![thanksgiving table with casseroles and brussels sprouts slaw](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/xoeak4vznfco7G6FVCyjPUto-i4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2617301_Bring_CREAMED_GREENS_BRUSSELS_SPROUTS_SLAW_169-34411d32f9c749ae938aee6ae4cde5ca.jpg)
Atonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer
It's always nice to have a full table around the holidays, but "full" means different things to different people. For some, that's all the cousins crowded around a large roast turkey, the leaf popped into the dining table, and barely enough elbow room to pass the gravy. For others, gatherings are slightly smaller, but no less joyful.
With only two to six guests, it can be tricky to plan a holiday meal, as so many holiday recipes and menu ideas are geared towards larger turnouts. That's where we come in. We have holiday menus perfect for a variety of smaller tables. These menus might be scaled down, but we promise the food is just as full of flavor.
A Smaller Turkey Dinner
![Southern Living Dutch Oven Turkey Breast and Vegetables on a platter to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/kSga8OGBusKCMAxfyYwILn0e0G4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27577_Hosp_Turkey_209_preview_scale_100_ppi_150_quality_100-442e20e66d974259a01ef63d5182d56b.jpg)
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Drink:
Appetizer:
Main:
Sides:
Dessert:
If you still want to serve turkey, but certainly won't need the whole bird, this is the menu for you. This turkey breast recipe roasts alongside potatoes and carrots, for two built-in sides. We suggest serving an extra dose of veggies like our Garlic Parmesan Green Beans on the side, and fresh cranberry sauce for the turkey breast (unless you prefer canned.)
Before the party gets started, you can put out our vibrant Beet-Goat Cheese Dip, with plenty of crackers and crunchy crudites. And our single-serve Spiced Apple Spritz makes it easy to mix up only as many cocktails as you need.
For a sweet finish, we suggest our Apple Spice Cake. Although it's no apple pie, it yields one, single layer 8x8 cake, so you won't have tons of leftovers. Plus, it's much easier to make than a pie.
Steak Dinner For Two
![Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/yXTP5OWngK5nIoXURYCZbiMu64g=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cast-iron_cowboy_steak_2314101_casti2922_1-35298d0441cb407cb88aa52382da6c89.jpg)
Drink:
Main:
Sides:
Dessert:
If it's just the two of you this year, this menu will help you craft an extra special meal on a slightly smaller scale. Instead of a rib roast or beef tenderloin, get that showstopping main dish moment with our Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak.
While the two of you might not need a slew of appetizers to get the holiday started, a festive cocktail, like our Partridge In A Pear Tree Cocktail is a great way to kick things off. Alongside the steak, we suggest serving our Super Crispy Smashed Potatoes and Brown Sugar-Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon. To finish the night, serve a couple warm and gooey lava cakes. It might not be a pie or a Southern layer cake, but we're sure it will still hit the spot.
A Cozy Chicken Dinner
![Southern Living Roast Chicken on a platter to serve with mashed potatoes on the side](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/tnt8GCJE1Z-syrlIzbtP8zFT9wE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Roast-Chicken-Hero-4x3-8a45e2a754bf4b34b3fe59027fb1aa70.jpg)
Brittany Conerly, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Drink:
Appetizer:
Main:
Sides:
Dessert:
Chicken tends to be seen as bland or unspecial, but a perfectly roasted whole chicken is a thing of beauty. For a smaller gathering, it also happens to be the perfect size for serving fewer guests, while still creating a centerpiece to anchor the meal on.
Served with multi-colored Glazed Carrots, Browned Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes, and a homey rice pudding for dessert, this chicken dinner will feel anything but boring.
A Tender Moment Menu
![Southern Living Pork Tenderloin with Apples in the pan ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/wLkFqB8fS0ijx3FlmLLnIl9LrSA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27531_ST_TENDERLOINS_07-280e5cc9a5b54c178ec3f5acaf04581a.jpg)
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Drink:
Appetizer:
Main:
Sides:
Dessert:
A pork tenderloin might be no glazed ham, but for 4 to 6 diners, it's the perfect main dish. Cooked in a cast-iron skillet with apples, which turn saucy and extra sweet, we promise no one will miss the ham this year. Served with a crisp broccoli salad and super simple mashed potatoes, this meal will easily deliver on flavor without breaking a sweat.
An extra easy apple tart replaces a more labor-intensive pie (and only serves 6), while a bourbon-based cocktail and Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini hold the guests over while you put the finishing touches on dinner.
A Christmas Casserole Menu
![Shepherdâs Pie with Sweet Potato Mash](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/XuEqD_lUK2deAeTE6aP5wSiSn2E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/202326_shepherdspie-withsweetpotato-mash_435-1-2000-db44a90be8c149f5af22abc36d96860c.jpg)
Drink:
Appetizer:
Main:
Sides:
Dessert:
We've taken some inspiration from across The Pond with this menu. Instead of roast beef, we opted for a smaller shepherd's pie featuring mashed sweet potatoes, paired with fluffy Yorkshire Pudding, and a different kind of pudding for dessert (albeit a decidedly less British pudding): Chocolate Pudding.
The appetizer on this menu is a riff on "fish and chips," as this easy-to-assemble snack uses lox on potato chips. As for the drink, we suggest something cozy and comforting, and a Hot Toddy surely fits that bill.