Cooking is a huge source of stress during the holidays — planning, buying and spending long hours in the kitchen can take the joy out of hosting. This year, enjoy a holiday feast without cooking a single dish. From buying pre-made dishes to hosting a potluck-style party, here are ways to prepare a holiday spread that’s as festive as it is effortless.
The art of the store-bought spread
Take advantage of the wide selection of seasonal dishes available at grocery stores, delis or local markets at this time. There should be plenty of high-quality, ready-made food ranging from main dishes to desserts.
Main dishes
Start with a show-stopping main that feels homemade. Rotisserie turkey, pre-sliced honey ham or even stuffed pork loin are packed with flavor and can be picked up precooked. Most stores carry options with seasonal spices or glazes, perfect for the holidays.
Sides
Choose classic, ready-to-serve side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce or salads. Heat-and-eat options like green bean casserole or stuffing can also make your table feel complete without extra work.
Desserts
Many bakeries offer festive desserts such as pumpkin pies and holiday cookies. You can also go for a more generic cake or pie and garnish it with seasonal fruits and toppings for a more festive touch.
Once you have your store-bought food items, transfer them into your own serving dishes and garnish each dish with fresh herbs or citrus slices for a homemade touch. Small details, like coordinating linens and festive platters, can further make these pre-made dishes feel special.
The takeout twist
Can’t find anything you like from the store? Order food trays of dishes you like from your favorite restaurant or takeout spot. Mix dishes from different establishments for a wider variety and create a unique holiday spread with all the food you love.
You can even set a theme for your spread by choosing dishes following an Asian, Italian or Mediterranean cuisine. To build a cohesive meal, consider ordering a hearty main from a restaurant, pairing it with sides from a deli and a dessert from a nearby cafe. Pick up fresh bread or rolls from a local bakery to round out your takeout spread.
Reheat everything at home according to restaurant instructions. Serve the dishes on your own holiday plates, garnishing when needed to give them that homemade touch. Guests will love the thoughtful mix of flavors and presentation.
Host a potluck feast
Organizing a potluck is another easy way to throw a holiday feast without cooking. Each guest brings a dish, creating a big spread with a wide variety of delicious food. Here are some quick tips for a successful potluck.
Coordinate with guests
It’s helpful to coordinate with guests beforehand to get an idea of what they plan to bring, to avoid duplicate dishes and make sure that the menu is balanced. Start with a group chat where guests can claim their dish, or you can assign categories: Appetizers, mains, sides and desserts.
Choose a nice-looking dish
Go for a dish that can double as the centerpiece of the spread. Again, no need to cook; buy yours from the store or order from a restaurant.
Provide essentials
As the host, supply everything else that will be needed for the potluck, from serving utensils and condiments to easy beverages and extra garnishes. Don’t forget disposable containers or foil so guests can take home leftovers easily.
Opt for charcuterie and cheese board
For a low-stress, no-cook holiday feast, create a stunning holiday charcuterie and cheese board that’ll wow your guests. They will love sampling various snacks and appetizers, making it the perfect centerpiece for your gathering.
Don’t worry; assembling a charcuterie spread is easier than you think. Simply gather your food items: Meats and cold cuts, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, and bread and crackers. You can add extras like dips, nuts and sweets if preferred.
To start, lay down a large board or platter as your base. Arrange your main items, beginning with the largest, like meats, cheeses and dip bowls in small groups around the board. Leave some space between each for a clean look.
Next, fill in the gaps with bread slices, crackers, nuts, fresh fruits or sweets. Make sure there’s a variety of colors and textures to keep the board visually appealing.
Finally, garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers. Set out cheese knives and small spoons for easy serving. Place your charcuterie board at the center of the table with small plates and napkins, letting it double as a dish and a decor.
The brunch alternative
Finding it hard to imagine hosting a full-on formal dinner without cooking? Opt for a holiday brunch instead. The setting will be more relaxed with more options of dishes to serve, making a no-cook celebration easier to pull off.
Keep it simple with bread, salads, light casseroles and assorted pastries. Don’t forget dips and spreads like cream cheese, apple butter and fig jam. Kristin King from Dizzy Busy and Hungry encourages preparing “an inviting selection of cured meats and cheeses, sweet pastries, colorful seasonal fruits and DIY yogurt parfaits with plenty of toppings like granola, honey and fresh berries.”
Her favorite highlight is a festive mimosa bar. You can also set up a coffee and tea station with holiday flavors for a nice touch; think peppermint or spiced lattes, or a cranberry margarita.
Use tiered stands or platters for visual interest and add small garnishes, like fresh berries or herbs, to make everything feel festive. Decorate with candles, a holiday table runner and a vase of winter greenery for a warm and inviting brunch spread.
Enjoy a stress-free celebration by choosing a no-cook holiday feast
The holidays are all about bringing people together, creating memories and enjoying delicious food. Nobody said that you have to cook the food — as long as there’s something for everyone to enjoy, that’s what matters. Whether you’re ordering the dishes, organizing a potluck or putting together a charcuterie board, what’s important is that you get to serve a gorgeous, hearty holiday spread while relaxing and enjoying the holidays as you deserve.
Jessica Haggard is dedicated to helping people cook easy everyday recipes focusing on nourishing foods. She helps people overcome food allergies and discover healthy recipes that make a difference in their health with gluten-free, low-carb and keto cooking at Primal Edge Health.