Last-minute holiday party food ideas!
And a handful of trusty gifts you still have time to get 🎄
Hi friends,
Holiday season is in full swing and I hope you’ve been able to indulge in it so far.
My list of December activities always includes rewatching “The Holiday” and “When Harry Met Sally”, taking a stroll down Fifth Avenue, and baking something. (Hoping to get to them all before next Sunday!)
If you’re hosting or heading to a holiday party in the coming days, I’ve got some ideas for what to make. Plant-based options can seem particularly challenging in this context since holiday food is often based on family traditions and nostalgia. Nevertheless, it’s not impossible.
After that, I’m also including a couple of last-minute gifts in case you’re still on the struggle bus there. Some are form, some are function, some are both. Let’s dive in…
The Ultimate Vegan Snack Board: Snack boards are usually anchored by cheese and charcuterie. If animal products are not in your ingredient arsenal, you can still assemble a snack board that’s just as abundant, thanks to the magic of dips. Head here for 3 easy dip recipes, plus tips for what to serve alongside.
Mushroom Hand Pies: Flaky store-bought puff pastry with a savory mushroom filling.
Lasagna with Cashew “Ricotta”: If you wanna make something large-format (like for a sit-down meal), lasagna’s your friend. This one’s layered with roasted vegetables and homemade vegan ricotta.
Caramelized Onion Crostini: My signature party snack dating back to my days of high school dinner parties.
Date Brownies: The fudgiest, most decadent, sugar-free brownies. Made with Medjool dates, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. (Prepare to have your mind blown.)
Tater Tot “Nacho” Salad: Retro freezer-aisle tater tots get the TNB treatment with guac, beans, and plenty of fresh veg. It’s the best of both worlds.
Polish’d: This new cookbook from Michał Korkosz features a fresh, globally-inspired vegetarian perspective on Polish cooking. It’s packed with vibrant veg, personal stories, and creativity.
West Elm “Kaloh” Bowls: Although technically “pasta” bowls, these are the go-to plates in our house for literally everything. Unfortunately, it seems they don’t make our pink version anymore, but the mint and yellow are equally lovely.
Rechargeable Milk Frother: I got this handheld device after our trip to Italy, when I was missing my daily cappuccinos. This one’s small enough to fit in a kitchen drawer, doesn’t require constant battery changes, and froths surprisingly well.
Caraway Cookware: You probably already know I’m obsessed with this set - my go-to pans for everyday cooking. They’re non-stick, non-toxic, and just look so damn good. Right now, you can get 20% off the entire store with my ambassador link.
OXO Oven Mitts: I’ve included these in past gift guides and continue to love them. They might not be luxurious or interesting, but they are extremely practical. The silicone exterior is pretty much impenetrable to heat and the length protects wrists from burns when reaching into the oven. The best oven mitts, period.
Rifle Stationary: I’ve yet to embrace the digital calendar and still write everything on paper. I gift myself a new Rifle planner every year. It’s simply beautiful and sparks joy every time I go to write something down. Planners not your thing? They’ve got plenty of other gorgeous things like notebooks, candles, etc. featuring their signature floral patterns.