A Chef’s Take on a Simple Holiday Ham Dinner (with wine pairings!)

The holidays always look festive in the Christmas movies — cook something cozy, open a good bottle of wine, gather everyone around the table — but the behind-the-scenes to make that scene happen are a little bit stressful and chaotic.

This is the kind of holiday menu we come back to when we want things to feel special without being complicated. Comforting food, thoughtful wine pairings, and a pace that lets everyone linger a little longer.

This menu was created by Butter + Whisk and prepared by Chef Lindsey, with wine pairings explained by Will in a way that actually makes sense when you’re sitting down to eat — not standing in a wine shop aisle trying to remember tasting notes.

The Menu (and Why It Works)

Cornbread + Rosé
Cornbread is rich, a little sweet, and deeply nostalgic. A dry rosé keeps things bright and fresh, cutting through the butter without overpowering the dish. It’s an easy first pairing that sets a relaxed tone for the meal.

Ham + Riesling
Ham can be salty, savory, and sometimes sweet — which is exactly why Riesling works so well. The acidity keeps everything balanced, and the slight sweetness plays beautifully with the flavors on the plate.

Dessert + Pinot Gris
Instead of ending the meal with something heavy, Pinot Gris keeps dessert feeling light and easy. It’s a gentle finish that lets the night wind down naturally.

Why This Menu Works for the Holidays

This isn’t about perfection or presentation. It’s about food that feels familiar, wine that makes the whole meal better, and creating a table people don’t rush away from.

We filmed this during a small holiday gathering, but the ideas are meant to translate easily to your own home — whether you’re hosting a crowd or keeping things simple.

👉 Watch the full video here: A Simple Holiday Menu (with Wine Pairings Everyone Will Love)