Let's Be Jolly: The Ultimate Holiday Playlists

You'd never forget to buy the perfect bottle of champagne or put out some delicious appetizers for a holiday party, so why leave the music to chance? Nothing sets the tone for an evening with friends like an excellent playlist and, let's face it, a great one is hard to come by. But never fear, for we have curated three playlists guaranteed to deck your halls and jingle your bells. So no matter if you're having a cool kick back with friends, a swanky cocktail hour, or a cozy night just for two, we've got you covered with some of the finest tunes of the season (along with some menu ideas, since we think it is truly better to give than to receive.)

Mix and Mingle

This playlist is perfect for casual cocktail gatherings. Embrace the swanky, swinging sounds of bygone decades and serve up some martinis and canapés. Think old New York, glittering aluminum Christmas trees, and wingtip shoes.

Drink: The Classic Martini
2.5 oz premium vodka
1 oz dry vermouth
3 large ice cubes
Lemon peel or green olives for garnish

Shake, don't stir, and serve in a chilled martini glass. If you prefer your drink on the rocks, use a highball glass.

Bites: Deviled Eggs
12 eggs, hardboiled
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp smoke salt
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper pepper
6 bacon slices, fried extra crispy
Chili oil

After the eggs are boiled and cooled, cut each in half lengthwise and scoop the yolks into a large bowl. Add all ingredients except the chili oil and bacon and blend until smooth. You can hand scoop this back into the eggs, or fill a Ziplock bag, cut the corner off, and pipe. Once the eggs are filled, garnish with crumbled bacon and a dash of chili oil. Serve chilled.

Tunes:
Presents for Christmas by Solomon Burke
The Little Drummer Boy by Johnny Cash
Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley
Twinkle Twinkle Little Me by The Supremes
Silent Night by The Temptations
Winter Wonderland by Peggy Lee
I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Dean Martin
Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes
Suzy Snowflake by Rosemary Clooney
Silver Bells by Bing Crosby
Twistin' Bells by Santo & Johnny
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Johnny Mathis
Silver and Gold by Burl Ives

Merry and Bright

Ready to have a fun, festive shindig with your family and friends? Throw on this modern, upbeat playlist that will inspire everyone's good will. It's the magic combination of cool and Christmassy without being like an annoying department store. Keep guests at maximum levels of merry with a easy, boozy punch and protein packed salmon pizza.

Drink: Partridge in a Pear Tree
2 cans of pure pear nectar
2 bottles of sparkling white wine
2 cups pear flavored vodka
1 bottle sweet Riesling
1 fresh pear
1 cup frozen cranberries

Mix all ingredients except the fruit in a large pitcher or punchbowl. One hour before serving, peel and slice the pear into thin pieces and add to the punch. Toss in the frozen cranberries.

Bites: Smoky Salmon Pizza
1 prepared pizza dough
5 oz smoked salmon
1/4 sweet onion, finely diced
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp capers

Mix the sour cream, dill and lemon juice with a dash of salt and pepper. Set aside to chill (ideally, do this the night before for maximum flavor.) Unroll the pizza dough, brush with olive oil and bake at 450 for approximately 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, spread dill cream sauce, top with onions, smoked salmon, capers and Parmesan. Return to oven for 6-8 minutes, or until crust is brown. This is delicious hot OR cold.

Tunes:
Merry Christmas Baby by Hanson
Ludacrismas by Ludacris
Christmas Tree by Lady Gaga
Christmas Time in Hollis by Run DMC
Last Christmas by Taylor Swift
Sleigh Ride by TLC
Another Rock n Roll Christmas by Gary Glitter
Deck the Halls by Rza
Mele Kalikimaka by Bette Midler
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve by Rufus Wainwright
Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight) by The Ramones
Thank God It's Christmas by Queen
Wrapped in Red by Kelly Clarkson

Frolic and Play

Sometimes the best celebrations are just between you and your special partner. Opt for a night in with a fire (or fire log on Netflix), a creamy libation, some light snacks and a playlist that will set the mood for some cuddles underneath the Christmas tree (or menorah.)

Drink: Effortless Eggnog
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp rum flavoring
3 tbsp sugar
2.5 cups of whole milk
1 cup of brandy
Nutmeg

Blend eggs, vanilla, rum flavoring, milk and sugar until smooth using a hand mixer or blender. Add the brandy. Serve chilled, topped with grated nutmeg or whipped cream. Note: consuming raw eggs should be done with caution, please exercise food safety beforehand.

Bites: Sweet, Sweet Potato Fries
1 bag frozen sweet potato fries
1 tsp smoked salt
1 tsp butter
1/2 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup greek yogurt

Spread fries on a cookie sheet and bake until crisp. Toss with butter, smoked salt, brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Blend pumpkin pie spice into greek yogurt.

Tunes:
Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt
I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Dean Martin
Baby, It's Cold Outside by She & Him
Merry Christmas Darling by The Carpenters
Let It Snow by Ella Fitzgerald
Christmas to Christmas by Toby Keith
Christmas Lights by Coldplay
Hard Candy Christmas by Dolly Parton
Winter Wonderland by Tony Bennett
This Christmas by Mary J. Blige
It Must Have Been the Mistletoe by Barbara Streisand