Holiday Gathering Ideas
Hosting a holiday party idea with a theme on other cultures can be fun. Today, I want to share my plant-based Mexican holiday party menu ideas.
Holiday parties may be work parties, events planned by family members, or an impromptu get-together with neighbors and friends.
The more parties you attend, the more careful you need to be of all the health effects of foods that are high in excess fat, salt, and sugar.
I will share a few suggestions that have helped me stay on track at holiday parties. I also have some fun holiday party menus that I have put together for the occasion! Bring on the holiday gathering ideas!
Tips to Survive Those Holiday Parties & Stay Healthier This Holiday Season
Here are a few of my favorite holiday survival tips!
- To maintain healthy portions, try using a small party plate for appetizers or a small dinner plate for a meal.
- Be selective. Save room for special seasonal occasion foods. Skip foods that you can have any time of the year like chips, nuts, and excessive crackers.
- Challenge yourself to leave space between each food on the plate.
- Try eating only one plate of food. If you want dessert, try eating a smaller piece.
- Focus on filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
- Find a place to hang out away from the food table. That way, you won’t be tempted to get extra servings when you aren’t hungry but because it is there.
- Focus on the celebration and the special people in your lives not just the food. Intriguing conversation is as satisfying as a second helping of food.
Here are some good additional tips:
20 Tips to Avoid Weight Gain During the Holidays (healthline.com)
Christmas from Around the World Theme
For your holiday menu consider a Christmas holiday party food celebration from another country that has fun holiday traditions, decorations, and recipes! Often, their foods can be healthier because they may include lots of colorful fruits and vegetables.
I think this Mexican theme makes a vibrant fun celebration! My vegetarian menu can have local chicken or beef added if you like. Feliz Navidad!
Here are my holiday party food ideas
Mexican Holiday Celebration Menu
Mini Taco Bar
Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos
Cabbage, Corn Pepper Slaw
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Chopped Cilantro
Greek Yogurt
Chopped Avocado
Key Lime Cream Cheese, Pecan, and Coconut Fruit Dip with Apples and Oranges
Sparkling Apple Cider Punch or Apple Cider Sangria with Apples and Cranberries
Holiday Party Food Ideas
Black Bean, Sweet Potato Tacos
These vegetarian tacos are a great vegetable combination with lots of color and use local sweet potatoes! Makes 6-8 tacos!
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 large sweet potato, peeled and chunked
2-3 poblanos, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin, crushed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat an iron skillet and add olive oil. Saute onions and potatoes until soft. Add poblano and cook until they become soft. Add garlic. Add black beans and seasonings. Add one tablespoon of water if needed to keep it from drying out. Use this filling for the main ingredient of your tacos.
Cabbage Bell Pepper Slaw
Cabbage is a cool weather crop and in some regions, it is available during the holidays. This colorful and festive slaw can be served on the side or to top your tacos.
2 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1 cup thawed frozen corn
1/2 cup finely chopped purple onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon garlic
1 lime squeezed
1/4-1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl, mix cabbage, bell pepper, corn, onion, and garlic. In a smaller bowl, mix lime, olive oil, cumin, garlic, salt and pepper to taste.
Key Lime Cream Cheese Pecan and Coconut Dip
This healthy dessert recipe can be used to dip seasonal fruit! I have used some local apples with a colorful addition of citrus!
1 eight ounce package low fat cream cheese
1 tablespoon key lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup chopped coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Put all the ingredients in the blender and process into a smooth paste. Chill and serve with local fruit like apples.
Fun Activities at Christmas Party: Family Holiday Party Ideas
Fun holiday party activities might include charades, Twister, dance party, Christmas party cooking decorating ideas, and crafts. You could even work puzzles or play board games!
If you like the idea of Christmas around the world but would like to try a different country, here are some additional ideas. I also long to learn about the decorations and gift giving ideas that people around the world have. But I especially enjoy learning about the food traditions!
12 Amazing Christmas Recipes From Around The World – Cooking The Globe
Apple Cider Punch
What to serve for your holiday party idea to drink? How about some Apple Cider Punch.
Plan Some Festive Holiday Party Ideas
Now, you know the things abou
I hope that you enjoy my healthy recipes and family holiday party ideas for your parties and dinners! Healthy can be delicious, colorful and fun! The holiday time is a challenge for many of us! I will be sharing some more ideas in the upcoming weeks to help you feel your healthiest!
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