White Christmas: Holiday Buffet

A menu of tempting hors d'oeuvres and desserts, continuing the festive white theme, is perfect for a casual holiday open house. Choose a selection of white and pale-yellow cheeses in a range of sharp and mild flavors, including goat-, cow- and sheep's-milk varieties. For a crudite platter, vegetables in shades of white and the palest greens, such as cauliflower, daikon radish, jicama, cucumber, fennel, celery, and kohlrabi, are elegant and tasty. A dip of leeks, sour cream, and goat cheese makes a mellow accompaniment.