Our Holiday Fraîche Table is back — now with a mini version for more intimate dinners this season. Below is a streamlined, festive dinner guide to help you serve delicious holiday flavors with ease, whether your gathering is large or small.
The holidays look different this year, but a smaller table doesn’t mean you must give up your favorite traditions. I’ve created a modified Fraîche holiday menu designed for four people, with recipes that scale up or down effortlessly. I’ll still be dressing up a bit — because why not feel special at home?
Holiday Dinner For A Small Group
Normally our home would be full of kids, dogs, family and friends at the holidays. This year I’m embracing quieter moments, focusing on gratitude and making the most of our time at home. The menu below is meant to be comforting, simple and memorable — perfect for savoring in your comfiest pajamas if you’d like.
These dishes are some of my favorites and combine into a complete meal that celebrates seasonal flavors without fuss. Read on for festive cocktails to begin the evening, a concise menu for four, and extra ideas to expand or adapt your holiday dinner.
Holiday Drinks
Kick off the celebration with a festive cocktail. Whether you prefer something fruity, spiced or creamy, these drinks add holiday cheer to your gathering.
Winter Sangria (2 Ways)
Chai Spice Cocktail
Vegan Irish Cream
Fraîche Holiday Menu
Appetizers
Begin with one of my absolute favorites: Cranberry Brie Hand Pies. If brie and cranberries don’t tempt you, the fact that they’re baked in pastry surely will. Use store-bought pastry to save time; the recipe yields up to 16 hand pies, so you can halve it for fewer guests or make the full batch and freeze unbaked portions. Tip: double the cranberry filling so you can reuse some for the main course, and set aside one pastry sheet for dessert.
Also try Rosemary Roasted Nuts — a 15-minute, no-fuss appetizer that makes a lovely snack and a charming jarred gift.
Cranberry Brie Hand Pies
Rosemary Roasted Nuts
Main Course
If you want to skip the turkey, Cranberry Rosemary Stuffed Chicken is an excellent, lower-maintenance option. Chicken breasts are filled with rosemary, garlic and cream cheese for a flavorful main, and the leftover cranberry sauce from the appetizers makes a delicious finishing touch.
Cranberry Rosemary Stuffed Chicken
Side Dishes
Holiday sides are often the highlight of the meal. These selections pair beautifully with the main and keep well for leftovers. Add steamed vegetables if your family prefers them — broccoli, corn, Brussels sprouts or green beans are all great options.
Garlicky Kale Mashed Potatoes
Honey Roasted Carrots
Perfect White Buns
Dessert
Finish with a rustic Apple Galette made using the pastry reserved from the appetizers. A galette is a simple, open-faced tart — think of it as a relaxed, elegant pie. Slice the apples very thin so they cook through and soften. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for a cozy finale.
Apple Galette
Holiday Menu Printout & Grocery List
For convenience, a printable grocery list and menu are available to help you plan. Adjust quantities if you change any recipes. Use the printable menu to create a warm, restaurant-style experience at home — place it at each setting or cut to size for your table.
Fraîche Table Decor
I like simple, natural centerpieces: cedar boughs, a few roses, pomegranates, seeded or silver dollar eucalyptus and small white candles for an elegant, effortless look. For a quick holiday refresh, printed seasonal art makes a big difference — framed prints are an easy way to brighten a room. Gingerbread cut-out cookies double as festive place settings and edible décor — but they tend to disappear quickly!
Vegetarian Holiday Dinner Options
If you prefer vegetarian or vegan dishes, here are several great alternatives that adapt well to a smaller holiday table.
Appetizers
- Stuffed Mushrooms (two variations)
- Goat Cheese Cigars
- Pear and Brie Crostini
Main Dishes
- Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
- Vegan Mushroom Wellington
- Butternut Squash Lasagne
Desserts
- Gluten-Free Apple Crisp (vegan option)
- Upside-Down Pear Gingerbread Cake
- Assorted Christmas Cookies
The year has been challenging, so take time to enjoy the holidays, focus on what matters and share moments with the people you love. I hope this menu inspires a smaller but meaningful festive feast. Sending light and warm wishes from my family to yours.