A casino-themed Christmas party is a great excuse to go all out on the menu. Think black tie, low lighting and a table full of food that guests can eat with one hand while holding their cards in the other. Done well, it feels like a proper night out without leaving the house.
The games usually take care of themselves. A few decks of cards and a roulette wheel on the table will do for the main event, while anyone who’d rather play from the sofa can try a few spins of online roulette on their phone. The food is where you can really set the scene, so here is how to build a menu that fits the theme, keeps the host out of the kitchen and looks good on the table.
Think Red, Black and Gold
The easiest way to theme a casino menu is through colour. Roulette tables are red and black, so lean into that with the food. Cherry tomatoes, beetroot, red peppers and pomegranate cover the red, while black pudding, black olives, blackcurrant and dark chocolate cover the black. A scattering of gold, from edible glitter to foil-wrapped chocolate coins, finishes the look.
Canapés by Suit
A deck of cards gives you four ready-made themes, and it’s a fun way to make sure there’s something for everyone.
- Hearts: beetroot and goat’s cheese tartlets, topped with a little honey and thyme.
- Spades: black pudding bites with caramelised apple, a nod to Yorkshire tables.
- Diamonds: diamond-cut cheese shortbread or small squares of smoked salmon on rye.
- Clubs: miniature club sandwiches, cut into small triangles and held together with cocktail sticks.
Make the tartlets and shortbread the day before, and assemble everything else shortly before guests arrive.
Something Hearty, Yorkshire-Style
A casino night can run for hours, so it helps to have something with a bit more substance. Mini Yorkshire puddings filled with rare roast beef and a dab of horseradish are an easy crowd-pleaser and can be baked ahead, then warmed through in the oven just before serving. Sliders, small sausage rolls and skewers all work for the same reason: they’re easy to pick up, and nobody needs a plate.
A grazing board arranged in a circle makes a good centrepiece. Alternate red and black items around the edge, such as salami, cherry tomatoes, olives, grapes and blackberries, with cheese and crackers in the middle. From above, it looks a little like a roulette wheel.
Cocktails and Mocktails
A signature cocktail gives the bar a talking point. An espresso martini is the obvious choice, since it looks the part and doubles as a late-evening pick-me-up. For something more festive, try a blackcurrant and cherry spritz topped with prosecco, which keeps to the red-and-black theme.
Don’t forget the guests who aren’t drinking. A non-alcoholic version of the spritz made with sparkling water and a splash of cranberry looks just as good in the glass. A mulled wine or hot chocolate station by the door is an easy way to welcome people in and adds a seasonal touch.
Sweet Finishes
Pudding is the place to play with the theme. Dark chocolate “poker chips” made from large round cookies, chocolate coins in gold foil and pistachio shortbread cut into a green baize rectangle all suit the look and can be made ahead. A tray of mini mince pies, warmed just before serving, keeps the Christmas side of things front and centre.
Pacing the Evening
A good party menu follows the rhythm of the night. Start with drinks and the lighter canapés while guests arrive and get comfortable, bring out the hearty bites once the games get going and save the desserts for later, when everyone needs a break from the tables. Keep a few snacks topped up through the evening so the buffet never looks empty.
The Final Hand
A casino night works best when the food is as much a part of the occasion as the games. Pick a few dishes you can prepare in advance, keep a consistent colour theme and let guests graze, play and chat. With a decent menu and a bit of effort on the details, your Christmas party will be the one people talk about well into the new year.
