The holidays are all about joy, laughter, and creating memories with loved ones—but as the host, it can sometimes feel like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders. The key to making your celebration as special for you as it is for your guests? Planning ahead. With a little forethought and a solid timeline, you can ensure your holiday gathering is seamless, stress-free, and full of meaningful moments.
Take time for yourself this season—because you deserve to enjoy the festivities too. La Brea Bakery’s artisan bread is here to make your holiday hosting easier. Made with just four simple ingredients—flour, water, salt, and our Original Starter—our wholesome loaves, baguettes, rolls, rounds, and Take-and-Bake varieties deliver the homemade taste, texture, and aroma that elevate any holiday spread.
Explore our delicious recipes below, and follow our step-by-step hosting timeline to make your holiday gathering both effortless and unforgettable. This year, spend more time connecting with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Appetizer Recipes
Charcuterie Cups
These charming charcuterie cups are perfect for snacking while mingling. Make Parmesan Cheese Crisps from La Brea Bakery Three Cheese Semolina Loaf ahead of time, then place them in cups with a variety of cheeses, meats, olives, fruits, and sprigs of fresh herbs.
Cranberry and Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Classic holiday flavors like cranberry, thyme, and rosemary blend beautifully with creamy brie in this cheesy, buttery pull-apart bread, made with our Country White Sourdough Loaf.
Sticky Honey Butter Rolls
In a lightly greased baking dish, arrange French Dinner Rolls close together. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; simmer, stirring constantly, 2-3 minutes. Pour evenly over the rolls. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees. Uncover and bake an additional 3-5 minutes until lightly golden.
Main Course Recipes
Savory Bread Pudding with Wild Mushrooms and Gruyere
This savory make-ahead main dish features La Brea Bakery Country White Sourdough Loaf, a variety of wild mushrooms, sage, thyme, garlic, white wine, lots of cream, and gruyere and parmesan cheeses.
Cauliflower and Clam Chowder Bread Bowl
Our flavorful and aromatic Rosemary Olive Oil Round Loaf makes the perfect bread bowl for this rich and creamy chowder, featuring bacon, clams, garlic, onion, and cauliflower florets.
Rustic Focaccia Pizza
La Brea Bakery Ciabatta Loaf serves as the delicious foundation for this rustic pizza, featuring thinly sliced prosciutto, shredded cheese, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh basil.
Dessert Recipes
Eggnog Spiced Bread Pudding
Made with La Brea Bakery Take-and-Bake French Baguettes, this bread pudding is infused with the flavors of the holiday season, like eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cranberries, and even a dash of bourbon (optional).
Black and White Crostini
Cut a French Baguette into ¼-inch slices and bake until crispy. Smear mascarpone onto one half of each crostini, and nutella on the other half. Simple but delicious!
Cranberry Walnut Biscotti
The perfect companion to coffee during the latter portion of your holiday party, this crispy biscotti is made with La Brea Bakery Cranberry Walnut Loaf.
Your Timeline for a Stress-Free Holiday Party
From the time your guests start to arrive to when the last guest walks out the door, our detailed timeline will help you keep everything running smoothly so you can enjoy the party too.
Arrival and Guest Welcome (Start Time: 6 p.m.)
30 Minutes Before Arrival (5:30 p.m.)
- Turn on holiday music and adjust the volume to create a cozy atmosphere.
- Light candles (choose unscented near food areas).
- Do a quick walk-through to tidy up and ensure everything is in place.
- Have a designated space for guests’ coats and bags.
As Guests Arrive (6-6:30 p.m.)
- Greet guests at the door with a smile and a festive drink or mocktail.
- Offer to take their coats and direct them to the main gathering area.
- Introduce guests who may not know each other and spark conversations with shared interests.
Cocktail Hour and Appetizers (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
- Drinks:
Set up a self-serve bar or beverage station with a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Provide recipe cards for signature holiday cocktails.- Appetizers:
Place easy-to-eat finger foods around the space, including Charcuterie Cups with La Brea Bakery Parmesan Cheese Crisps made with the recipe above. Refill platters as needed.Pro Tip: Have a festive playlist ready and subtly increase the tempo as more guests arrive to boost energy.
Dinner Buffet or Sit-Down Meal (7:30-8:30 p.m.)
Buffet Setup:
- Label dishes with small cards to help guests identify options, including dietary information (vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
- Arrange plates at the start and utensils/napkins at the end of the line for easy flow.
Sit-Down Meal:
- Pre-set the table with festive centerpieces, baskets of warm La Brea Bakery breads, and name cards if needed.
- Serve family-style dishes to encourage interaction.
Host Tip: Take some time to sit and enjoy the meal with your guests!
Entertainment & Activities (8:30-9:30 p.m.)
- Games:
Plan lighthearted games like holiday trivia, charades, or a white elephant gift exchange.- Photo Corner:
Set up a DIY photo booth with fun props and a festive backdrop.- Music:
Switch to upbeat holiday classics or party crowd-pleasers to keep the energy high.
Dessert & Coffee (9:30-10 p.m.)
- Serve a dessert station with a variety of treats (cookies, pies, or even a hot chocolate bar).
- Offer coffee, tea, or a dessert wine to wind things down.
Pro Tip: Mini desserts like cupcakes or tarts allow guests to try multiple flavors.
Wind-Down & Farewell (10-11 p.m.)
- Subtle Signals:
Dim the lights slightly or switch to calm music to signal the party is wrapping up.- Thank You:
Hand out small take-home favors (holiday cookies or loaves of La Brea Bakery Demi French Baguettes- Help:
Politely thank guests for coming and offer to call rides if necessary.
Cleanup (11-11:30 p.m.)
- Prioritize Tasks:
Focus on perishables first—store leftovers and clear plates.- Quick Tidy:
Load the dishwasher and do a quick sweep of major messes. Save deep cleaning for the next day.- Relax:
Pour yourself a drink or make tea, put your feet up, and bask in the success of a well-hosted party!
Let’s Get Social
Share your creations made with La Brea Bakery bread by using #LaBreaBakery on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest.
