Christmas parties bring family and friends together, and many of us want to host a memorable event. Whether you’re planning an evening with your best friend or a large family gathering, the food you serve sets the tone for the celebration.
Over the years of hosting Christmas get-togethers, I’ve learned one thing — people remember the food more than the décor. These are the Christmas party dishes I rely on (or wish I had discovered sooner) when I want something festive without losing my sanity.
Starters
1. Cranberry and Chilli Brioche Wreath | Nadiya Hussain
Turn a plain cheese course into a show‑stopping centerpiece with this tear‑and‑share wreath. Heat a whole Camembert in its wooden box, then encircle it with 25 chili‑spiced brioche balls dotted with dried cranberries. After an overnight proof, bake the assembled wreath until the brioche turns golden and the cheese melts into a silky center, then top it with a spoonful of marmalade for a sweet‑savory twist. Serves eight and becomes a festive focal point at any Christmas gathering. Offer it before the main course to draw guests to the table for a little nibble.
2. Smoked Salmon Blinis | Jamie Oliver
These are my go-to when I’m hosting last-minute guests because they look expensive but take almost no effort. They pack sophisticated flavor in just fifteen minutes, perfect for a last‑minute gathering. A delicate layer of smoked salmon on fluffy blinis feels luxuriously indulgent without breaking the bank. Finish with a spoonful of crème fraîche, a sprig of dill, and a pinch of black pepper. For extra wow, serve them on a slate board with lemon wedges and capers so guests can build their own perfect bite.
3. Pesto Christmas Tree | BBC Food
I love this easy, crowd‑pleasing bite that turns puff pastry into a little Christmas‑tree wonder. Spread pesto and cheese between the flaky layers, creating a vegetarian‑friendly treat that still feels festive. The tree shape is ideal for casual afternoon gatherings with guests of all ages. The simple assembly even lets the kids help. A quick brush of egg wash and a bake until golden gives you a crisp, buttery bite that’s perfect with a glass of prosecco.
Dips and Spreads
4. Whipped Feta Dip with Pomegranate & Za’atar | BBC Food
I love how this creamy, tangy dip gets a holiday sparkle from pomegranate seeds and fragrant za’atar. The salty feta turns into a surprisingly airy, mousse‑like spread that’s downright addictive. It’s super quick and easy to make. Those red arils pop against the white base gives an instant Christmas vibe without any gimmicks. I usually prepare this the night before. It tastes even better once the flavors have melded together
5. Hot Crab Parmesan Dip | Betty Crocker
Rich, cheesy, and packed with sweet crab meat, this warm dip is a timeless favorite that looks festive. The secret is using a slow cooker so it stays hot and bubbly all night, letting you skip the oven. The buttery crab paired with Parmesan makes a luxurious blend that feels just right for Christmas yet comforting enough for any gathering. Serve it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or even hearty veggie chips for a gluten‑free delicious twist.
6. Beetroot Dip | Jamie Oliver
With its magenta hue, this dip adds a festive pop of color to your table while giving you a lighter swap for cream‑based spreads. The sweetness of roasted beets mingles with garlic, tahini, and lemon juice, creating a layered taste that wows guests. Prepare it a day in advance so the flavors meld, then serve with a variety of dippers. It goes well with seeded crackers, cucumber slices, and even thin radish rounds for extra crunch and color.
Finger foods and bites
7. Cranberry Brie Bites | Foodess
Golden puff pastry cups stuffed with melty brie and tangy cranberry sauce are guaranteed to steal the show. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up. The trick is to start with ready‑made puff pastry shells, add a cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, then bake until they’re golden and bubbly. The combo of crisp pastry, creamy cheese, and tart‑sweet cranberry gives a three‑layer texture that guests can’t resist. They’re best served at room temperature.
8. Mini Beef and Mozzarella Meatballs | MummyPages
These bite‑size meatballs hide a melty mozzarella core, giving each one a surprising ooze when you bite into it. Made with lean beef mince, a splash of tomato purée, oregano and a little water, they stay juicy and easy to shape. After a quick brown in the pan they finish in the oven, so you can prep them ahead and reheat for a party. The result is a comforting, cheesy bite that pairs perfectly with pasta or a simple tomato sauce.
