35+ Festive Christmas Cocktails to Impress Your Guests
Want to impress your guests at your holiday party this year? These 35+ Christmas cocktails will give you inspiration. 35+ Festive Christmas Cocktails to Impress Your Guests 1. Blue Christmas Cocktail A blue, fruity cocktail made with blue curacao, white rum, pineapple juice and coconut milk. Use shredded coconut for rimming glasses and you have a truly unique, festive cocktail to serve. 2. Snowflake Martini An indulgent cocktail that mixes vodka with cream and white chocolate liqueur. Rim martini glasses with white sugar to add to the frosty look of this cocktail. 3. Gingerbread Martini A jolly cocktail that’s adorable and delicious. Blend gingerbread-flavored vodka with half and half, ground ginger, coffee liqueur and Irish cream liqueur. Rim martini glasses with melted white chocolate and crushed gingerbread cookies. Fill each glass and top with whipped cream. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top and serve. 4. Jack Frost Winter Cocktail A gorgeous cocktail made with gin, pineapple juice, vanilla ice cream and blueberry simple syrup. Blend everything together for 10-15 seconds and serve in glasses rimmed with buttercream icing and sugar sprinkles. 5. Christmas Cookie Cocktail It’s a sugar cookie in a cocktail – what’s not to love? Mix sugar cookie coffee creamer with Kahula, vanilla vodka and half and half. Rim glasses with a layer of vanilla frosting and dip in Christmas sprinkles. Related: 25+ Of The Best Christmas Cookies for Your Holiday Baking 6. White Christmas Sangria Sangria may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Christmas cocktails, but this one adds a festive, seasonal twist. Mix a dry white wine with orange liqueur, white cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda. Add fresh apples, fresh cranberries, a sprig of lime juice, cinnamon sticks and sprigs of rosemary to take the presentation over the top. 7. Yule Tide Mule This recipe puts a holiday spin on the classic Moscow Mule. Mix cranberry juice with vodka and pour over ice in Moscow Mule mugs. Top with ginger beer. Add rosemary and cranberries as garnish. 8. The Grinch Cocktail This cocktail is as festive as it gets with its bright green color and red cherry garnish. It’s a blend of Midori (a melon-flavored liqueur that gives this drink its green color), lemon-lime soda and rum. Pour over ice and top with a maraschino cherry. You can also add red sanding sugar to the rim or a blood orange slice if you’re not a fan of cherries. 9. Peppermint Mocha Martini Classic holiday flavors with an impressive presentation. This martini is a blend of Kahlua, peppermint vodka, regular vodka and heavy cream. Serve in glasses rimmed with crushed peppermint and chocolate syrup. Add swirls of syrup inside the glass before pouring to give this drink a gorgeous layered look. 10. Peppermint Martini with Baileys A minty blend of Creme de Menthe, Creme de Cacao and Baileys. Serve in glasses rimmed with crushed candy canes and chocolate chips. 11. Eggnog Martini Use a cocktail shaker to blend amaretto liqueur, vanilla vodka and eggnog with ice. Serve in a martini glass rimmed with brown sugar. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a fancy presentation that will impress your guests. 12. Peppermint Bark Shots These shots look just as great as they taste. Stir together chilled vodka, white chocolate liqueur and peppermint schnapps. Dip the rims of each glass into melted white chocolate and then sprinkle with candy canes. Freeze for one minute, and then pour. 13. Merry Mistletoe Cocktail A refreshingly festive cocktail. Bled vanilla ice cream with Creme de Menthe, half and half and Irish whiskey. Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. 14. Whoville’s Spiced Up Christmas Margarita One of the most gorgeous Christmas cocktails, but you’ll need quite a few ingredients for this one, including pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, tequila, orange juice, holiday spices, honey, ginger beer, rosemary and sugar. Garnish with fresh pomegranates, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar and rosemary sprigs. 15. Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritzer A carbonated cocktail that blends vodka with grenadine, maraschino cherry juice, orange juice and cherry lemon-lime soda. Garnish with maraschino cherries, and you have a festive cocktail everyone will love. 16. Frostbite Cocktail A creamy white blue cocktail that’s easy to make. Mix Tequila Blanco with heavy cream, blue curaçao and white crème de cacao. Serve over ice and top with a black cherry. 17. Naughty Elf Cocktail A fruity cocktail featuring spiced rum, pomegranate liqueur, orange liqueur, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda. Rim glasses with sprinkles and pour over ice. Garnish with a candy cane stick. Related: Easy Christmas Treats – 25+ Recipes to Wow Your Guests 18. Fireball Eggnog You need just three ingredients to make this festive cocktail: eggnog, fireball cinnamon whiskey and vanilla vodka. Rim your glasses with cinnamon sugar, and you will have a delicious cocktail that guests will adore. 19. Rum Punch One of the brightest Christmas cocktails on this list. Pour a shot of coconut rum over ice. Top with green Hawaiian Punch, and you have a tasty green cocktail. Rim your glasses with Christmas sprinkles to make this drink even more festive. 20. Spiced Christmas Margarita This Christmas margarita is a labor of love, but it’s so worth it. You’ll make your own ginger cinnamon syrup. Then, you’ll mix lime juice, cranberry juice, tequila and your ginger syrup. Top off with sparkling water. Garnish with sugared rosemary and cranberries. 21. Spiced Cranberry Paloma A ruby red cocktail shaken with cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila and a spiced simple syrup. Pour over ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with sugared cranberries, a cinnamon stick, a rosemary sprig and a dried grapefruit slice. 22. White Christmas Mojito I’m not going to lie; this is one of those cocktails that screams “Christmas” the moment you see it. You’ll only need ten minutes, a large pitcher and a strainer to make this mojito. Ingredients include mint leaves, sugar, white and coconut rum, coconut milk, pomegranate arils and a handful of other items for this cocktail. 23. Vanilla Chai Tea White Russian A white Russian like this includes – can you guess? Vodka. You’ll make a chai tea syrup out of chai tea bags, honey and vanilla extract. For the white Russian, you’ll need vodka, Kahlua and heavy cream. Add star anise and cinnamon sticks as a nice garnish. 24. Bourbon Eggnog You’ll need bourbon glasses for this eggnog-inspired cocktail that your guests are sure to love. Perfect on a cold winter night, this cocktail has such a rich flavor thanks to the eggnog, bourbon, ground cinnamon and nutmeg, and cinnamon sticks. And if you want to add more spice, you can apply cinnamon sugar to the rim of the glasses. 25. Reindeer Margarita Tequila, Bailey’s salted caramel, almond milk, half and half, vanilla and cinnamon come together for this reindeer margarita, which is all about presentation. You can add cinnamon sticks and a maraschino cherry to create the antlers and red nose. 26. Christmas Sugar Cookie Jello Shots Jello shots make this list of cocktails because they’re filled with Bailey’s, Butterscotch Schnapps, Triple Sec and water. You’ll top these shots with whipped cream and sprinkles to add to the holiday spirit. 27. Candy Cane Martini Candy cane martinis like these are so simple to make because all you need is vodka, white creme de cacao and white creme de menthe. And I almost forgot – you’ll also need candy canes. You will need a martini shaker and strainer for this recipe. 28. Peppermint Mocha Espresso Christmas cocktails that relax you and wake you up at the same time? You’ll need to break out your martini glasses for this recipe, which calls for: Vodka Kahla Espresso Pumpkin puree Creamer 29. Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail Spiced rum, amaretto, hazelnut liquid creamer, eggnog and a pinch of cinnamon are all you need for this cocktail. It’s so good, sweet and easy to drink that you’ll need to control yourself to be sure you don’t get too tipsy at your Christmas party. 30. Drunken Snowman Cocktail This cocktail almost looks like something you would find at Starbucks. But it’s so much better and probably cheaper, too. You’ll add hot chocolate and Baileys into your cup and top off with vanilla cream. Add some chocolate shavings and you have a cocktail that looks and tastes amazing. 31. Winter Wonderland Margarita The Social Sipper teaches you how to make a homemade gingerbread syrup that’s so tasty. You’ll be adding the syrup to your tequila, coconut milk and orange liquor for an unforgettable margarita. 32. Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini You’ll need granulated sugar, water and chopped cranberries to make the syrup for this martini. For the cranberry lemon drops, you’ll use a simple syrup, lemon juice, ice and a cup of vodka together. One person leaving a comment on this recipe recommends adding a sprig of rosemary and cranberries to complete the look. Related: 18 Glamorous New Year’s Eve Drinks to Make Your Party Unforgettable 33. Spicer Cranberry Cocktail With or without alcohol, these cocktails taste divine. You’ll need a few ingredients to get started: Cranberries Water Maple syrup Allspice berries Cloves Orange zest Cinnamon sticks Star anise And if you want to “spike” this drink, you can add rum to it for a touch of alcohol. 34. White Christmas Margaritas How festive do these margaritas look? You’ll add tequila, cranberry and lime juice together to make a margarita that becomes the focal point of the room whenever it’s served. 35. White Christmas Bourbon Smash Five minutes are all you need for this bourbon smash cocktail. You’ll add lime juice and fresh mint and rosemary to the bourbon. If you want to start your Christmas party off relaxed, this is a great cocktail recipe to try. 36. White Christmas Sangria White wine (completely your choice) with ginger beer, pear brandy, sugar, pears, cranberries, anise and rosemary are all you need for this Christmas sangria. But it tastes best if it’s allowed to chill for four hours. 37. Bubbly Gingerbread Gin Cocktail When you think of elegant, this drink should pop in your mind. You’ll mix gin and gingerbread syrup and top it with Cava. If you want to add a garnish on top for presentation and taste, try the zest of a dried orange.
