12 Non-Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas To Celebrate A Bit Differently

On the lookout for some non-traditional Christmas dinner ideas to celebrate a bit differently this year? Leave the ham behind and take a look at 12 of some of the best we’ve found. And if you want to give the gift of a venue change this year, check out some of the Peerspace listings we’ve provided to give you a little inspiration.

1. Cook “A Christmas Story” meatloaf

Chances are, if you’ve been channel surfing on Christmas morning, you’ve seen the holiday classic “A Christmas Story”. Do you remember the scene where Ralphie’s brother begrudgingly eats his mother’s meatloaf and mashed potatoes? This recipe from Taste of Home has recreated it in a way that won’t cause any bellyaching. A perfect companion for any yearly rewatch of one of the best Christmas movies out there.

2. Serve up a crowd-pleasing plate of mac and cheese

Even the pickiest eaters out there tend to love macaroni and cheese. The Spruce Eats has a recipe that will warm you up and put smiles on all the faces at your Christmas dinner table. The secret is smoked cheddar, which provides an interesting smoky flavor that pairs great with the creamy dish.

3. Shake up the venue

One of the easiest to pull off non-traditional Christmas dinner ideas is to eat your meal at a completely different location. Everybody loves a vacation around the holidays.

Leave it to Peerspace, the internet’s premier spot to find hourly venue rentals, to find your next dinner table. This home in Carolina Beach, North Carolina has their Christmas decorations up 365 days a year. After you’ve spent a little time down at the beach, this home would be a picture-perfect location to enjoy a little Christmas barbecue. With Peerspace, you open yourself up to nearly unlimited options around the holidays.

Discover more festive Christmas dinner party ideas here!

4. Use an Instant Pot to save some time and energy

If you have access to an Instant Pot, you already know how easy it can be to make delicious meals. Give yourself more time to spend with your loved ones by leaving the Christmas cooking to the marvel of technology. Food 52 has a mouth-watering recipe for Instant-Pot short ribs and seaweed gremolata that can be ready to eat in just under an hour! It’s always good to keep the really complicated cooking away from the holidays, it can be a stressful enough time as it is.

5. Give the gift of pasta

Give everybody what they really want for Christmas this year – a heaping bowl of pasta! This homemade lasagna recipe from Girl Heart Food has four varieties of cheese and promises to provide warmth and comfort with every bite. Or, you can use that leftover fall squash for rigatoni with veal bolognese and butternut squash from Food and Wine. Whatever you choose, pasta dishes make for fantastic non-traditional Christmas dinner ideas.

6. Gift yourself a private chef

If you’re too busy to get the cooking done this Christmas, who could blame you? Hire yourself a private chef so you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal along with your family and loved ones.

If you also need a kitchen that can support a private chef, Peerspace has you covered. This “Peace of Mind” luxurious estate in Murfreesboro has all the space you need for a chef–and gives you a break from doing the dishes!

7. Christmas taco bar

Let’s face it, there’s never a bad time for tacos. For an affordable meal with very little prep, put together a make-your-own taco bar this year. These shredded beef tacos from Good Cheap Eats give that classic cantina feeling – without emptying your wallet.

8. Provide a vegetarian or vegan option

One of those non-traditional Christmas ideas that sometimes gets overlooked is putting together a delicious vegan or vegetarian dish. Take for example this Christmas salad from Rachel Cooks that is absolutely bursting with flavor. If you’re just looking for a little salad to complement your main dish, it also works perfectly on the side.

9. Use apples to accent your dishes

Even as the snow starts to fall, grocery stores are still filled with delicious apples from the fall harvest. Compliment your meal by using apples in new and creative ways around the table. Love and Olive Oil has a small batch stovetop apple butter recipe that works as a tasty condiment for many different dishes. Or, sip your apples with Flour On My Face’s crock pot caramel hot apple cider!

Find more delectable meal inspo by checking out our Christmas brunch ideas!

10. Mix up your dessert menu

Not every sweet treat for Christmas has to have peppermint in it! There are plenty of other amazing dessert recipes out there that will shake things up this year. This super easy Jiffy corn pudding recipe from Lil’ Luna will delight your diners. Or, try their twist on the pecan pie by turning it into a cheesecake.

11. Give Santa a beachfront view with his milk and cookies

Santa must get tired of living up in the chilly North Pole all year round. Why not give the old man a break and take your Christmas dinner to the beach this year?

Peerspace has some incredible options for you if you’re looking to bring the whole family. This spacious beach house with gulf views can sleep up to 22 people! Have everybody chip in and enjoy one of these amazing recipes in warm weather and only a few steps to warm sand between your toes.

12. Treat yourself to a special meal

There are some meals that are so special we only eat them every once in a while. Treat yourself this year and buy the best steak you can find. Then use this filet mignon in mushroom wine sauce from Natasha’s Kitchen to make them better than ever!

Or, if seafood is more your style, What A Girl Eats shows you how to make an easy broiled lobster tail. Set out the finest silverware you have, and make this Christmas one to remember with one of these fancier-than-usual dishes.

Find unique Christmas dinner venues on Peerspace