Top Holiday Recipes That Are Sure to Wow Your Guests
✨ A Coastal Twist on Classic Holiday Hosting
The holidays in San Diego are all about warmth — of weather, gatherings, and good food. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a grand festive soirée, the secret to unforgettable entertaining is blending comfort with sophistication.
These are my go-to holiday recipes — elegant, easy to prepare, and sure to wow your guests without keeping you trapped in the kitchen.
As someone who loves design, dining, and the art of ambiance, I can promise: these dishes look as good as they taste.
1. Burrata & Pomegranate Crostini
Elegant. Bright. Effortless.
Ingredients:
Toasted baguette slices
Fresh burrata
Pomegranate seeds
Drizzle of balsamic glaze
Fresh basil or microgreens
How to:
Spread creamy burrata on warm crostini, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and top with basil.
💫 Why it wows: The ruby-red pomegranate against the white burrata feels like Christmas on a plate — fresh, coastal, and festive.
2. Champagne Shallot Oysters
For the host who loves a little drama (and bubbles).
Ingredients:
Fresh oysters
Champagne
Finely diced shallots
White wine vinegar
Cracked black pepper
How to:
Mix the shallots, Champagne, and vinegar for a mignonette. Chill, then serve over freshly shucked oysters.
✨ Pair it with: A glass of brut rosé or crisp coastal Chardonnay.
3. Citrus & Herb Roasted Chicken
A California twist on a holiday classic.
Ingredients:
Whole chicken or Cornish hens
Slices of orange and lemon
Fresh rosemary, thyme, sage
Olive oil, sea salt, pepper
How to:
Stuff the cavity with citrus and herbs, drizzle with olive oil, and roast until golden.
🌿 Pro tip: Line the pan with fennel bulbs for an aromatic, coastal-inspired base.
4. Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Because comfort should always be luxurious.
Ingredients:
Yukon Gold potatoes
Cream & butter
Truffle oil (or fresh shaved truffles)
Sea salt
How to:
Mash with cream and butter until silky, drizzle with truffle oil, and finish with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.
💎 Serve with: A bold Cabernet or Pinot Noir for the ultimate pairing.
5. Warm Kale & Fig Salad with Toasted Almonds
A gorgeous side dish that eats like a main.
Ingredients:
Chopped kale
Fresh figs (or dried when out of season)
Toasted almonds
Goat cheese crumbles
Honey-balsamic vinaigrette
How to:
Massage kale with vinaigrette, toss with figs and almonds, then top with creamy goat cheese.
☀️ Perfect for San Diego’s “winters” — light, colorful, and deliciously balanced.
6. Salted Caramel Espresso Cheesecake Bites
Small, sophisticated, and absolutely addictive.
Ingredients:
Cream cheese, espresso powder, eggs, sugar
Caramel sauce
Sea salt flakes
Graham cracker crust
How to:
Bake mini cheesecakes, top with caramel drizzle and a pinch of sea salt. Serve chilled with espresso martinis.
💋 Pro Tip: Garnish with edible gold flakes for a touch of coastal glam.
7. Coastal Cranberry Spritz
A signature holiday cocktail with a San Diego twist.
Ingredients:
Prosecco or sparkling rosé
Cranberry juice
Splash of elderflower liqueur
Fresh rosemary sprig
How to:
Combine in a champagne flute, garnish with cranberries and rosemary.
🌊 Light, festive, and perfect for holiday sunset toasts on the patio.
Set the Scene for an Unforgettable Night
A truly memorable holiday gathering isn’t just about the food — it’s the feeling.
Light candles with notes of citrus and cedar.
Layer your table with gold flatware, linen napkins, and coastal greenery.
Add soft jazz or acoustic holiday covers to complete the mood.
Your guests will leave full — and completely enchanted.
❤️ Home Is Where You Host It
Whether you’re celebrating your first San Diego holiday or gathering with loved ones by the sea, these recipes are designed to inspire warmth, connection, and style.
And if this season has you dreaming of a new kitchen, a bigger dining space, or a view to match your lifestyle — I’d love to help you find your next home in San Diego’s coastal luxury market.
📩 Let’s make your next holiday season one to remember — in your dream home.
—
Ashley Tatum
Global Luxury Real Estate & Interior Design
Coldwell Banker | Del Mar, CA
🌐 AshleyTatumRealEstate.com
📸 @ashleytatumrealestate
✨ Born & Raised in San Diego | Local Expertise, Global Reach