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25+ Best Christmas Appetizer Ideas to Wow a Crowd
‘Tis the season for holiday parties! Whether you’re hosting or need to bring something to a friend’s gathering, I have 25+ amazing Christmas appetizer ideas that will wow everyone. From cute and festive to delicious and healthy, there’s something for everyone on this list. 25+ Best Christmas Appetizer Ideas to Wow a Crowd 1. Ornament Pesto Sundried Tomato Cheese Balls Forget the usual cheese ball recipes. This one adds layers of delicious pesto, pine nuts and sundried tomatoes into the mix to create an adorable ornament-shaped appetizer everyone will love. Make with Mara gives you step-by-step instructions on how to make this creative dish. You’ll need a silicone muffin pan for this one. 2. Pull-Apart Christmas Tree An easy appetizer that will be the center of attention at the party. Soft morsels of cheesy bread baked together to make a pull-apart tree. Top with a garlicky, herb butter sauce and serve with marinara sauce for an irresistible and festive appetizer. I recommend using store-bought pizza dough to save time. 3. Italian Cheese Loaf This appetizer looks so festive and is loaded with flavor. It’s so easy to make, too. Just blend cream cheese, sour cream and cheddar cheese with roasted peppers, salami, Italian spices, olives and green onions. Shape in a loaf pan and top with fresh herbs. I like to serve this with crackers for easy dipping. 4. Cranberry Brie Bites Cranberry and brie are the perfect pair, and this recipe is one of the more festive Christmas appetizer ideas on this list. The red cranberries and green sprigs of thyme bring the colors of the season to the table. Plus, it’s easy to make this fancy-looking appetizer. Just top puff pastry squares with brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and bake until golden. Each batch makes 24 bites. 5. Crostini Christmas Tree Crostini are the perfect appetizer. Add some basil pesto, fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, and you have a festive dish everyone will devour. With this appetizer, it’s all about the presentation. Start with a layer of basil leaves, and then arrange the crostini in the shape of a Christmas tree. Add a mozzarella star at the top to complete your presentation. Related: Top 25+ Cold Appetizers Finger Food Ideas That Are Easy to Make Ahead 6. Cranberry Jalapeno Dip A tart and spicy dip loaded with festive colors. Start with a base of whipped cream cheese, and top with the colorful cranberry jalapeno topping, which blends lime, green onion, spices and sugar into the mix. Serve with your favorite crackers and top the dip with fresh mint. 7. Mini Beef Wellington Bites A gourmet appetizer that will impress your guests and their taste buds. Bite-sized puff pastry are topped with slices of tender beef tenderloin, a dollop of tangy Dijon sauce and fresh herbs. You can make your puff pastry from scratch if you wish, but I recommend using store-bought dough to save time. You’ll need quite a bit of ingredients for this appetizer (along with a rolling pin and food processor), but it is so worth it. 8. Tortilla Pinwheels with Salsa These festive pinwheels are the perfect appetizer for a Christmas party. They’re easy to make, and you don’t even have to do any cooking. Just spread the cream cheese and ranch dressing mix onto a spinach tortilla, roll up the tortilla, slice and serve. Little add-ins like green chilis, black olives, pimentos and peppers make this dish so colorful while adding tons of flavor. To make this dish even more festive, stack the pinwheel slices in the shape of a Christmas tree and add grape tomatoes to look like ornaments. 9. Hummus Wreath Appetizer Hummus is always a crowd-pleaser because you can serve it so many different ways. This recipe puts a festive spin on things by serving the hummus in a wreath shape, topped with freshly chopped parsley and grape tomatoes to mimic holly and berries. You can make your own hummus (it’s super easy), or use plain store-bought if you’re pressed for time. Not sure how to make hummus? Check out this tutorial 10. 7 Layer Smoked Salmon Dip This Scandinavian-inspired layered dip will be the star of the show at the party. Layers of smoked salmon, fresh dill, radishes, onions, cucumbers, roasted red peppers, Boursin cheese and other tasty ingredients come together for a unique dip that guests will devour. Serve with rye crisps. 11. Parmesan & Paprika Cocktail Stars I love this appetizer because it is SO easy and delicious. All you need is puff pastry, star cookie cutters, fresh Parmesan cheese and paprika. These are the perfect little appetizers to serve with cocktails, or you can pair them with marinara sauce or your favorite dip. It’s such a simple and versatile appetizer that the crowd will love. 12. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Cheesy potatoes are one of my favorite Christmas appetizer ideas. Everyone loves them, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. The creamy, cheesy sauce is super simple to make, and you only need a handful of ingredients. If you want to save some time, you can use canned sliced potatoes. 13. Mini Cheeseballs Wreath How cute is this wreath? It’s loaded with different flavors of cheese balls, including cranberry, herbs and almonds. You can use whatever herbs or ingredients you like, but red and green ingredients will make this dish more festive. 14. Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Charcuterie is a always a crowd-pleaser, and you can make it more festive by adding colorful ingredients and shaping it all into a Christmas tree. Things like kiwi, fresh herbs, raspberries, olives and cheese add color to this board. 15. Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites Southern cooking doesn’t get much more authentic than these pecan brie bites. And while they may not be the most festive item on the table, they only take pecans, brown sugar, brie, butter and phyllo shells to make. 16. Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Pesto If you would like a hardier item on this year’s Christmas appetizer ideas list, this is certainly the one for you. You’ll make a delish whipped goat cheese out of cream cheese, goat cheese, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes and salt. On top of your baguette, you’ll have perfectly cooked beef tenderloins, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, pesto and spices. 17. Snowman Veggie Board If you have three bowls, all a tad bit smaller than the last one, you can easily recreate this snowman veggie board. You’ll start with a small bowl on top, filled with dip, a carrot for the nose and olives to create the eyes and smile. In the middle, you’ll have three olive buttons and in the bottom bowl, which is the largest, you’ll have cauliflower. Surrounding the board should be dippable veggies, such as carrots, celery, green beans and tomatoes. 18. Cranberry Meatballs You’ll need a slow cooker for these meatballs, and the recipe calls for store-bought meatballs, so you’ll have very little prep to do when making this appetizer. You’ll need some cranberry sauce, Heinz chili sauce, dark brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. 19. Candy Board A candy board is just like it sounds – a platter of tasty treats. You can add your own sweet treats to the mix, but what you’ll find in this pin are: Chocolate covered cookies Red Oreos Popcorn Gingerbread cookies Peppermint pretzel thins Rock candy Candy canes Peppermint bark M&Ms Candy corn Feel free to add in any favorite candies that didn’t make the list. 20. Viral Butter Candle with Soft Pretzels I’m not going to lie, this Pin had me do a double and triple take because the butter candle looks just too perfect. And with flavor-popping herbs, it really is tasty. You’ll need 16 ounces of unsalted butter for this recipe along with an edible wick and paper cup. Aside from these ingredients, you’ll also need unsalted butter, roasted garlic, fresh thyme, red pepper flakes and your choice of soft pretzel bites. 