Quite a few salmon enthusiasts on here. I make at home as a healthful eating choice but would never order as an indulgence. I would make certain your guests are firmly in the love salmon dept.
I think the burrata dish with grilled/baked Italian sausage (Costco ones are great.). Rapini or sautéed chard or mustard greens and a salad. Serve biscotti and affogato/gelato for dessert.
Or spinach enchiladas(get your corn tortillas at Mexican market or tortilleria so fresh) with green sauce and carne asada sliced in thin strips ( can find pre-marinated.) Salad with pepitas and thinly sliced radish, toss with a lime cilantro dressing thinned with a vinaigrette. Dessert: churros with dipping chocolate or Mexican hot chocolate.

Anonymous wrote:This sounds amazing and is great in terms of festive colors… https://www.theoriginaldish.com/2020/12/13/creamy-red-pepper-pasta-with-burrata-herbs/

This looks lovely - hearty, warm, and the colors are a bit Christmassy.

Anonymous wrote:I would make stuffed shells, garlic bread, salad and pumpkin roll. All is make ahead. So your clean up is done before guests arrive. And it’s not that hard.

This is actually my Christmas dinner menu - it’s my kids’ favorite. And my spouse just asked me to make it for a family party (35 people) a few days before Christmas - they really love my stuffed shells.

I am doing literally this for our party. Well with different desserts.

You all make me want to throw (or be invited to) a pre-Christmas dinner party!

Lobsters.

Anonymous wrote:I think a whole slow roasted salmon could feel festive without needing loads of prep time. I’d also be happy with a pasta that’s not too everyday. Family meals for us at holidays are often beef or ham so I’d likely look forward more to something not wither of those.

Yum. I would love to see this for dinner! Perhaps a warm farro salad, focaccia, roasted mushrooms to accompany. And then a little cheese course and then some nice chocolates to finish.

Anonymous wrote:I made Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon during the day Friday for guests Saturday. They requested it. This one is the closest recipe I can find online.
http://juliachildsrecipes.com/beef/julia-childs-beef-bourguignon/

Another idea that is great in winter is lamb shanks over polenta. I need to make this soon.
https://www.thekitchn.com/lamb-shank-267498

I made Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon during the day Friday for guests Saturday. They requested it. This one is the closest recipe I can find online.
http://juliachildsrecipes.com/beef/julia-childs-beef-bourguignon/

Coq au vin or braised short ribs as a way to make something ahead.

Anonymous wrote:Pomegranate glazed side of salmon - can be served room temp.

Serve with salad and gratin potatoes.

Ooh this sounds lovely. As others have said, I would avoid beef and ham as they are likely on people’s menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas.

I would do something like paella. No beef or ham. Too similar to Xmas eve and day food.

A ham if people are having beef for a Christmas, or beef if people in your area generally do Christmas hams!

Pot pies or stews, for something hearty and warm to reflect the season?

Make ahead recipe ideas from Ina: https://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/slideshow/2134957/ina-garten-make-ahead-freezer-meals/1/

Anonymous wrote:I would give *some* thought re: making it as safe as possible (flu/covid/cold .. getting sick right before the holidays). You don't have to mention you have it on your mind, but I would offer individual plates of hors d'oeuvres. Avoid sharing serving utensils. Plated would be safer than buffet. Just think ahead re: what will be touched, breathed-on. And personal space.

Is this a joke? It’s got to be.

Pomegranate glazed side of salmon - can be served room temp.

Serve with salad and gratin potatoes.

Recipe please!