A collection of 17 festive appetizers and 5 fun cocktails to make your holiday party outstanding!

How in the world is it December? I feel like I say it every year, but seriously? It's December? It can't be possible. Partly because the year went entirely too fast and partly because I'm not at all prepared for Christmas and all the craziness this month is about to bring. Alas, the calendar says Dec. 1. Better buck up.

Instead of putting my head down and checking names off my gift list and figuring out when I'm ever going to feel like addressing ALL of those holiday cards (and whether I even have the right addresses), I'm going to pause and celebrate the fun - it is PARTY TIME people! All the parties... the dinners, the cocktail nights, the friend get togethers, the neighborhood gatherings, the office obligatory party, the cookie exchanges... It's basically a throw-down all month long. And I'm gonna be ready for that, if nothing else. Priorities. (And lots of babysitters. Sigh, lots of babysitters.)

So here's a collection of great seasonal recipes for your holiday party, either at your house or hopefully, someone else's... which means you can leave that pile of laundry in the hallway. (Is that just me?) Take a break from the stress this time of year can bring and feast your eyes on these lovely recipes!

Appetizers

Holiday hummus
Roasted balsamic, beet and burrata crostini - Climbing Grief Mountain
Cranberry orange baked brie dip - Slim Pickins Kitchen
Spinach balls - Sweet as Honey
Crispy breaded shrimp - Love Foodies
Cranberry basil shrimp cocktail - Cotter Crunch
Marinated olives with a red wine vinaigrette - A Dish of Daily Life
Roasted red pepper and artichoke dip - The Recipe Wench
Goat cheese stuffed mushrooms - Girl Gone Gourmet
Cheese and walnut stuffed dates - The Things We'll Make
Boiled oysters with spicy mayo panic sauce - Avocado Pesto
Savory creamy pumpkin cups - Dine and Dish
Delicata squash stuffed mushrooms - Fearless Dining
Oven baked crab rangoon - Unicorns in the Kitchen
Sweet potato salsa dip - Farm Fresh Feasts
Cinnamon and thyme chicken skewers - Sprinkles and Sprouts
Pumpkin spice roasted chickpeas - Strength and Sunshine

OK, and a bonus! One of my favorites at the holidays: Easy vegetable squares

Cocktails

And what's a party without cocktails? Here are 5 fun ones to try this holiday season. Hopefully not all in the same night, but hey, I'm not judging... 😉

Sparkling cranberry and gin cocktail - Nutmeg Nanny
Pumpkin beertail with tequila and spiced rum - Floating Kitchen
Pear brandy cocktail - Blossom to Stem
Smores chocolate martini - Culinary Hill
Pomegranate mojito cocktail - Cooking LSL

Cheers and happy holidays everyone!
XO,
~ Kathryn

** I'd love to hear your favorite holiday appetizer - or what you wish someone would bring to your party! **