21. Cranberry, Brie and Prosciutto Crostini Of course, my list of Christmas appetizer ideas wouldn’t be complete without a delectable crostini that has balsamic glaze drizzled on top. You’ll need to make a sauce out of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, but the rest is simple assembly with a handful of ingredients: French baguette (toasted in the oven at 375F Olive oil Prosciutto Cranberry sauce Balsamic vinegar Brown sugar Related: 30+ No Bake Christmas Finger Food Ideas for Your Party This Year 22. Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs Deviled eggs are always a great choice on Christmas, and when you add an adorable tree on top, it’s just perfect. You’ll make your deviled eggs like normal and then make a green yolk filling with spinach, butter and garlic, but avocado is another great choice. Use a piping bag to make the tree and sprinkle on some edible decorations. 23. Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Crunchy and filled with flavor, this appetizer is full of flavor, and the author gives you plenty of alternative options, such as trying kale or red pesto or even a cheesy variety. You’ll spread your pesto and cheese on a puff pastry sheet, skewer them with a toothpick and bake. It’s a recipe that looks like it took all day but really only requires a few minutes of your time if you have pesto already. 24. Baked Brie and Bread Wreath What a beautiful centerpiece to have in your home on Christmas, right? I almost feel bad eating this baked brie and bread wreath because it’s really picture-perfect and the bread is a tasty delight. You will need to set aside about 3.5 hours for prep, but most of the prep is waiting on the dough and not hands-on. Related: 22 Delicious Christmas Food Ideas for Your Party This Year 25. Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon Beer cheese dip is perfect with soft pretzels or anything else that you would like to dip into it. And while the recipe calls for bacon cubes, you can easily omit this ingredient. You’ll only need salt, flour, one can of beer, whole milk, shredded white and yellow cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mustard, onion and garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and chives. Serve with anything you like, from corn chips to soft pretzels (my personal fave). 26. Christmas Tree Sandwich Tree cookie cutters are all you need for this sandwich appetizer that has cucumber and cheese placed together on a tree shape bread. Cut the bread as a base using the tree cookie cutter and add your favorite ingredients on top; cheeses, cucumbers and you can add meats as well. I love how the recipe’s author added a final star to the top.
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30+ Easy Christmas Cupcakes to Bring Cheer this Year
Do you know what I love about the holidays? It’s the perfect excuse to indulge in sweets and treats – and to bake plenty of cupcakes. Whether it’s for a party or just for fun, these 30+ adorable Christmas cupcakes will bring plenty of cheer this year. 30+ Easy Christmas Cupcakes to Bring Cheer this Year 1. Snow Globe Cupcakes How cute are these little snow globe cupcakes? They’re so creative, and even the snow globe top is edible. Sugar Hero shows you how to make these globe toppings using gelatin sheets and balloons to shape them. You can fill each globe with figurines and fake trees. There’s no recipe for the actual cupcakes here, but you can use this tutorial to bake delicious vanilla cupcakes 👇: 2. Gingerbread Cupcakes These adorable gingerbread cupcakes are easy to make and almost too cute to eat. The cupcake recipe calls for blackstrap molasses and classic holiday spices like ginger and cinnamon. Top with a tasty buttercream frosting and cute gingerbread man sugar decorations. 3. Christmas Tree Cupcake There’s so much to love about these cupcakes. The mix of espresso powder and cocoa powder creates a rich, velvety chocolate flavor. The frosting is super easy to make and looks so festive with its star and holiday sprinkles. If you’re not a fan of chocolate cupcakes, I’m sure you could easily use your favorite vanilla cupcake recipe and add the green tree frosting all the same. 4. Santa Legs Cupcakes How creative are these cupcakes? If their adorable design wasn’t enough to convince you to make them, the Nutella filling should be. To make the Santa legs, you’ll need a few toothpicks, mini marshmallows and black and red food coloring. The recipe walks you through every step of making these cute cupcakes. 5. Polar Bear Cupcakes These polar bear cupcakes may be the cutest thing on this list. I love that they’re so easy to make, too. The fondant icing makes it easy to create the nose and eyes. Shaved coconut is the perfect choice for creating the bear’s fur. The base is just a simple vanilla cupcake using basic baking ingredients. 6. White Chocolate & Orange Reindeer Cupcakes These reindeer Christmas cupcakes not only look adorable, but they taste great, too. They’re also vegan, so everyone can enjoy them. The marmalade filling takes the flavor over the top, but it’s the adorable reindeer face that will catch everyone’s eye. To make them, you’ll need red and black fondant for the eyes and nose and pretzels for the antlers. 7. Present Cupcakes These adorable treats are perfect for the holiday season. Each one looks like a wrapped present, bow and all. Use your favorite, tried-and-true recipe to bake your cupcakes. Top with white frosting, and then use red and green frosting to create ribbons. Add confetti sprinkles and finish with a novelty bow ring or use silicone fondant molds to make edible sugar candy bows. 8. Pecan Pie Cupcakes Pecan pie cupcakes may not be the cutest thing on this list, but they’re one of the tastiest. The butter pecan cupcakes and brown sugar cream cheese frosting are to die for. Top with little pieces of candied pecans to take your presentation to the next level. 9. Holiday Lights Cupcakes These adorable cupcakes look like a string of Christmas lights. While they look complicated, they’re super simple to make. A swirl of fudge and strategically placed M&Ms are all you need to create your string of lights. You’ll need to bring your own cupcake and frosting recipes to the table, but you can follow the steps from A Worthy Read to create the decorative lights. 10. Whimsical Pink Winter Wonderland Cupcakes How gorgeous are these cupcakes? It’s all about the frosting and the sprinkles – and your technique. To create snowflake toppers, you’ll need white fondant and a snowflake fondant cutter. Here’s a tutorial on how to decorate these beauties: 11. Candy Cane Cupcakes Peppermint and chocolate are the perfect pair during the holidays, so these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. But the peppermint frosting is the real star of the show here. The peppermint flavor combined with the red food coloring and crushed peppermint piece toppings make these cupcakes a feast for the eyes and stomach. 12. Hot Chocolate Cupcakes These cupcakes look like a mug of hot chocolate. I love that the recipe uses pudding mix and hot cocoa to truly make it taste like hot chocolate, too. You’ll love the marshmallow buttercream frosting, and the mini marshmallows and chocolate syrup complete the hot cocoa look. Related: Easy Christmas Treats – 25+ Recipes to Wow Your Guests 13. Peppermint Candy Cane Cupcakes These adorable candy cane cupcakes have pink-and-white swirled frosting, topped with crushed peppermint and Andes Peppermint Thins. The recipe is easy to follow, and the buttercream frosting is SO good. 14. Hot Cocoa Cupcake Mugs These cupcakes always make the list of the cutest and most creative Christmas cupcakes. How could they not? The candy cane “mug handle” and marshmallow topping make these adorable cupcakes look like mugs of joy. Plus, the cupcake recipe calls for hot cocoa mix and cake mix, so you know it’s going to be rich and delicious. 