A Holiday Menu For A Tree-Trimming Party

With a month to go until the big day, we are getting into the holiday spirit by baking, decorating and of course, picking out a tree.  And what better way to celebrate than with a tree-trimming party. Once you’ve decided between a balsam or fir, invite some family and friends over for snacks and bevvies, and to help decorate. Light a fire, put on some holiday music and settle in for a cozy night around the tree.

These appetizers are easy to prep and some can be made ahead of time:

Warm Sweet-And-Savoury Nuts

This elevated nut mix takes just 15 minutes to make. Get our warm sweet-and-savoury nuts mix recipe.

(Recipes by Irene Ngo, Produced by Sun Ngo, Photography by Erik Putz, Prop Styling by Madeleine Johari, Food Styling by Michelle Rabin)

Balsamic and prosciutto figs
These salty-sweet morsels will be a hit with adults, and pair nicely with a glass of shiraz.

Thai turkey meatballs
This recipe makes three dozen meatballs that can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer (for up to a month). These are so moist they don't need a dipping sauce. Just add a few pretty toothpicks and serve.

Dijon-dill shrimp salad
This shrimp salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for at least two hours. Simply spoon onto endive leaves just before serving.

Little Cubano sandwiches
Double or triple this recipe, and substitute regular mustard for Dijon for the younger tree trimmers in the crowd.

Crispy cinnamon-sugar twists
Arrange these twists in tall glasses or vases and they easily double as décor.

(Photo: Roberto Caruso)

Cookies
No holiday party would be complete without an assortment of sweets from our collection of holiday cookie recipes. Some of my favourites include: the flourless chocolate snow mountains, sticky toffee shortbread bars (above), and the crisp maple shortbreads.

Gingerbread cookie tree recipe

Seeing as this party centres around the tree, a must-bake treat is our gingerbread cookie tree which makes the loveliest centrepiece.

Open up a few bottles of well-priced Canadian wines, such as a pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. Or, if you're expecting a bigger crowd, then go for the 4L cask.