How to Host Feast of the Seven Fishes for Two (or a Small Group)

Considering hosting Feast of the Seven Fishes, but worried about how to pull it off for two? Here’s how to scale the feast down.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a cherished Italian-American tradition, usually celebrated on Christmas Eve. While it’s often associated with large gatherings and huge spreads (think soups, stews, casseroles, etc), you can absolutely adapt this celebration for two people or a small group. In fact, I did it this year when it was just Dane and I celebrating on Christmas Eve. 

How to Host a Feast of the Seven Fishes for Two (or a Small Group)

The key to scaling the celebration down while keeping the festive spirit alive is planning strategically and menu prep.

Plan Strategically

The traditional feast includes seven different seafood dishes, but they don’t all have to be elaborate. Focus on variety, not volume, to ensure a manageable and enjoyable meal.

Choose Small Portions: Opt for small plates or tapas-style servings. This keeps the meal light and leaves room for each course. In years where it’s just the two of us, we have shopped at a fresh seafood counter or Whole Foods’ seafood counter where you can pick small, fresh portions.

Pick Quick-Cooking Dishes: Avoid recipes that require hours of preparation. Look for recipes that can be made in 20-30 minutes or with minimal hands-on time.

Prep Ahead: To minimize stress, prepare as much as possible in advance. Marinate seafood, chop ingredients, and measure out spices the day before.

Menu Ideas for Two

Here’s a sample menu for anyone going all in on Seven Fishes for two (or a small group):

Shrimp Cocktail: Start with a classic. Serve chilled shrimp with a tangy cocktail sauce.

Oysters on the Half Shell: Offer two or three oysters per person, garnished with lemon wedges or mignonette sauce.

Seared Scallops: Pan-sear scallops with butter and garlic for a quick follow-on dish.

Clams Casino: Bake a few clams topped with breadcrumbs, bacon, and herbs for a warm, savory treat.

Linguine with Clam Sauce: Serve a small portion of pasta with a simple clam sauce. You can absolutely use fresh clams or canned if you’re going for easy!

Grilled Salmon Skewers: Thread chunks of salmon onto skewers with vegetables, then grill. 

Baccalà Salad: Include a small salad of salt cod, olives, and capers dressed with olive oil and lemon. 

Tips for Success

Invest in Fresh Seafood: With smaller portions, the quality of your ingredients becomes even more important. Visit a reputable fishmonger or seafood counter.

Incorporate Pairings: Add crusty bread, a light salad, or a few roasted vegetables to round out the meal without overwhelming your guests.

Don’t Stress Over Seven: If seven dishes feel like too much, focus on five or even three. The key is to enjoy the tradition in a way that feels special, not stressful.

Something I learned by celebrating Christmas Eve just the two of us during our time living far from family in Hawaii, was that focusing on quality over quantity helped me embrace the joy of the meal without focusing on the size of our table.