Christmas Question - Oak Forest,IL

This conversation happened a lot over Thanksgiving, but by doing some things with the crockpot it helps with the oven strain so you don't have to go all cold. Maybe along with the cold items, serving a warm chilli with shredded cheese and cornbread would be super yummy too, I think it would still go with the other things you mentioned. Maybe some other ideas to include, a fruit try, some fresh salsa/guacamole and chips, deviled eggs, a bowl of baby dill pickles. For the ham, I read for 10 people, that a 7-10 lb ham is good. You can make this delicious cheesy, potato, ham chowder soup the next day with leftover ham!

http://littlelovables.blogspot.com/2011/01/smoky-corn-and...

What about raspberry coleslaw? Bleu cheese potato salad? There are so many different versions of both coleslaw and potato salad recipes. You should be able to do your own without them tasting like the Christmas Eve versions.

I would plan on no more than 1 pound of ham per person so you'll be looking for a 12 pound ham (accounting for bone).

I would go cold ham and then do a hot potato dish like th hashbrown casserole. cold everything when it is super cold outside might be a little too much cold lol but the baked beans sound awesome. I am also doing christmas for the umpteenth year in a row lol

I found a website that says 7 - 8 lbs for 10 people...google it.

As for a cold dish, I like fresh green been salad.

Blanch fresh (washed) green beans, then add a dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic & onion (or scallions), and a sprinkle of course salt. Serve cold!

You can make twice baked potatoes ahead of time and freeze them. Once you bake them the second time, they hold the heat while you finish off other things and not bad on the cool side.

Serve potato salad twice. I love it.

My mom hosts Christmas dinner each year. This is our menu (doesn't change much from year to year :): Ham (she buys 2 spirals - lots of big eaters for our men, scalloped potatoes, corn, green beans (sweet baked with bacon), pink stuff salad, rolls, and cake for desert. I think a vegetable like green beans might work for yours.

I did that and done that. Try variety of cold cuts like ham, turkry, salami..etc and have a choice of crossonts (sp?) rye or white bread. Some might like wrap flat bread for those who are watching their waistline. I no longer cook...I just cater my food and make appetizers instead. I want to enjoy Christmas and not have all the stress.

What about a fruit salad or one of those yummy jello dishes with marshmallows? Waldorf salads are a hit at my house with my husband. Happy Holidays and don't work too hard!!!

broccoli salad
Try looking up recipes on Allrecipes.com.
Good luck!

two meals that don't require a lot stuff:
spaghetti with garlic bread - simple and easy.
chili with corn bread - simple and easy.

I do like your menu with the exception of rye bread.

For 10 people? I would buy a 15lb spiral ham. I LOVE LOVE LOVE cucumber salad!!! Can I come over too??!?! LOL!!!

Have your mom bring over the left over potato salad.

other than that - I think you would be doing too much again for 10 people. you've got a good selection. The point is being together...the food you have already is great!!

Put out some munchies like a small veggie platter, a small fruit platter, pickles and olives. My family also likes to nibble on a cheese ball with crackers and deviled eggs. That should be plenty without being overwhelming. No idea on the size of the ham...I am doing sando's, too, but I am getting one of those deli meat platters from the butcher store that includes lettuce and tomatoes. Easy! Have a wonderful Christmas!

love the ham, pot and coleslaw, bake beans, fruit and roll. simple enough for me. all the food groups.

Make calico beans and then keep them warm in your crock pot. Make scalloped potatoes from the oven. The ham. Your cucumber salad. Warm brie cheese from the toaster oven with cranberry relish sauce on top with crackers or bagette. Olives. Two other kinds of cheese-- one hard, a nice Irish chedder perhaps, and one sharp flavor. Veggies and dip. You've got room on your stove top--try steamed broccoli or green beans. Easy to microwave homemade chunky apple sauce. Nuts. Fresh fruit. Christmas cookies (thumbprints at my house). Dessert with ice cream.

That is what I've made for my carolling party for years. Yum!

Ham (not the spiral kind but the other one in a can)

Mashed potatoes (stove top)

Then you've got MIL bringing sweet potatoes

Mom can bring coleslaw & potatoe salad

Hv someone bring green bean casserole

Green salad

Rolls

Salami, cheese, crackers

How big of a ham? Well, I would go 1/2 lb per person and add a few lbs on top of that to keep you covered. :-)

A few more cold light dishes....hmmm....

Rolls, Cheese tray, Fruit Salad

Here is a link to foodnetwork's website for their Light Holiday foods. :-)
Hope this helps you. Wish I could be of more help. Enjoy your holiday.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/holidays-...

Maybe you could do some type of pasta salad, jello with fruit in it or just cut up some raw veggies & have dip for them. What you are planning to have sounds great! I like the cold, easy, make ahead idea because Thanksgiving was a lot of work! Good Luck & Merry Christmas!!