15. Baileys Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes Take pumpkin spice season into the holidays with this cupcake recipe. Top each pumpkin cupcake with a scrumptious Baileys pumpkin spice frosting, chopped pecans and a cinnamon stick. The Cake Blog gives you step-by-step instructions on how to decorate these cupcakes to make them the star of the show at your gathering. 16. Pink Champagne Cupcakes The holidays are a reason to celebrate, so do it in style with these pink champagne cupcakes. They are so easy to make, too. Just grab a box of your favorite vanilla cake mix, a bottle of pink champagne and some red food coloring for the frosting. You’ll be using pink champagne instead of water to give these treats its unique flavor. Top with gold sprinkles. 17. Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cupcakes These cupcakes are topped with adorable chocolate-covered pretzel Christmas trees, sprinkles and a delicious chocolate frosting that has pieces of pretzel in it. The Cake Blog shows you how to make the pretzel trees and the frosting step by step. 18. Caramel Apple Cupcakes Any time of year is a good time of year for caramel apples. These cupcakes embody that fall flavor that we all love. The caramel whipped cream is the true star of this recipe, but it takes a little work to make it. Top each cupcake with a little slice of apple (treated with lemon to keep it from browning). 19. Gingerbread Cupcakes Fifteen minutes is all it takes to prep these gingerbread cupcakes, and they’re filled with flavor thanks to the ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and allspice, light brown sugar, molasses, milk, flour and a handful of other ingredients are used to make the cupcake mix. You’ll then make a cream cheese frosting out of four simple ingredients. Related: 22 Delicious Christmas Food Ideas for Your Party This Year 20. Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Peppermint cupcakes like these look amazing and taste good, too. For this recipe, you’ll add in dark cocoa powder, instant espresso or hot coffee, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, peppermint hard candy, vanilla extract, heavy cream and candy cane. Chocolate ganache is also drizzled on the top, making these cupcakes look even better. 21. Maple Bacon Cupcakes If you don’t mind about an hour of prep time, you can make these maple bacon cupcakes. A stand mixer will save you a ton of time because you’ll need to mix all of the ingredients together for both the cupcake base and buttercream frosting. Top with salted caramel sauce (the author has a link to their own delish recipe) and crumbled bacon. 22. Hot Cocoa Cupcakes With Marshmallow Cream Icing Hot cocoa and marshmallow – what’s not to like? The author opted to make brownies instead of a traditional cupcake base, but it’s 100% up to you if you want to go this route. Add mini marshmallows and a cute candy cane on top, and you have an adorable hot cocoa cupcake that tastes as amazing as it looks. 23. Chocolate & Custard Cupcakes The Pin does not do these cupcakes justice – at all. Cute, frosting-filled delights like these with polar bear heads are always hard to pass up. Dessert sauces can include custard or chocolate fudge, but you can also go with something exotic, such as Matcha. You’ll fill the center of the cupcakes with a creamy custard, but be prepared to spend 40+ minutes in the kitchen prepping these. 24. Salted Caramel Cupcakes Salted caramel Christmas cupcakes are perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth and you’ll make them from scratch, starting with a cocoa and vinegar mix that you’ll whisk together. Using a hand mixer, you’ll beat together butter, sugar, oil, eggs, and finally, add in your cocoa mix. Later on in the recipe, you’ll beat caramel sauce into the frosting, drizzle some on top, and top with mini pretzels. 25. Snowflake Holiday Cupcakes Does the snow make you think of Christmas? If it does, you’ll appreciate this snowflake cupcake recipe that has a “royal icing snowflake” on top made from eggs, cream of tartar, vanilla and powdered sugar. And when looking at the majestic frosting with its purple hue, you can recreate this look with some purple food coloring and white sugar sprinkles. 26. Pink Christmas Tree Cupcakes Pink cupcakes look so chic, and you’ll find plenty of recipes for making the pink frosting, or you can buy it premade if you wish. Add in candy pearls, which are small balls of sugar, and add adorable Christmas trees on top of the frosting to complete the look. 27. Polar Bear Cupcakes Oh my! These polar bear cupcakes are beyond adorable, and all you need to transform your cupcakes into this polar bear style is: Shredded coconut flakes Candy eyes Black pearls (edible) Candy confetti Mini marshmallows 28. Sparkly Cupcakes Deep blue frosting, like in these cupcakes, is an art to make, and it’s clear that the author has some serious baking skills. You’ll need to be creative for the frosting and use decorating brushes to paint on the tree, holly and other fine details. 29. Mini Egg Nog Cupcakes Mini egg nog Christmas cupcakes are as cute and tasty as they sound. You’ll use white cake mix for the cupcake base, but it’s the frosting made with butter, eggnog, vanilla, ground nutmeg and powdered sugar that really makes these cupcakes unique. You’ll need a mini cupcake pan for this recipe. 30. Reindeer Cupcakes Chocolate cupcakes are already delish and easy to make, but you can spruce them up even more with edible candy eyes, chocolate antlers (which you’ll learn to make with melting chocolate) and a cute red nose made of icing. Related: 25+ Cutest and Most Creative Christmas Cupcakes to WOW Your Guests 31. Gingerbread Cupcake Gingerbread men – or women – go perfectly together on Christmas. And this year, why not make smaller versions of your gingerbread people and place them in the icing of your favorite cupcake recipe? It almost looks like the gingerbread cookie was dancing on the icing and got stuck in it – how cute!
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30+ No Bake Christmas Finger Food Ideas for Your Party This Year
Are you hosting a Christmas party this year? These no bake Christmas finger food ideas will save you time in the kitchen, so you can focus on what matters most: having fun! 30+ No Bake Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Your Party This Year 1. Charcuterie Wreath Make your charcuterie board more festive this year by shaping it into a wreath. Use roasted red peppers, tomatoes, green olives, pickles and fresh rosemary to add holiday colors to the table. Use skewers to make this dish more finger-food-friendly. 2. Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls These no-bake pumpkin cheesecake balls won’t last long. They’re loaded with festive flavors, and they’re so easy to make. You can serve them alone or with melted white chocolate on the side for dipping. 3. Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip Ditch the usual chips and dip and serve your guests cookies and gingerbread cheesecake dip. Cream cheese and Cool Whip spiced up with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Sugar and molasses add a touch of sweetness. What’s not to love? Try serving this with Nilla Wafers, gingerbread cookies and graham crackers. 4. Cranberry Brie Bites Brie is always a crowd-pleaser, but you don’t have to bake it to make a delicious appetizer. Just top Ritz crackers with a slice of brie, a dollop of cranberry sauce and a few sprigs of chives. These little bites are easy to make and even easier to grab and devour. Try serving them on a wood cutting board. Related: 25+ Cutest and Most Creative Christmas Cupcakes to WOW Your Guests 5. Tortilla Pinwheels These festive tortilla pinwheels take just a few minutes to make. Each tortilla is loaded with a flavorful cream cheese filling that has diced chiles, green onions, cheddar cheese and spices. Serve with salsa for dipping, and you have a finger food everyone will love. 6. Cucumber Bites Healthy, festive and easy to make. Blend feta with fresh dill, lemon juice, honey, olive oil and spices. Top slices of cucumber with delicious whipped feta and sprigs of fresh dill. You can even serve the leftover feta with pita chips to use as a dip. 7. Caprese Salad Skewers Finger foods don’t have to be complicated. These caprese salad skewers are festive, delicious and take just minutes to assemble. Sandwich two balls of marinated mozzarella between slices of fresh basil and cherry tomatoes on skewers. Top with balsamic glaze, and serve on a fancy plate. 