Photo: José Picayo

Christmas Menus

Chicken, not turkey, is served with a lively five-spice sauce. Ginger spices up the banana pudding finale in our Christmas Variation Menu.

Christmas Menus

Photo: José Picayo

A Healthy Hanukkah

Share and give thanks with the flavors of seasonal bounty.

Healthy Recipes for Hanukkah

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Dessert and Coffee Party Menu

Sometimes you want to skip the formalities and get right to the fun stuff, and a dessert party lets you do just that. It's a recipe for pure pleasure. This sweet spread offers a little something for everyone: lightly glazed, herb-scented cake, bittersweet cocoa meringues, and a galette featuring ripe plums. Make your desserts beforehand, then simply put on fresh coffee and pour prosecco once the guests arrive.

View Full Menu: Dessert and Coffee Party

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Fuss-Free Menus for Casual Gatherings

Entertaining doesn't always mean hours of planning, prep, and production. Sometimes our best evenings are spent relaxing with friends over good conversation and simple meals. We've gathered menus and one-dish meals to keep casual gatherings... well, casual. No fuss―no problem.

Low-Key Recipes

Cozy Make-Ahead Meal (pictured)
Casual Dinner with Friends

Photo: José Picayo

Southern New Year's Day Menu

Hoppin' John is a traditional New Year's good-luck symbol on the tables of the South.

New Year's Day Menus

Southern Warmth for New Year's Day Menu (pictured)
New Year's Day Brunch

Photo: José Picayo

Vegetarian Menus

At the center of our Vegetarian Holiday Supper menu is pure luxury: the flavors of truffles in a mushroom-studded lasagna. Omit the anchovies from the Broccolini recipe to make it vegetarian-friendly.

Vegetarian Menus

Vegetarian Holiday Supper Menu (pictured)
Vegetarian Holiday Recipes
Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Photo: José Picayo

Global Holiday Menus

The flavors of Asia, Italy, America, and the Middle East: total harmony in cooking, at least.

Global Holiday Menus

Photo: José Picayo

Ideas for Entertaining

Brighten your holiday feasts with just the right accoutrements. Choosing the right wine, planning a colorful table setting, and adding a few festive details can make each meal memorable. Here are a few tips to get you started.

The Finishing Touches