It’s that special time of year where we gather with our loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal.  Whether you are the type to serve a sit down dinner or the type to serve an appetizer buffet, both can be easily done plant based.

When our family first transitioned to a plant based diet I was completely perplexed about what to serve at Christmas. I had the challenge of not only pleasing my family but also pleasing our extended family.

I wanted to not only please my guests but also make dishes that were on the healthier side to help me continue to maintain my 70lb weight loss journey. (If you want to know more about how to lose weight on a plant based diet, check out this blog.)

Simplicity is key! Especially when it comes to a whole new way of eating.  Once you’ve been a seasoned plant based eater for a while, then get fancy and impress everyone with your culinary skills.  But until then, plan a simple menu with a few basics that are sure to be crowd pleasers.

For a sit down dinner I always like to serve something that is sure to be a crowd pleaser, even to my non plant based company…So I always go with either my Garden Lasagna or My Stuffed Shells!  My non plant based family love these dishes and had no idea they were eating only plants! Every year I have family ask for my recipes and they are always shocked when I tell them that they are completely plant based.

Serving my Garden Lasagna or my Stuffed Shells along with garlic bread, and a delicious salad makes a simple but comforting and familiar meal for everyone!  For Dessert I always serve my Caramel Baked Apples and Chocolate Peppermint Truffles.

Every now and then I enjoy a year where instead of a sit down meal, I like to make a bunch of different appetizers to put out for everyone to enjoy. The casual ambiance an appetizer buffet allows us a nice change of pace and it allows you the chance to create a really pretty tablescape. An appetizer buffet does require a little more prep but it’s well worth it in the end.

If this is your first plant based Holiday Season, do not fret…you will do great! If you are nervous about feeding non plant based guests, lessen the stress by asking them to bring something to add to the meal.  It may not be plant based but at least you will know that if there is nothing they like that you made, at least they can eat what they brought.  But my guess is that your guests will greatly enjoy what you have made.

Take this time to remember all that you are grateful for and enjoy being around your loved ones. 

May you all have a wonderful holiday filled with love, joy, and health.

Love,
    Kiki

P.S. If you want to know more about my journey and how I lost 70lbs and have kept it off for many years….Check out my Blog Post Here.  Make sure to take a look at all my free recipes and you can check out my cookbooks and meal plans here.