8. Prosciutto Wrapped Pears These fancy bites are the perfect festive addition to your party. Seasonal pears and arugula leaves wrapped in prosciutto crudo and topped with red pomegranate seeds. Arrange them on a pretty serving platter and enjoy. 9. Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites Looking for no bake Christmas finger food ideas? Try this recipe. Slices of cucumbers are topped with tasty chive cream cheese and small pieces of smoked salmon. You can even add sprigs of fresh dill to make these bites even more festive. 10. Guacamole Stuffed Tomatoes Add holiday colors to your table with these stuffed tomatoes. I recommend using cocktail tomatoes because they’re a little bit bigger than cherry tomatoes. Carefully stuff each tomato with a tasty filling of avocado, jalapeno, garlic, lime and cilantro. Top each one with a sprig of fresh cilantro, and you’re ready to serve. 11. Winter Harvest Endive Cups These endive cups are a feast for the eyes and stomach. Stuff each cup with a mix of fresh pears, celery, pomegranate seeds, pistachios, blue cheese and parsley. Top with a homemade champagne vinaigrette that will impress everyone. 12. Easy Cheesecake Bites These no-bake cheesecake bites look so fancy, but they take just a few minutes to make and only require a handful of ingredients. The filling is nothing more than a mix of cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar and vanilla extract. Fill mini fillo shells with your cheesecake mix and top with fresh berries. 13. Apple and Cheddar Crostini Crispy crostini topped with slices of sharp cheddar, sour apple slices and a drizzle of olive oil. Add sprigs of fresh thyme for color and an extra kick of flavor. This recipe calls for toasting the crostini, but I recommend finding a crostini that’s already crispy so that you can skip this step. 14. Grazing Board Grazing boards are the perfect no-bake appetizer. Fill them with finger foods everyone will love, like deli meats, slices of cheese and fruit, grapes, nuts, olives and pretzels. Add fresh green herbs to incorporate holiday colors into the mix. 15. Caprese Bruschetta Caprese has all of your favorite holiday colors and flavors. Why not transform it into a bruschetta that’s easy for guests to grab and eat? Top slices of crispy sourdough bread with a mix of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, olive oil and balsamic glaze. 16. Stuffed Celery Sticks These celery sticks are stuffed with an addicting filling of cream cheese, herbs, cheddar cheese and bacon. You’ll need a food processor or hand mixer to whip the cream cheese into a smooth and spreadable filling. The rest is easy. Chop celery stalks into bite-sized pieces and fill each boat with your cream cheese spread. Related: 47+ Festive Christmas Tree Ideas to Transform Your Holiday Decor 17. Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Pinwheels are one of the top no bake Christmas finger food ideas because they’re so easy to make and always a crowd favorite. This festive take on the classic recipe adds cranberries and green onions into the mix for a seasonal flavor everyone will love. If you want to get even more festive, you can use a mix of spinach and sundried tomato tortillas. 18. Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers You only need four simple ingredients to make these delicious stuffed peppers: cream cheese, sour cream, everything bagel seasoning and mini bell peppers. Chill your peppers for an hour and you’re ready to serve. 19. Pesto Tortellini Skewers An easy appetizer full of holiday color. Alternate bites of pesto-marinated tortellini with sundried tomato on small skewers. Arrange on a serving platter, and serve. Easy! 20. Smoky Salami Cream Cheese Appetizer Simple and oddly cute with the small cheese ball on top, these salami cream cheese bites wrap pickles, lettuce leaves and cheese inside of a tasty slice of salami. 21. Mini Cheeseball Bites Cheese! Need I say more? Small, colorful cheese balls are made and skewered using ingredients such as bacon, pecans, sliced almonds, white cheddar cheese, horseradish, green onions, dried cranberries, salted sweet cream butter and cream cheese. 22. Cream Cheese & Ricotta Stuffed Piquante Peppers The best things in life take time, and for me, these stuffed peppers are worth so much more than the 25 minutes they take to make. You’ll stuff Piquante peppers with a mixture made of cream cheese, Ricotta cheese, salt and pepper and some basil. And while they taste amazing once prepared, you can also refrigerate them and serve once they reach room temperature. 23. Prosciutto Rolls Proscuitto rolls are one of the simplest ideas on the list, with goat cheese, arugula, lemon and fig preserves wrapped neatly inside of a slice of prosciutto. If you want, you can add other types of cheese or preserves to the roll, but these create a wonderful flavor that you’re sure to love. 24. Veggie Wreath Sometimes, the best finger foods are simple. A few veggies and a dip bowl in the middle are all you need to make this veggie wreath. You’ll want to cut up your fave veggies and place them in a circle with the dip in the middle. A few ideas for your veggies are celery, carrots, peppers and cucumbers. 25. Ritz Bites Ritz Bites are one of the no bake Christmas finger food ideas that a lot of people have been making for years without even seeing this list. You’ll need Ritz Crackers and will need to add ham, brie and cranberries on top for the perfect finger food snack for this year’s festivities. 26. Cucumber Sandwiches Finger foods shouldn’t make you full and stop you from enjoying the entrees on Christmas. Cucumber sandwiches like these are so light and add small slices of cucumbers and a lemon and dill mixture between two pieces of soft bread. Related: 25 Christmas Finger Food Ideas to Try This Year 27. Blackberry Cucumber Caprese Skewers Skewers are almost as popular as crostini this year, and these flavors mix great together. You’ll start with little caprese balls, add the blackberries and then finish with a small cucumber chunk. 28. Melon and Prosciutto Skewers How simple are these skewers to make? You’ll need wooden skewers – like these – and you’ll be skewering a piece of melon and some prosciutto. Perfect for an upscale Christmas party. 29. Smoked Gouda & Apple Crostini Crostini are the perfect finger food, and this time, you’ll add smoked gouda cheese, apple slices and a drizzle of honey on top. Don’t forget to add some fresh thyme leaves on top to offer the perfect taste. 30. Cucumber Hummus Bites Are you a fan of hummus? If so, these cucumber hummus bites are sure to hit the spot. Super simple to make, all you need to do is slice an English cucumber up to use as a “chip” that holds the hummus, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley and salt and pepper. 31. Smoked Salmon Crostini The Jam Jar Kitchen’s crostini recipe is fantastic and a healthier snack than many on the list. You’ll need just ten minutes to prep these, and they make 30 servings. You’ll need: Baguettes Cream cheese Dill Garlic Black pepper Cold smoked salmon Add fresh caper and dill garnish, and you will have a treat for your taste buds. 32. 5-Layer Dip Cups Grab your small dipping cup, tortillas and a handful of other ingredients to assemble five simple layers for this divine dip: Guacamole Sour cream Shredded cheese Salsa Bean dip And while the cute chip is for display, be sure that you have more than one chip out because your guests will gobble this type of dip up.
