Last year when I asked my brother what theme he wanted for Christmas this year, he said, “Dumplings Around the World.” My previous Dumplings Around the World dinner was in 2013. For this meal I was not strict with the definition of dumpling. I did not want more than 5 courses and we had a planned break after the first 3 courses.

7 of us enjoyed this meal – Mom, Dad, me, Andy, Kerry, Carol and her son Mike.

Each course used a different type of plate, a sauce, garnish and was paired with a non-alcoholic drink. My brother served the drinks for each course and lead a toast from each country.

Menu Card: I bought canvas boards (8 x 6 inches) from Michaels. I designed the menu using Microsoft Word and printed with my home printer. My sister-in-law used glue stick to attach the menu to canvas boards. Santa and Reindeer – printed out image, traced onto Shrinky Dink sheet with black colored pencil. Colored in image then shrank in toaster oven. Attached adhesive Velcro dot to back of Santa and to each location on the menu. We used mini easels to display on the table.

Place Card: I bought these small earth pencil sharpeners and printed names with my labeler.

Arrangement: My Mom made the arrangement and used paper flags from each country that I printed with my home printer.

Indonesia

• Lemon Spice Herb Iced Tea – I mostly followed this but did not use lemon grass or tangerine and added fresh orange juice
• Gado Gado Cabbage Rolls with Peanut Sauce – I used this sauce with frozen ginger cubes and lots of fresh lime juice
• Garnish: Long Radish (I couldn’t find edible flowers)

India

• Mango Lassi
• Pakora
• Tamarind Chutney
• Garnish: Coriander leaves

Italy

• San Pellegrino Limonata
• 4 Cheese Ravioli with Vodka Sauce – I used my favorite pasta dough, filling – Ricotta, Asiago, Parmesan, Mozzarella, salt and pepper
• Garnish: Basil and Parmesan

Argentina

• Yerba Mate Sparkling Cranberry
• Sweet Potato and Lentils Empanada
• Chimichurri
• Garnish: Avocado

USA

• Coffee / Herbal Tea
• Blueberry/Raspberry/Cranberry Dumplings – My Mom made these, we used frozen berries.
• Garnish: Mint and fresh whipped cream

My critique of the party: I think that everyone enjoyed the food. The Gado Gado rolls were on the table when we started the meal. I prepared the Pakora before we started the Gado Gado rolls. The ravioli and empanada courses were prepared ahead and in the freezer. I had a spreadsheet with courses and the plates I planned to use. I am not good about allowing help in my kitchen but I did allow my brother to help with the drinks and serving and my Mom did some plating and made the Gado Gado cabbage rolls and dessert. As usual, I did not do great with photographing and it is difficult to get photos without showing the people. Overall, I consider it a successful meal!