Spices. Cream. And Butter. Lots of butter. That's the trinity that comes to my mind when I think of Christmas dishes. The fare is decadent comfort food, but with an elegant touch. If you could use some inspiration in preparing your Christmas dinner menu, I've listed some suggestions below that your family and friends will love. Eat, drink and be merry!

Before going through the menu though, I'd like to showcase my 5-year-old little munchkin's craftsmanship. She brought from school the adorable caroling Christmas pine cones that she decorated herself. I'm so proud of her! Aren't they adorable?

Christmas Appetizers:

Pesto Palmiers.

Herb and Pecorino Cheese Crackers.

Savory Goat Ricotta Cheese Puffs.

Creamy Ricotta and Bell Pepper Crostini.

Canapés au Camembert.

Vegetarian Quinoa and Eggplant Caviar.

Lamb Dijonnaise

Christmas Bread:

Sour Cream Biscuists.

Cheese Twists.

Christmas Soups and Salads:

Corn Chowder.

Radish Carpaccio

Brussels Sprout Salad with Marinated Feta Cheese

 
Smoked Salmon on Wonton Puff with Dill Cream Cheese.

Christmas Main Course:

Purple Potato Gratin with Salmon Mousseline and Beurre Blanc Sauce.

Spinach and Pecan Stuffed Salmon with Hollandaise Sauce.

Lamb Persillade.

Roasted Pheasant Stuffed with Sage and Granny Smith Apples.

A Brace of American Birds.

Sirloin Beef Steak.

Potatoes:

Oven Roasted Herb Potatoes.

Duchess Potatoes (Pommes Duchesse).

Roasted Garlic Fingerling Potatoes in Thyme and Butter.

Scalloped Potatoes (Gratin Dauphinois).

Christmas Desserts:

Mango and Coconut Yule Log.

Mandarin and Ginger Christmas Cookies.

Cranberry Apple Pinwheel Cookies.

Rose Cream Sandwich Cookies.

Dulce de Leche Ice Cream with Date and Pear Compote and Candied Pecans.

Christmas Drinks:

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Soy Nog.

Masala Chai.