Skip to Content

Christmas Buffet Menu Ideas

Sharing is caring!

Entertaining a crowd this Christmas? Then grab our super easy Christmas buffet menu ideas packed with easy Christmas party food and make life so much easier for yourself.

Our Christmas party food ideas really take the stress out of entertaining this Christmas.

‘Tis the season of the buffet. That time of year when wherever you go a table of food and stack of plates awaits you.

Now if you’re throwing a Christmas party of your own and don’t want to do a full-on dinner party, then here’s our easy guide to simple buffet ideas, easy holiday appetizers, cute finger foods and what to include in your Christmas buffet menu.

Christmas Buffet Ideas

You’ll love these easy ideas – simple to make, delicious to eat, total crowd pleasers!

platter of christmas party food - festive bruschetta made with sourdough toast topped with mozzarella, figs, parma ham and basil leaves. Small bowl of pepperdew ricotta cheese stuffed peppers in the background. text "christmas buffet menu ideas"

Christmas Buffet – Sandwich Ideas 

Buffet eaters love a good sandwich, so include a selection.

cream cheese and chilli jam with rocket leaves on french baguette

Vary the bread so opt for soft rolls, open sandwiches on crusty rolls, sliced baguette sandwiches and regular tea party finger sandwiches.

And there’s no shortage of options when it comes to the fillings.

Christmas Buffet Party Food – Sandwich Filler Ideas 

homemade tuna sandwich filler made with canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise and green pesto - all mixed up in a blue and orange floral bowl. Next to the tuna is a bowl of grated cheese
  • Turkey & cranberry
  • Mature cheddar and pickle
  • Roast beef & horseradish
  • Prawns with seafood cocktail sauce

If you’re catering for ‘picky’ people maybe leave the condiments off the sandwich and just pop the jar and spoon nearby the platter.

Christmas Finger Food Buffet – Party Food Nibbles Ideas

Tuck these amongst the plates of sandwiches on your Christmas buffet table – it’s nice to include a few different options of popular snacks from the list below.

homemade puff pastry pizzas topped with sun dried tomatoes, chopped ham, cheese and olives on a serving platter with fresh salad, cucumbers , tomatoes and herbs

Think of these picky bits as a sort of simple make-ahead main courses buffet option and is a delicious meal idea for the holiday season, if you’re hosting an open house or Christmas Eve dinner.

  • Mini quiche
  • Chinese platter – with mini spring rolls, dim sum, prawn crackers
  • Scotch eggs – grab our Gluten free scotch egg recipe here – just the BEST homemade gluten free scotch egg recipe, easy, flavoursome and oh so perfect for picnics.
  • Savoury tartlets
  • Falafel & dip
six christmas tree pastry on a tray surrounding a pot of hummus. Tray is decorated with rocket leaves and resting on top of a red festive table runner with christmas tree motif
  • Chicken satay sticks
  • Prawn skewers
  • Vegetarian mozzarella/feta and med veg skewers
  • Mini brie or goat cheese & cranberry filo parcels
  • Rice salad
  • Green salad
  • Pate & cheese board with selection of crackers

Grab our Quorn Vegetarian Party Food ideas here (ad feature) 

homemade Swedish style potato salad scattered with chopped dill on a blue, white and yellow floral platter

Try Our Halloumi Pigs In Blankets Recipe Here

Christmas Buffet Ideas – Party Food Desserts 

Offer a few different choices, dishes and styles from the list below.

cut glass trifle bowl filled with english trifle - strawberry jelly with mandarins and trifle sponge, topped with custard and whipped cream
  • Jelly & ice-cream
  • Tiramisu
  • Carrot cake with frosting
  • Apple tart with cream
chocolate covered strawberries with crushed pistachios on a wooden board surrounded by love heart confetti
  • Selection of shortbread biscuits
  • Selection of fudge or truffles

Loads more ideas for Christmas celebrations here!

It’s also worth remembering, Christmas is a super busy time of year with loads to do, if cooking isn’t something you enjoy then just make the sandwiches and buy the rest ready made.

Be kind to yourself and make a Christmas buffet that suits you!

There’s loads of deals on party food in the supermarkets at the moment and lots that can be stored in the freezer until you need it.

Christmas is definitely the season to just do the bits you fancy and cheat with the rest!

Love Homemade Party Food? Try these recipes:

platter of bacon topped potato salad, platter of chorizo and cheese skewers, bowl of couscous salad and bowl of italian pasta salad -  10 Super easy party food recipes that taste amazing, Christmas party food ideas

Get more party food platters and buffet food ideas here

Ten delicious, easy party food recipes you can make at home – recipes include…

  • Homemade Indian Spiced Potatoes
  • Homemade Couscous Salad

You might also just LOVE our Retro Prawn Cocktail recipe – it’s perfect for Christmas dinner starter!

Loads more ideas for family celebrations here!

Christmas party food breakfast buffet with scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, fruit platter, yogurt and cereal, Danish pastries and waffles with chocolate dip, served on a white table with festive red table runner with christmas tree motif

You might also just LOVE our Christmas Breakfast buffet – make it here!

wooden and slate food platter with Christmas party food mini homemade Italian skewers with chicken, chorizo and machego cheese on cocktail sticks - garnish with rocket leaves. Text "Christmas buffet menu ideas"

Need Some Family Meal Ideas?

Check out our meal planning here – it’s filled with recipes, meal planner tips and pre-filled printable meal plans weekly or seasonally. We’ve got hundreds of the BEST family recipes your whole family will LOVE!

Get more delicious meal ideas and easy recipes here