Help! I have to host Christmas!

[Lady_Disdain]

Christmas has always been held in my parents' house. Except that, this year, they are in the middle of an interstate move. My newly married sister is hosting a large Christmas dinner for her new family. So it is up to me to host Christmas Eve (when we have our large meal, open presents at midnight, etc).

My apartment is rather small, but I can fit everyone in. There will be six people and I have 6 chairs - perfect (actually, I call that barely enough but I am not going to nitpick). I need to figure out some decorations and put a meal together, all on a non existent budget, since this was very unexpected. Any ideas, gentle folk?

For the meal, I thought of doing a buffet of different breads, cheese, sliced meat and other light food (it is summer here), with a nice cake and cookies for dessert. I want to add some tapa style finger food as well. Can anyone point me towards some good recipes?

I have drinks pretty well figured out, but what else should I think of?

 

[Rhea]

I have a thing for tarts and brushetta. I find them easy to prep ahead of time and pop in the oven at the last minute. I can't seem to find my go-to brushetta recipe on the internet and I'm not at home.

Some of my favorite tart receipes below:
Red pepper and Olive: http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/red-pepper-olive-and-tomato-tart
Tomato, Brie, and Corgette: http://foodienelly.wordpress.com/2010/06/26/tomato-brie-and-courgette-tart/
Brie and Mushroom: http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/baked-brie-and-wild-mushroom-tart

I'm also a big fan of roasted stuffed red pepper halves - those can be served hot or cold. And of mini pizzas, never tried this particular one, but something simple like this: http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/french-bread-pizzas

 

[Gypsy]

I think a nice shrimp cocktail or something like that would be good as well. Quiche is nice as well.

 

[tuffyluvr]

I think that a couple tart/quiche things are a fantastic idea since they can be served warm or room temp, and they're inexpensive to make. This recipe is so incredibly easy: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=345388 You could do one with meat--ham or sausage or something and one with seasonal veggies. When I made this recipe I used up a bunch of veg I had in the fridge--onion, mushroom, asparagus and broccoli and it was too much to fit in one pie plate so I baked it in a 9x13 casserole.

I think a salad or two would be a good idea, too. Whatever is in season. I love watermelon and feta salad in summer. It's so refreshing! I am obsessed with this kale salad right now. It's super simple and so pretty! http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/salad/recipe-kale-salad-with-pecorino-and-lemon-058862

Keep it simple so you can enjoy the party!

 

[monarch64]

I think that a couple tart/quiche things are a fantastic idea since they can be served warm or room temp, and they're inexpensive to make. This recipe is so incredibly easy: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=345388 You could do one with meat--ham or sausage or something and one with seasonal veggies. When I made this recipe I used up a bunch of veg I had in the fridge--onion, mushroom, asparagus and broccoli and it was too much to fit in one pie plate so I baked it in a 9x13 casserole.

I think a salad or two would be a good idea, too. Whatever is in season. I love watermelon and feta salad in summer. It's so refreshing! I am obsessed with this kale salad right now. It's super simple and so pretty! http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/salad/recipe-kale-salad-with-pecorino-and-lemon-058862

Keep it simple so you can enjoy the party!

I like the idea of a couple in-season salads, and I totally agree with Tuffyluvr regarding keeping it simple so you can enjoy time with your family. Good luck and I hope you have a super fun Christmas!

 

[skymountain33]

Good ideas.