Cheese platters
9. Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board | Sugar Salt Magic
Turn your cheese board into a festive centerpiece by arranging meats, cheeses, fruit, and crackers into a Christmas‑tree shape. Begin with a base of rosemary sprigs for the “branches,” then pile on your favorite deli meats, cheeses, dried fruit, and nuts. The visual payoff is gorgeous, and the layout invites guests to nibble from the bottom up. It works for any crowd and can be tweaked for dietary needs while still delivering that holiday wow factor.
Christmas eve dinner ideas
10. Prime Rib | The Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond)
Every Christmas Eve on her ranch, Ree Drummond rolls out a prime‑rib feast that makes everyone say, “the meat hits the table—that’s the moment we get excited for Christmas.” She sticks to a simple spread: Yorkshire pudding baked in beef drippings, roasted potatoes, and mushrooms simmered in red wine. The tradition lets the family sleep in and take it easy the next day, proving it’s as practical as it is tasty. The recipe serves 12‑18 guests and is rated easy despite its show‑stopping centerpiece.
11. Cioppino | Giada de Laurentiis
This comforting Italian‑American seafood stew stars on Food Network’s special Christmas‑Eve dinner menu. A tomato‑rich broth brimming with fish and shellfish turns the dish a festive shade of red, perfect for holiday gatherings. Cioppino fits the Christmas‑Eve vibe because it honors the Italian‑American Feast of the Seven Fishes, giving you a lighter alternative to a heavy roast. Pair it with crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the savory broth.
12. Penne with Shrimp and Herbed Cream Sauce | Giada de Laurentiis
Spotlighted as a main course on Food Network’s Christmas Eve dinner menu, this sleek pasta brings together juicy shrimp and a rich herbed cream sauce. The dish provides an elegant seafood choice that’s hearty enough for a holiday feast yet lighter than classic roasts. The velvety sauce hugs the tender shrimp, delivering a truly celebratory plate that feels so perfect for Christmas Eve and comes together in under 30 minutes, quickly.
Sweet treats
13. Red Velvet Cheesecake | Brit + Co
This gorgeous dessert marries the bold, ruby hue of red velvet with the silky indulgence of cheesecake for a truly show‑stopping finish. Its deep red shade fits right into a Christmas palette, and the taste feels both comforting and upscale. You can bake it as a single, impressive cheesecake or pop it into a muffin tin for handy, individual servings. The recipe is surprisingly forgiving, so bakers of any experience can nail it. Sprinkle chopped candy‑cane pieces on top for an extra festive flourish that screams holiday.
14. Pavlova Wreath | Martha Stewart
This airy dessert showcases a ring of crisp meringue crowned with fluffy whipped cream and fresh berries. Its wreath shape feels instantly festive, and the light, breezy texture offers a refreshing finish after a hearty meal. You can whip up the meringue up to two days in advance and keep it in an airtight container, then assemble everything right before you serve. The crunchy meringue, silky cream, and tangy berries play off each other in a textural symphony that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty.
Hosting tips for a stress-free Christmas party
Preparation is the key to a Christmas party, so go for make‑ahead dishes. Whip up dips like feta spread and beetroot hummus up to two days ahead so the flavors can marry.
Freeze uncooked sausage rolls, pork belly bites, and meatballs, then pop them in the oven as guests arrive. Put together your cheese boards the morning of, loosely wrap them, and stash them in the fridge.
Keep hot items in chafing dishes or slow‑cookers to stay moist, and set cold appetizers on ice for longer exposure. Instead of one big buffet, create several small stations to prevent lines and spark mingling.
Label everything clearly especially for dietary needs, using chalkboard signs or printable tags. Offer a balanced mix of veggie and meat options. With these make‑ahead, eye‑catching ideas you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company, which is what truly makes a holiday party unforgettable.