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30 Festive Christmas Nails You’ll Actually Want To Wear
The holiday season is here, so you know what that means – it’s time for a new festive manicure. With so many parties and gatherings on the calendar, it’s worth the splurge to get into the spirit. Try these 30 festive Christmas nails that you’ll actually want to wear. 30 Festive Christmas Nails You’ll Actually Want To Wear 1. Festive Mistletoe Simple and elegant, these mistletoe nails will catch everyone’s attention. The white and red color scheme pairs well with any winter outfit. You can have your favorite nail artist freehand this design, or you can try these press-on nails with a similar design and look. 2. Nightmare Before Christmas-Inspired Nails Are you a fan of Nightmare Before Christmas? If you prefer things a little dark and moody, you’ll love this design for the holidays. These press-on nails have similar designs. You can use simple black sparkly nail polish for the rest of your nails. 3. Gingerbread Snowflakes How adorable are these nails? Candy cane stripes, red and green sparkly snowflakes and gingerbread houses and men. What’s not to love? You can grab these exact nails as a press-on set on Amazon. But if you have a really talented nail artist, they might be able to create your own custom design. 4. Grinch Nails Are you a fan of the Grinch and his holiday antics? You’ll love these press-on Christmas nails, which have a hand-painted Grinch design – including the iconic Grinch hand holding a red ornament. All 8 nail designs are included in this set. 5. Pink Matte Snowflakes Here’s a gorgeous pink matte design with snowflakes and the classic V-shaped tip. You can grab these exact nails from Walmart for just a few dollars. If you’re not a fan of press-ons, use a matte pink color for your base and use snowflake and V-tip nail decals to pull off this look. 6. Plaid, Snowflakes and Stars Red is the perfect color for Christmas nail designs, and these press-on nails have the perfect subtle designs for the holidays. The plaid, snowflakes and stars designs are festive but not too over the top, so you can wear them just about anywhere – even after the holidays are over. 7. Starry Night Nails I love these nails because they’re different from the usual holiday designs. The rich blue/black color contrasts nicely with the nude-colored nails. I love the cute cat reindeer and ornament designs. But what you’ll really love about these nails is that you can buy the set right on Amazon. 8. Mistletoe and Holly These gorgeous nails have pretty little red rhinestones and elegant painted mistletoe designs. You can use decals for these designs, or your favorite talented nail artist may be able to pull off these designs. 9. Black Winter Press-Ons If you want to change things up, these black Christmas nails are gorgeous. You have the plaid, Burberry-inspired nail, black snowflakes, black stripes and a gorgeous rounded black French tip with a cable knit sweater design. 10. Elegant White Winter Nails These nails are gorgeous (although I’m a little convinced they might be AI-generated). Even if they aren’t for real, I did find pretty tree nail decals you can use to recreate this design. Use a silver sparkly color as your base and create a gradient to a white tip to complete this look. 11. Golden Trees and Stars Here’s a really simple but pretty design for the holidays. This nail sticker set will have almost everything you need to recreate this design, and you can use this ILNP gold nail polish for your ring finger. 12. Simple Elegant Red Nails This red color is gorgeous and elegant – perfect for a holiday party or just to celebrate the season. The subtle snowflake on the ring finger adds a festive touch without being too flashy. This decal set has a ton of snowflake designs to choose from. 13. Snowy Winter Holly I love this nail design because it looks like freshly fallen snow on a winter day. Amazon sells these exact nails as a press-on set, so you can rock this look all holiday season without stressing or breaking the bank. 14. Fun Colorful Christmas Trees These Christmas nails are so fun and colorful. They’re also proof that you don’t need super long nails to pull off something cute for the holidays. The colorful Christmas trees would be easy to paint, and the polka dot designs are the perfect complement to the holiday trees. 15. Rose Gold Snowflakes and Sparkles These rose gold nails are so festive yet elegant. Choose a pretty pale pink color for your first three fingers and metallic rose gold for your ring and pinky. Add a few snowflake decals, and you’re ready to celebrate the holidays. 16. Santa Inspired Nails How cute are these nails? I love the “Ho Ho Ho” decal. It adds something fun to the look. The sparkling white ring finger pops against the red and snowflake designs. 17. Christmas Joy So simple yet so festive and pretty. Holly, white polka dots and “joy” make these nails perfect for the holidays. A talented nail artist can easily recreate this look, but I also found press-on nails with almost the exact same design if you want something really easy and simple. 18. Red and Green Polka Dots I love how simple these nails are, yet they’re still so festive. Red and green metallic polish make these nails pop. And the polka dot middle and ring fingers add a fun touch. You can easily do this yourself if you have a nail art kit. 19. Candy Cane Nails Christmas nails that are designed to look like candy canes are always so cute. You can use red and white to make your own stripes across your nails, but vinyl stencils will make it much easier to make even stripes. Art sticker decals will also do the trick. 20. Red Twinkle and Snowflakes Red is red – everyone will be wearing it during the holidays. Featuring a deep red nail polish, this design really pops, thanks to the white twinkle design, which is easy to mimic thanks to these self-adhesive stickers. If you have a steady hand and a thin brush, you can ditch the stickers and make the twinkle free-hand. 21. Red Tipped If you’re not a nail artist, you’ll appreciate these red-tipped nails. Simple and easy to recreate, all you need is a white and red sparkle nail polish. The hardest part? Blending the red and white to make a seamless gradient. Not sure how to make a realistic gradient? Watch this YouTube video: 22. Millie Glitter Glitter is in this holiday season, and you can easily ditch the nail salon and recreate these looks yourself. While not traditional in any sense, the stylish chose a very light purple color for some nails, white for others and a glitter – like this one. You’ll need to add the sparkly Christmas balls on your own using a thin nail brush. 23. 3D Snowflakes and Silver Silver bells ring through the air at Christmas, but these nails will take you to the next level during the holiday season. Recreating this exact look will be tricky, but I found a close option on Amazon that looks just as good. 24. Holly Tree Nails Holly tree nails are a great look during the holiday season. You’ll find similar press on nails online, but they’re not a 100% match. What’s missing? The silver snowflakes are pressed on top or designed by hand. 25. A Green Christmas A simple green Christmas is a good way to describe these nails. You’ll notice the nails are made with clear and glitter-green nail polish. You can make the snowflake using nail art stickers, such as these ones. 26. Simple Christmas Nails With so many bright nail colors and glitter, it’s refreshing to see a muted color scheme like this on the list. You’ll need a dark red and green color, as well as a cream and thin nail brush. A thin nail brush will make it easy to add the stripes to one nail, like in the Pin above. 27. Sugar Cookie Nail Art Multiple shades of pink are used for these nails that feature a gingerbread man on one nail (how cute, right?), one nail that uses a darker pink with glitter and stripes and the pointer finger has a glitter swirl coming from the middle that completes the look. 28. White Snowflake Press Ons It’s amazing what a talented nail artist can do. Imagine these nails on a person with a white, elegant dress. Silver glitter is used to accentuate the nails, along with white stripes and even snowflakes. If you’re not a nail artist, I’m happy to report that you can buy this exact look on Amazon – just apply. 29. Snowbear Bliss How adorable are these nails? One is painted a light blue with snowflake decals on them, but the real star of the show is the snowbear – a cute bear with a scarf – that is painted onto the nail. Using a thin brush, you can recreate this look with an oval body for the bar, circular ears and black dots for the eyes and nose. 30. Red Sparkles and Snowflakes Red is an iconic color at Christmas and one that will make your nails the focal point of any party. And with this nail idea, it’s so simple. All you need to do is apply red glitter nail polish and use a nail decal for the snowflake. You can get the 3D self-adhesive nail decal here and apply it using tweezers if you want to be very precise.
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25+ Cutest and Most Creative Christmas Cupcakes to WOW Your Guests
