4 Unforgettable Christmas Dinner Menus

Traditional Italian Menu: Main Course

Recipe: Shrimp Puttanesca
I throw together these bold ingredients for a feisty seafood pasta. —Lynda Balslev, Sausalito, California

Traditional Italian Menu: Appetizer

Recipe: Marinated Mozzarella
I always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Traditional Italian Menu: Side

Recipe: Italian Salad with Vinaigrette
For an Italian twist on salad, I mix greens with red onion, mushrooms, olives, pepperoncini, lemon juice and seasoning. Add tomatoes and carrots if you like. —Deborah Loop, Clinton Township, Michigan

Traditional Italian Menu: Side

Recipe: Artichokes with Lemon Dip
Artichokes are at their best when you prepare them simply, without a lot of fuss or seasonings to overdress them. Many people dip the petals in melted butter or mayonnaise, but I think you’ll love my tangy lemon-yogurt dip. —Jill Haapaniemi, Brooklyn, New York

Traditional Italian Menu: Dessert

Recipe: Marvelous Cannoli Cake
A luscious, chocolate-studded cannoli filling separates the tender vanilla layers of this rich cake, which starts with a package mix. It’s best when served well chilled.—Antoinette Owens, Ridgefield, Connecticut

Easy Favorites Menu: Main Course

Recipe: Standing Rib Roast
Treat your family to tender slices of standing rib roast or use the seasoning blend on a different beef roast for a hearty, delicious main dish. I love to prepare this recipe for special occasions. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado

Easy Favorites Menu: Appetizer

Recipe: Savory Party Bread
It’s impossible to stop nibbling on warm pieces of this cheesy, oniony bread. The sliced loaf fans out for a fun presentation. —Kay Daly, Raleigh, North Carolina

Easy Favorites Menu: Side

Recipe: Rosemary Potatoes & Asparagus
Showcase asparagus when you dress it in fresh rosemary and red potatoes for an earthy counterpoint to the fresh, green spears. Add minced garlic and you get a gorgeous, flavorful side dish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Easy Favorites Menu: Side

Recipe: Cauliflower Casserole
To dress up cauliflower, Mom used a delightful mixture of a cheesy sauce, bright red and green pepper pieces and crushed cornflakes. We enjoyed this casserole so much that leftovers were rare. —Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio

Easy Favorites Menu: Dessert

Recipe: Eggnog Cutout Cookies
I created this cookie recipe because my sons liked eggnog so much. After frosting the cookies, you can add to their festive flair by sprinkling them with colored sugar. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho

Classic Christmas Menu: Main Course

Recipe: Cranberry Glazed Ham
That show-stopping entree you’ve been hoping for is right here, and it only takes five ingredients to make. The sweet and tangy cranberry glaze pairs beautifully with succulent ham. —Joni Peterson, Wichita, Kansas

Classic Christmas Menu: Appetizer

Recipe: Best-Ever Stuffed Mushrooms
Every Christmas Eve, I bring out a platter of my fresh-from-the-oven mushrooms. When you want a change, consider fixing the sausage and cream cheese filling all by itself—it’s good spread on baguette slices and crackers. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado

Classic Christmas Menu: Side

Recipe: Mom’s Sweet Potato Bake
Mom loves sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost serve as a dessert. It’s a yummy treat! —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee

Classic Christmas Menu: Side

Recipe: Buttery Almond Green Beans
Toasted almonds add crunch to this no-fuss treatment for fresh beans. They get extra flavor from convenient onion soup mix and Parmesan cheese. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

Classic Christmas Menu: Dessert

Recipe: Raspberry Cocoa Trifle
This lovely layered dessert is my husband’s favorite. I always make it for our Christmas dinner, but it’s excellent after any special meal. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta

Simply Elegant Menu: Main Course

Recipe: Mushroom Beef Tenderloin
It doesn’t take much fuss to fix a special meal for two. Here’s the delicious proof. —Denise McNab, Warrington, Pennsylvania

Simply Elegant Menu: Appetizer

Recipe: Shrimp Tartlets
Fill mini tart shells with a cream cheese mixture, then top with seafood sauce and shrimp for a picture-perfect look and delightful taste. This recipe makes a great appetizer, or serve several for a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, Missouri

Simply Elegant Menu: Side

Recipe: Simple Au Gratin Potatoes
These super cheesy potatoes au gratin are always welcome at our dinner table, and they’re so simple to make. A perfect complement to ham, this homey side dish also goes well with pork, chicken and other entrees. —Cris O’Brien, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Simply Elegant Menu: Side

Recipe: Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Don’t be afraid to bring out the Brussels sprouts. Mellowed by roasting and tossed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California

Simply Elegant Menu: Dessert

Recipe: Pears Poached in Wine
An elegant dessert doesn’t have to take tons of work. Tart and refreshing, this simple-to-make treat is a tasty dinner finale. Eva Amuso, Cheshire, Massachusetts