Over the years, I’ve learned that the secret to pulling off a memorable holiday dinner is knowing when to go all out—and when to stop. Skip the overcomplicated menus and endless sides. Simple can still feel special.

I started my career in catering, where I learned that three or four well-chosen dishes—prepared mostly in advance—can feel every bit as abundant as a 10-course feast. This year, I’m doubling down on that idea with a streamlined yet festive menu that comes together in just 90 minutes. It’s easy enough for a Friday night after work, but elevated enough that guests will feel truly celebrated.

Think cozy textures, golden candlelight, and a playlist humming softly in the background—plus me actually sitting down with my guests instead of hovering over the stove. A beautiful gathering doesn’t require days of prep, just a thoughtful plan and a calm host.

Photography by Matty Joel Chatburn

The Simple and Festive Menu

Each December, I host a dinner party a couple of weekends before Christmas for a few close friends. This year’s menu hits that sweet spot between festive and effortless—it delights without monopolizing your time (or your oven). Here’s the rundown:

Local Cheeses & Honey 

I love to give guests something to snack on while I finish up in the kitchen. A mix of soft and hard cheeses, pears or figs, a drizzle of honey, and a few rosemary sprigs feel generous and unfussy. I serve it all on Casa Zuma’s Everything Board, which instantly elevates the spread.

Gem Salad with Persimmon, Almonds & Gorgonzola

This salad is crisp, colorful, and perfectly balanced. Golden persimmons, toasted almonds, and creamy Gorgonzola bring brightness and richness in equal measure. I whisk the dressing earlier in the day and assemble everything right before serving for the best crunch.

Get the recipe ->

Roasted Radicchio with Manchego

This one always surprises people. Roasting transforms radicchio’s natural bitterness into deep, caramelized sweetness, which pairs beautifully with shaved Manchego. It looks dramatic on the table and takes almost no effort—just a quick roast before guests arrive.

Get the recipe ->

Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage & Brown Butter

Could you make ravioli from scratch? Sure. But you could also pick up high-quality pasta from the market and spend that extra time relaxing. Tossed in nutty brown butter with crispy sage, it’s cozy, golden, and deliciously simple. I boil the pasta right before dinner and coat it in the sauce so every bite glistens.

Get the recipe ->

Dessert: Gelato with Amaretti Crumble

Dessert is the perfect place to rely on store-bought favorites. A scoop of vanilla or almond gelato topped with crushed amaretti cookies feels festive and effortless.

The 90-Minute Prep Timeline

Hosting doesn’t have to mean chaos. Here’s a calm, step-by-step plan so you can enjoy the night, too.

90 Minutes Before Guests Arrive

• Set the table with linen napkins, taper candles, and natural textures.
• Make salad dressing; prep greens and store in the fridge.
• Slice fruit and cheese; assemble the board and refrigerate.
• Gather pasta ingredients on a baking sheet for easy access.
• Pull out serving platters and utensils to avoid last-minute scrambling.

60 Minutes Before Guests Arrive

• Roast radicchio at 400°F until edges brown and centers soften.
• Keep it warm in the oven or at room temp—it’s great either way.
• Light candles, cue up a cozy playlist, and pour wine and water into decanters.

30 Minutes Before Guests Arrive

• Set out the cheese board with a bottle of Rioja and sparkling water.
• Do a quick kitchen tidy and clear counters for the pasta.

Just Before Dinner

• Boil salted water and cook the ravioli.
• While it cooks, melt butter in a skillet with fresh sage until golden and fragrant.
• Toss salad with dressing and finish radicchio with shaved cheese.
• Drain ravioli and toss in the brown butter sauce.
• Invite guests to help carry dishes to the table—it makes the moment feel communal.

At the Table

• Serve ravioli straight from the pan for a warm, relaxed presentation.
• Pass salad and radicchio family-style.
• End with gelato and crushed amaretti cookies.

A Few Laid-Back Hosting Tips

• Lean into candlelight. Low lighting makes everything feel intimate. Mix heights for dimension.
• Play with texture. Combine wood, linen, and ceramic for warmth and balance.
• Use one oven wisely. Roasting the radicchio early frees up space for finishing touches.
• Let music guide the energy. I love upbeat lo-fi beats or mellow acoustic tracks that invite conversation, like our Dinner Party playlist.
• Choose a versatile wine. A smooth Rioja red pairs beautifully with both cheese and pasta.

Holiday hosting should feel nourishing to both body and soul—not like a marathon. With this 90-minute plan, you can pull off a dinner to remember surrounded by people you love. Because the best gatherings aren’t about doing more—they’re about being fully there for the moments that make the season bright.