The best side dishes to bring to your Christmas family dinner

Twenty dishes that compliment any roast beef, turkey or duck meal at the annual family gathering this Christmas.

Instead of soup, consider a light salad of baby greens, beets, blue cheese and walnuts. Bright colors stimulate the senses and start the holiday off right.  

Bread dressings don't need to be boring. Cornbread, roasted peppers and sausage will convert anyone who claims not to like stuffing. 

Forego the usual heavy, sugary cranberry sauce and brighten up the table with fresh cranberry relish sweetened with orange zest. 

Fresh herbs make all the difference when making a corn casserole, so don't forget to add a little extra sage or thyme when baking.

Give garlic whipped potatoes some extra love by mixing in egg yolks, cream and nutmeg before piping them onto a cookie sheet and baking. Love potatoes? Make a double batch and freeze half to bake for a New Year's Eve party appetizer. 

Pop roast green beans and garlic in a pan with some oil to avoid filling up on heavy green bean casseroles. 

Brussels sprouts with pancetta and a touch of balsamic vinegar will convert even the non-vegetable eaters to finish their Christmas plates. 

Short on time? New potatoes tossed with oil and herbs don't require a ton of time with a vegetable peeler. 

For longer trips, a potato au gratin travels well and reheats even better. Mix in some gruyere or smoked gouda cheese for an extra special holiday treat. 

Pan-fried potatoes with onions and peppers get an extra kick when baked with cream and cheddar. 

Great winter meals start with warming creamy pumpkin soup. A touch of ginger or turmeric makes this soup really sing.  

Why choose between Brussels sprouts and broccolini when you can roast both together with fresh herbs, garlic and pine nuts?

Cauliflower takes on a whole new holiday character when diced and roasted to caramelization with red pepper flakes and garlic. 

Few things are as welcomed as freshly baked bread. Herbs like rosemary compliment nearly any main or side dish on the table. 

Glaze carrots with brown sugar, cumin and ginger and then roast in a warm oven until tender. 

Squash stuffed with rice, sausage, and peppers will impress when brought to the Christmas table. 

Sweet potatoes at the holidays don't have to be mashed and covered with mini-marshmallows. Mix rough-cut sweet potatoes and parsnips together with olive oil and thyme and roast in a hot oven.  

Layers of sweet potatoes, apples, cinnamon and candied pecans will warm any Christmas table. 

Tamales are a traditional holiday accompaniment throughout the Southwest, bringing families together for assembly in the days leading up to Christmas. 

Mashed potatoes get a serious upgrade with bacon and cheese twice-baked potatoes. You can mix in peas, broccoli or spinach for extra punch. They also travel well, which is good if you need to drive a little bit before getting to grandma's house.