Cooking up the whole menu will feed 12, but omitting some and picking your favorites can feed smaller groups. And of course you can serve just one as an opener to any of your special meals, or even serve the cheese course as a spectacular finale to your Christmas dinner.

To help set the mood for this dinner party with a twist, check out our eclectic seasonal playlist curated by music columnist, Ann Lough.

It's so easy to reach into the grocer’s freezer for pre-made appetizers during the hectic holiday season, but homemade can be so much more exciting. Explore a few new flavours with a special meal made of small bites like our Fig, Chèvre & Ham Galettes, Silken Goulash with Gouda Crisps and Warm Smoked Trout Pots.

Unlike a formal sit-down with the usual anxiety of timing everything just right, a lunch or dinner of appetizers allows for much to be made ahead of time. Your guests will be rewarded with a succession of great flavours and conversation-starting surprises while you will get to enjoy both the company and the praise. Reap those rewards by preparing these Betel Leaf & Pork Satay Bundles, Red-Wine- Braised Beef in Potato Skins and Curried Chicken on Coconut Rice Cakes.

A simple apricot, raisin, and almond compote is a perfect garnish for Manchego cheese. While we suggest Cheese “Cake” with Dried Fruit Compote as a fitting end to our all hors d’oeuvre menu, served with a glass of Port or Sparkling Wine, it would also be a fitting start to any holiday dinner party.