It’s the holiday season – which means it’s time to start baking! This year, why not wow your guests with creative and delicious Christmas cupcakes? I have 25+ awesome ideas for you to try this year. 25+ Cutest and Most Creative Christmas Cupcakes to WOW Your Guests 1. Gingerbread Cupcakes Gingerbread is synonymous with Christmas, and these cupcakes are just too good to pass up. The best part? They’re so easy to make. Along with the usual baking suspects, you’ll need classic holiday spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves) and some molasses. Try adding crushed gingerbread cookies as a finishing touch for these tasty treats. 2. White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes How adorable are these peppermint cupcakes? I love that they’re filled with a soft white chocolate fudge and topped with candy cane-swirled buttercream. Add mini candy canes and crushed peppermint to finish these Instagram-worthy cupcakes. Related: 25 Christmas Finger Food Ideas to Try This Year 3. Soft Gingerbread Cupcakes with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting These cupcakes are decadently soft and adorable, thanks to the waving gingerbread men. Both the cake and frosting recipes are easy to follow. While you can use store-bought gingerbread man cookies, I recommend making your own and using this fun waving gingerbread man cookie cutter to shape your treats. Don’t forget to add a dusting of cinnamon to your cupcakes before serving. 4. Fudgy Reindeer Cupcakes These reindeer cupcakes are adorable, and this is one recipe the kids will be eager to help with. Chocolate, fudgy cupcakes topped with an irresistible chocolate buttercream frosting and decorated to look like little reindeer. You’ll need pretzels for the antlers, M&Ms for the nose, and edible eyes. 5. Hot Cocoa Cupcake Mugs These are some of the most creative Christmas cupcakes I’ve seen. Soft chocolate cupcakes topped with buttercream frosting, mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint and chocolate chips. Mini candy canes are attached to the side to transform each cupcake into a “mug.” This recipe calls for cake mix, which will save you some time in the kitchen. 6. Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cupcakes These fancy cupcakes are sure to impress your guests. They’re a labor of love, but they are worth every second of your time. Each gorgeous cupcake is stuffed with cranberry compote and topped with a white chocolate orange buttercream frosting. Top with white sprinkles and sugared cranberries for a show-stopping dessert everyone will love. 7. Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream These hot chocolate cupcakes are delightful, and they look adorable topped with mini marshmallows and hot fudge. The recipe is super simple and uses a chocolate fudge cake mix to speed things up. Hot cocoa and chocolate pudding make these cupcakes extra-rich and decadent. 8. Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes We love all things gingerbread during the holidays, and these cupcakes are extra-special because they’re topped with espresso buttercream (yum!). You’ll need espresso baking powder and gingerbread man cookies to decorate your cupcakes. 9. Strawberry Christmas Tree Cupcakes This cupcake’s frosting hides a sweet surprise: strawberries. What a creative way to get a Christmas tree shape for the top of a cupcake. This creative blogger gives you step-by-step instructions on how to make these adorable cupcakes. Related: 15+ Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas That Are Full of Style 10. Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes These whimsical cupcakes are topped with gum drops, sugar cookies, sprinkles and peppermint candies. The rich, moist cake features peach jam to give it an extra-sweet taste. Vanilla almond buttercream completes these delicious cupcakes that will disappear as soon as you serve them to guests. 11. Black Forest Cupcake Wreath Here’s a creative way to serve your Christmas cupcakes – turn them into a giant wreath. This pull-apart style cupcake wreath features a delicious chocolate cake base and decadent buttercream frosting topped with sweet cherries and shaved chocolate. 12. Santa Belt Cupcakes These Santa belt cupcakes are perfect for family parties, and the kids can even help decorate them. The cupcakes themselves are just a simple vanilla cake recipe topped with homemade buttercream frosting. You’ll need piping bags and tips for this recipe to make Santa’s buttons and belt buckle. 13. Melting Snowman Cupcakes These melting snowman cupcakes are so fun and creative. They look complicated, but they’re super simple to make. Just use your favorite cake mix for the cupcakes and top with white frosting. Add a marshmallow for the snowman’s head, and use pretzels for arms. Use black and orange frosting for the buttons, eyes and nose. 14. Grinch Inspired Cupcakes No list of Christmas cupcakes is complete without at least one Grinch-themed recipe. You’ll need to get creative with this one because the hat, eyes and expression are all freehand-drawn with a piping bag. The cake itself is simple to make. You’ll need a good food coloring set to get all of the different colored frostings right. 15. Eggnog Cupcakes These eggnog cupcakes are one of my favorite holiday treats. Both the cake and the frosting have eggnog, so the flavor really comes through. To make these cupcakes extra-special, add a cinnamon stick and a dusting of nutmeg to each one. 16. Christmas Tree Cupcakes These Christmas tree cupcakes are perfect for any holiday party, and I love that the cupcakes have an espresso flavor. The frosting is super easy to make. Just make sure you grab some star sprinkles and colorful holiday sprinkles to make the frosting look like a Christmas tree. 17. Easy Snowman Cupcakes Snowmen cupcakes are so cute, but this one may be my favorite one on the list. You’ll make your cupcakes like normal – you know the drill by now – and then dip the white-frosted cupcake into a mixture of crystallized decorating sugar and vanilla frosting. And to make the snowman face, you’ll use mini chocolate chips and butterscotch chips for the nose. 18. Christmas Wreath Cupcakes Is it a cupcake or a wreath? And, before looking at the recipe, can we all appreciate the adorable bow on the cupcake? If you have time this holiday season, you can make these picture-perfect cupcakes with: Blue food coloring White melting wafers Blue party sprinkles And for the ribbon that I just mentioned, the author of this recipe uses a ribbon mold and pours the white chocolate into it. Amazon has molds that will work perfectly for this occasion. Related: Easy Christmas Treats – 25+ Recipes to Wow Your Guests 19. Snowman Cupcakes Snowmen are always on the television at this time of year and in peoples’ yards (when it does snow). And now, you can make these adorable snowman cupcakes featuring a classic vanilla buttercream frosting. And then comes the fun part of making the snowman out of icing and sprinkles. If you need a true centerpiece for your table this Christmas, these cupcakes are it. They taste as amazing as they look. 20. White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Cupcakes White chocolate peppermint Christmas cupcakes look amazing on your table during the holidays, and this recipe “cheats” a little but because you’re using: Vanilla cake mix White chocolate pudding mix But you’ll also need vanilla extract, confectioners’ sugar, candy canes, peppermint bark squares and crunch baking chips. 21. Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Does peppermint remind you of Christmas? These cupcakes are decadent and stunning to look at. To make them, you’ll add peppermint extract to the cupcake batter, but the frosting is where all of the action is at. Your chocolate peppermint drizzle is made from bittersweet chocolate, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract and crushed candy canes. Bake in a 12-cup cupcake pan and you’re good to go. 22. Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes Chocolate. Peppermint. What’s not to like? Indulgent doesn’t even begin to describe these cupcakes, with mint chocolate mousse, marshmallow frosting, peppermint extract, heavy cream, cream of tartar and other divine ingredients. 23. Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cupcakes Chocolate-covered pretzels are one of my fave snacks. Add them on top of a cupcake and I can barely control my tastebuds. For the salty pretzel frosting, you’ll need: Pretzel crumbs Powdered sugar Vanilla extract Cocoa powder And to finish the decoration on top, you’ll add semi-sweet chocolate chips, chocolate-covered pretzels and heavy whipping cream. 24. Polar Bear Cupcakes Polar bear cupcakes are easy to make and taste delish if you are a fan of coconut. The topping uses butter, icing sugar, milk, fondant icing and shredded coconut flakes. You can easily prep these cupcakes in 10 minutes and be eating them 20 minutes later. 25. White Chocolate & Orange Reindeer Cupcakes It’s going to be hard for anyone making these Christmas cupcakes to eat them with how cute the reindeer faces are. For the “decorations,” you’ll use red and black fondant and edible glitter, and marmalade is added to the middle of the cupcakes for a surprise treat for anyone eating them. If you have kids, this is a great recipe that they can help with to make the baking a true family-friendly event. 26. S’mores Cupcakes If you love bonfires and s’mores, you’ll want to try this recipe – now. Sixteen servings of pure bliss await as you make traditional cupcakes with flour, milk, vanilla extract, eggs and other ingredients, and a homemade icing. But the real fun comes with the sinful garnish made of graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallow sauce, chocolate sauce, chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. 27. Gingerbread Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting We’re starting and ending with gingerbread cupcakes today. Nicole Crocker offers an amazing recipe that takes just 35 minutes to bake up 33 delish cupcakes. You’ll need the usual suspects: ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, molasses, flour and more. You’ll also need caramel sauce, which you’ll drizzle on top of the frosting.
