A Magical Christmas Dinner and a Movie Night
Every holiday season, as with most families my age - one of the most cherished traditions in our house is watching Elf. It’s the perfect mix of humor, heart, and holiday spirit, and it never fails to have us singing and smiling from ear to ear. This year, we decided to take our Elf viewing experience to the next level by pairing it with a fun and festive meal for a special Christmas dinner and a movie night.
I’ve always had a personal connection to Elf. When I was a kid, I had the awesome experience of being in a movie with Will Ferrell - before he became the comedy legend we know today. My aunt was the costume designer, and her best friend was the producer, in a film called Men Seeking Women. My brother was also in the movie – he bought a wagon full of Playboy’s from Will’s character - talk about a story to remember. I spent a lot of time on set with my aunt that summer, and even got to bake cookies for the cast and crew. It’s a memory that makes watching Elf each year feel extra special.
For this Christmas dinner and a movie night, I wanted to create a menu that was inspired by some of the film’s most iconic moments and Buddy’s love for all things sweet. From a “You Smell Like Beef and Cheese” charcuterie board to a whimsical dessert inspired by Buddy’s famous spaghetti scene, this meal was both fun and delicious.
And if you're ready to plan your own holiday-themed movie night, all the recipes from this dinner are available in my Magical Christmas Dinner and a Movie cookbook, which includes 12 fully planned dinner and a movie nights with printable menus to help you make magical memories with your family this season.
You Smell Like Beef and Cheese Charcuterie Board
For the appetizer, I took inspiration from one of Buddy’s most famous lines—when he confronts the mall Santa and declares, “You sit on a throne of lies! You smell like beef and cheese!” With that in mind, I created a festive charcuterie board that quickly became the centerpiece of our Christmas dinner and a movie night.
This isn’t just any charcuterie board—it’s shaped like a Christmas tree! I’ve always loved putting together themed boards, and this one was especially fun. It’s actually one of the first themed boards I ever made, back in 2013, long before charcuterie boards became all the rage on social media. Filled with an assortment of cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies and crackers, it was not only delicious but it fit the holiday theme perfectly.
My husband and I are both big fans of charcuterie boards, and he especially loved this one. The mix of bold cheeses and savory meats brought the “beef and cheese” idea to life in a fun, holiday-appropriate way. Plus, the festive Christmas tree shape added a bit of whimsy to the evening.
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer for your Christmas dinner and a movie night, this charcuterie board is the perfect place to start. All the details and ingredients for this board can be found in my Magical Christmas Dinner and a Movie cookbook, along with more ideas for festive appetizers.
Buddy’s Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs
For the main course of our Christmas dinner and a movie night, I knew I had to serve Buddy’s absolute favorite—spaghetti! But, unlike Buddy’s sweet creation, I kept things a bit more traditional by serving a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish - similar to the one he served Mary, but without the maple syrup because while I am adventurous with food, I am not thhaatt adventurous.
There’s something so cozy and comforting about a good homemade spaghetti and meatballs, especially on a cold winter day. The warmth of the dish, paired with rich, flavorful meatballs and homemade marinara sauce, brought a sense of familiarity and comfort to the night. Buddy’s over-the-top love for spaghetti is always hilarious, and serving this dish felt like the perfect way to celebrate one of the movie’s most iconic moments.
Even though we didn’t go full Buddy-style by adding syrup and candy, this dish was still a hit. It’s a family favorite dinner recipe that’s easy to make and brings everyone together around the table. My husband and I both enjoyed digging into this hearty meal while watching the movie—it’s one of those dinners that just makes you feel at home.
If you’re planning your own Christmas dinner and a movie night, you can’t go wrong with classic Elf inspired, scratch made spaghetti and meatballs. You can find the full recipe for this dish, along with many other cozy meals, in my Magical Christmas Dinner and a Movie cookbook.
Buddy’s Famous Spaghetti (Pancake Style)
When it came to dessert for our Elf themed Christmas dinner and a movie night, I knew I had to recreate Buddy’s most memorable food moment: the infamous spaghetti scene. But instead of going the traditional pasta route, I put my own little spin on it and made spaghetti shaped pancakes!
To make the “spaghetti,” I piped pancake batter into long, thin strands and topped it with all of Buddy’s favorite sugary toppings - chocolate syrup, marshmallows, M&Ms, and even crumbled up chocolate Pop-Tarts. It took me a few tries to get the pancake spaghetti just right, but once it worked, it was looked perfect! The result was both hilarious and delicious, and it made for the perfect end to our Elf-inspired meal.
My husband thought this dessert hilarious, even if it was a little ridiculous. He couldn’t stop laughing at how much it looked like Buddy’s spaghetti but tasted like pancakes! It was a fun, over-the-top treat that brought a little extra holiday magic to the table.
If you’re looking for a fun and creative dessert for your Christmas dinner and a movie night, Buddy’s pancake spaghetti is a must-try. You can find the full recipe for this dessert, along with many other playful dishes, in my Magical Christmas Dinner and a Movie cookbook.
Bringing the Magic of Christmas to Your Table
Our Christmas dinner and a movie night with Elf was full of fun and non traditional holiday flavors. From the festive "You Smell Like Beef and Cheese" charcuterie board to the classic spaghetti and meatballs and, of course, Buddy’s pancake spaghetti dessert, this meal brought the movie to life in a way that made the night feel extra magical. Every dish tied into the film perfectly.
As always, my husband was a big fan of the charcuterie board (we both love a good board!), especially when the leftovers turn into a grab and go snack pack - and the pancake spaghetti was a hilarious and tasty end to the meal. It was the perfect mix of tradition and a little out there, which is what Elf is all about!
If you’re looking to create your own holiday movie tradition, this Christmas dinner and a movie night is the perfect way to get started. All of the recipes from this meal, along with many more holiday-themed dishes, can be found in my Magical Christmas Dinner and a Movie cookbook. With 12 planned movie nights and beautiful printable menus, you’ll have everything you need to make magical memories with your family this season.
And don’t forget to check out my other holiday-themed blog posts (link here) for even more ideas to inspire your Christmas celebrations!
