Ahh, winter. With plenty of snow and cozy days that are usually spent inside baking or sipping hot chocolate. There’s no better time to gather the family for a festive reunion! Whether you’re planning to host a dinner party or a larger holiday feast for your extended family, it can be tricky figuring out just what types of delicious dishes will please everyone. 

To help make things easier on you as the hostess or host this holiday season, we’ve gathered some great menu ideas and hosting tips so that when it comes time to plan your Winter Family Reunion – all you have to do is set up shop and watch as the magic transforms into memories.

Menu Ideas

Delicious and hearty recipes are the life of any family reunion. From casseroles to soups, there’s nothing like a warm and comforting meal to bring everyone together. If you’re short of ideas, we have some excellent quick recipes for you right here. Enjoy!

Cheesy Potato Casserole

What’s warm, filling, and full of cheesy goodness? A potato casserole, of course! Whether you serve it with delicious spiral ham or as a side dish to your main course, this classic comfort food is sure to be a hit with every member of the family. And the best part? It’s easy and quick to make! 

Here’s an easy recipe for cheesy potato casserole that no one can resist:

• To kick things off, let’s crank up the oven to a toasty 350 degrees F.
• Grab a 9×13 pan and give it a good spray with nonstick spray.
• Take some frozen hash browns and break them upright in the bag.
• In a big bowl, you’ll have to mix together a chopped onion, 1 cup of cheese, milk, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Give it a good stir.
• Toss in the golden hash browns and give it a delightful mix until everything is perfectly coated.
• Now, pour the mixture into the 9×13 pan. Don’t forget to top it off with the remaining cheese.
• Cover the pan with foil and let the magic happen in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes.
• After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 5-10 minutes to get that slightly browned cheese.

Enjoy your tasty dish!

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie:

Another classic comfort food that’s perfect for a winter family reunion is chicken pot pie. This delicious and hearty dish will surely warm everyone’s hearts (and stomachs) on a cold winter day.

Here’s an old-fashioned recipe that will have everyone wanting second helpings:

• Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Grab a large saucepan and melt some butter over medium heat.
• Add in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
• Whisk in the flour until it forms a velvety paste. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
• Add in chopped cooked chicken, frozen peas, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for about 5 minutes.
• Gently pour the delightful mixture into a deep dish pie plate or a tempting casserole dish.
• Roll out a thawed pie crust and place it on top of the filling. Create small slits in the crust to release the tantalizing steam.
• Let it bake to perfection for approximately 35 minutes, about 35 minutes of pure anticipation.

Blushing Maple Cocktail:

No family reunion is complete without a signature drink to sip on. This year, try adding a twist to your usual cocktails with this delicious and festive Blushing Maple Cocktail. It’s sweet, tangy, and the perfect addition to any winter gathering.

How to mix it up:

• In a shaker, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and cranberry juice.
• Add in a handful of ice cubes and shake well.
• Pour an enticing stream of the mixture into a glass brimming with ice.

Enhance the festive vibes by adding a sprig of rosemary and a handful of cranberries as a delightful garnish.

Winter Cranberry Sipper:

For a non-alcoholic option, try this delicious and refreshing Winter Cranberry Sipper. It’s great for both kids and adults, and it’ll add a nice burst of color to your dinner table.

How to make it:

• In a pitcher, mix together the cranberry juice, apple cider, orange juice, and honey.
• Just pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to dig in.
• When serving, pour into glasses filled with ice and top with club soda.

Hosting Tips

Now that we’ve got some delicious menu ideas sorted, let’s talk about how to host your Winter Family Reunion like a pro.

Plan ahead: Start planning your reunion early on so that you have enough time to send out invitations and gather all the necessary supplies. This will also give you enough time to plan out your menu and make any necessary adjustments.

Delegate tasks: Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for a helping hand. Delegate different tasks such as cooking, decorating, and cleaning to different family members so that the burden doesn’t fall on one person. This will also help everyone feel involved and contribute to the fun.

Create a cozy atmosphere: Get ready to set the mood; try creating a cozy and warm atmosphere. Just dim the lights, light some candles, and play some soft holiday music in the background. It’ll instantly make your guests feel at home and create a festive ambiance.

Plan some fun activities: Don’t let the party end at dinner! Plan some fun activities for everyone to participate in, such as a holiday movie marathon, board games, or even a friendly snowball fight if you’re feeling adventurous.

Conclusion:

Winter family reunions are often filled with warmth, joy, and love as friends and family gather together to celebrate. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of hosting a reunion this year, these tips and menu ideas will help you pull off an enjoyable event. 

With some careful planning and thoughtful details, you can make your reunion truly memorable. Invite everyone in the family, focus on interesting conversation starters, provide delicious food options, get creative with your decorations, and pick fitting activities for all ages and types of guests; these are the tried-and-true elements that will ensure the success of your winter family reunion. 

So, start making those plans now; your guests will thank you.