The No Cook Christmas Dinner Menu

For those who cook every day of the week, cooking over the holidays may not be such a joy. Getting yet another meal on the table is enough of a chore, and everyone expects a feast for Christmas dinner. And you're expected to stay in the kitchen while everybody else watches television, plays video games and enjoys their new toys.

This holiday, create a no-cook menu you can serve up in less than an hour and clean up in minutes.

Snacks Before Dinner
Having snacks available a short time before dinner helps keep hunger in check and creates the sense of a more rounded meal. You don't have to have fancy, fussy hors d'oeuvres though. Stay with the classic potato chips and dip, neither of which has to be homemade. Pour some mixed nuts into a red or green bowl and set out a variety of cheeses with crackers on a Christmas dish. You have the first course served before the family even gets to the table.

Main Course
If you just don't feel you can have a Christmas dinner without the traditional ham or turkey, visit local restaurants and markets for pre-cooked meals. These usually include the main course along with potatoes and a vegetable side dish, rolls and sometimes even dessert. All you do is pick it up the day before and heat it the day of the feast.

For a more casual dinner, serve a platter of cheese slices and deli meats along with various kinds of breads and rolls. Select the finest quality deli meats and cheeses and artisan breads; this turns the ordinary sandwich platter into something special. Set out sliced tomatoes, lettuce and favorite sandwich fixings on a platter so everybody can make their sandwiches to their liking. Set out the mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup in little bowls with spoons.

For side dishes, set out store bought coleslaw or potato salad along with a dish of sliced fruit. It's a feast without the fuss.

Dessert
You may have baked cookies and treats for the holidays. Serve any that are left with coffee or milk for the kids. Store bought pumpkin pies or chocolate cakes look just as delicious as homemade if you serve them on a Christmas dish.

Clean-up
Serving up a no-cook feast saves you time, and lets you enjoy your holiday. But don't let the clean up take up all your evening.

Use a red or green linen tablecloth for your table, and dishwasher safe melamine dishes for serving. Make the table festive with a Christmas-y centerpiece, such as a silverplate bowl filled with bright red ornaments.

When it's time to clean up, the dishes go into the dishwasher. You don't have to scrub pots or wipe down the oven and stovetop. Store the leftovers in food safe containers and you're finished with Christmas dinner. You get to spend the holiday with your family, rather than your pots and pans.

Further Reading:
Good Luck Foods to Serve for New Year Celebrations
A Dippy Christmas Tradition
Five Essential Tools for Your Kitchen