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47+ Festive Christmas Tree Ideas to Transform Your Holiday Decor
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself getting more and more excited about decorating my Christmas tree. There’s something magical about transforming a simple evergreen into a sparkling centerpiece that brings joy and warmth to the whole house. If you’re like me and love exploring new Christmas tree decor ideas each year, you’re in for a treat! I’ve put together a list of my top 47+ Christmas tree ideas to inspire your holiday decor this season. From classic styles to trendy themes, there’s something here for everyone. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and let’s dive into these festive Christmas tree decor ideas! 1. Sage Green Christmas Tree I’m absolutely in love with the sage green Christmas tree trend this year. It’s a fresh take on the traditional green tree that adds a touch of sophistication to your holiday decor. To achieve this look, I recommend using a mix of sage green and white ornaments, with hints of silver for some sparkle. You can add some dried eucalyptus garlands to enhance the sage green theme and bring a natural, organic feel to your tree. 2. Rustic and Woodland Christmas Tree Decor There’s something so cozy about a rustic, woodland-themed Christmas tree. I love using a flocked tree as the base for this look – it gives the impression of freshly fallen snow. Decorate with pinecones, wooden ornaments, and burlap ribbon for that perfect cabin-in-the-woods feel. 3. Winter Wonderland Theme Transform your living room into a magical winter wonderland with a beautifully flocked tree adorned with icy blue and silver ornaments. I find that adding crystal or glass icicle ornaments really enhances the frosty effect. 4. Classic Red and Green You can’t go wrong with the timeless combination of red and green. Use a mix of matte and shiny ornaments for added depth. Look for ornaments with different textures – matte, glittery, and shiny – to add visual interest to your tree. 5. Glamorous Gold and Champagne For a touch of luxury, I adore decorating a flocked tree with gold and champagne ornaments. The combination of the snowy white tree and warm metallic tones creates a truly elegant look. 6. Champagne Christmas Tree Speaking of champagne, why not go all out with a fully champagne-themed tree? This monochromatic look is surprisingly versatile and can fit into both modern and traditional decor schemes. Mix in some pearl or cream-colored ornaments to add depth to your champagne color scheme. 7. Green and Gold Christmas Tree Green and gold is another classic combination that never goes out of style. I find it gives a rich, regal look to any Christmas tree. Use different shades of green ornaments along with gold accents for a stunning effect. Gold leaf garland can add an extra touch of elegance to your green and gold theme. 8. Neutral Christmas Tree Decor For those who prefer a more subdued look, a neutral Christmas tree can be absolutely beautiful. Think whites, creams, and light browns. I love how calming and elegant this style can be. Incorporate different textures like burlap, linen, and wool to add interest to your neutral palette. 9. Bohemian Christmas Tree Decor Embrace your free spirit with a boho-inspired Christmas tree. I’m talking beige tassels, macramé ornaments, and lots of texture. This is a great opportunity to showcase handmade or artisanal decorations. Look for neutral pom-pom garlands to add that perfect boho touch. Related: 15+ Insanely Beautiful Macrame Christmas Tree Tutorials to Try This Year 10. Girly Christmas Tree Decor For all the girly girls out there, why not make your Christmas tree a celebration of all things feminine? Think pink ornaments, glitter, and maybe even some feather boas as garland. You can add some sparkly butterfly or flower ornaments for an extra feminine touch. 11. Farmhouse Christmas Tree Decor The farmhouse style has been hugely popular in recent years, and it translates beautifully to Christmas decor. I love using galvanized metal ornaments, wooden signs, and buffalo check ribbon for that perfect farmhouse feel. 12. Nordic Christmas Tree Decor There’s something so cozy and inviting about Nordic-inspired Christmas decor. Think clean lines, lots of white, and natural elements like wooden stars and felt ornaments. 13. Vintage Antique Christmas Tree Decor For a nostalgic feel, try decorating your tree with antique or vintage-inspired ornaments. I love the charm of old glass baubles and tinsel garlands. Look for reproduction vintage glass ornaments to get the look without the fragility of true antiques. 14. Romantic Christmas Tree Decor Create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere with soft colors like blush pink, cream, and silver. I find that adding some floral elements or even roses and perhaps some lace ribbon as garland really enhances the romantic feel. Use soft, warm white lights to create a gentle glow that complements the romantic theme. Here is another Romantic Christmas tree with teddy bears: 15. French Country Christmas Tree Decor Bring a touch of Provence to your holiday decor with a French country-inspired Christmas tree. I love using ornaments in shades of blue and gold, along with natural elements like lavender sprigs and wheat sheaves. Look for toile fabric ribbon to use as garland for an authentic French country touch. 16. Black Christmas Tree Decor For a bold and dramatic look, consider a black Christmas tree. It’s unexpected and can be incredibly chic when done right. I like pairing it with gold or silver ornaments for a glamorous effect. 17. Pink Christmas Tree Decor A pink Christmas tree is perfect for those who want to add a playful, whimsical touch to their holiday decor. I love mixing different shades of pink with white and silver for a dreamy, cotton candy-like effect. Here is another pink Christmas tree idea I love: 18. Avant-Garde Christmas Tree Decor For the true trendsetters, an avant-garde Christmas tree can be a real showstopper. Take a look at this creative balloon and disco ball Christmas tree. Think unconventional colors or unexpected materials, and unique ornament shapes. I once saw a tree decorated entirely with geometric paper sculptures and it was stunning! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – use non-traditional items as ornaments to create a truly unique tree. Here is another great out of the box example: 19. Coastal Christmas Tree Decor Bring the beach to your Christmas celebration with a coastal-themed tree. I love using shades of blue and aqua, along with natural elements like seashells and starfish as ornaments. A cool idea is to DIY glass ball ornaments filled with sand and tiny seashells for an authentic beach vibe. 20. Palm Leaf Christmas Tree A palm leaf Christmas tree, made entirely from palm leaves, is a minimalist yet striking take on holiday decor. It’s perfect for those who love a natural, earthy aesthetic and want a tropical twist on the classic Christmas tree. The simplicity of the palm leaves creates a unique, eco-friendly look that stands out without traditional ornaments or tinsel. 21. Pampas Grass Christmas Tree A pampas grass Christmas tree brings a cozy, boho vibe to holiday decor, perfect for creating a soft, natural look. Made entirely from fluffy pampas grass plumes, this tree has a beautiful, feathery texture that adds warmth and elegance to any space. It’s a unique alternative to traditional trees, with a neutral color palette that pairs well with rustic, minimalist, or modern decor styles. Related: 24 Boho Christmas Decor Ideas to Nail This Aesthetic 22. Minimalist Christmas Tree Decor Sometimes less is more, and that’s certainly true for a minimalist Christmas tree. I find that using just a few carefully chosen ornaments can create a striking, modern look. Tip: Stick to a monochromatic color scheme for the ultimate minimalist look. 23. Candy-Themed Christmas Tree Decor For a fun and whimsical look, try a candy-themed Christmas tree. I love using ornaments that look like wrapped candies, lollipops, and even gingerbread men. Look for candy cane-striped ribbon to use as garland. 24. Metallic Christmas Tree Decor Create a dazzling display with a metallic-themed Christmas tree. Mix silver, gold, and rose gold ornaments for a luxurious, eye-catching look. Add some mirrored ornaments to enhance the reflective, shimmering effect. 25. Ombre Christmas Tree Decor For a modern twist on traditional Christmas tree decor ideas, try an ombre effect. Start with light-colored ornaments at the top and gradually transition to darker shades as you move down the tree. Look for sets of ornaments that come in graduated colors to make creating the ombre effect easier. 26. Nature-Inspired Christmas Tree Decor Bring the outdoors in with a nature-inspired Christmas tree. I love using ornaments shaped like birds, pinecones, and leaves, along with real or faux branches as filler. 27. Monochromatic Christmas Tree Decor Choose your favorite color and go all in! A monochromatic Christmas tree can be surprisingly striking. I once did an all-blue tree and it was absolutely magical. Look for ornaments in different textures and finishes to add depth to your monochromatic scheme. 28. Glam Gingerbread Christmas Tree A Glam Gingerbread Christmas tree combines the whimsical charm of a gingerbread house with a luxe, sparkling holiday vibe. Picture a tree adorned with gingerbread-inspired ornaments like little cookie houses, candy canes, and sugar-like glitter, mixed with glamorous touches like gold ribbons, glass ornaments, and shimmering accents. This style balances the playful, cozy feel of gingerbread decor with elegant, eye-catching elements that make the tree a centerpiece. Perfect for creating a warm, inviting look that still feels upscale, this tree is ideal for anyone who loves both traditional Christmas sweetness and a hint of holiday glitz! Related: 25 Christmas Finger Food Ideas to Try This Year 29. Patriotic Christmas Tree Decor Show your national pride with a red, white, and blue Christmas tree. This can be especially meaningful for military families or those who want to celebrate both Christmas and patriotic holidays. Tip: Add some star-shaped ornaments to enhance the patriotic theme. 30. Tropical Christmas Tree Decor Bring a taste of the tropics to your holiday decor with bright colors and exotic-inspired ornaments. I love using shades of pink, orange, and green along with ornaments shaped like pineapples or tropical flowers. Look for flamingo ornaments to add a fun, tropical touch. Here is a cute example: 31. Pineapple Christmas Tree A Pineapple Christmas tree is a fun, tropical twist on traditional holiday decor! To get that classic pineapple look, cover your tree with a golden netting that gives it a textured, golden “skin” appearance, then add a few palm leaves to the top for the perfect pineapple crown. This quirky and creative idea brings a splash of sunshine to your Christmas decor, ideal for anyone craving a beachy, warm holiday vibe. 32. Celestial Christmas Tree Decor Create a dreamy, starry night effect with a celestial-themed Christmas tree. Use lots of star and moon-shaped ornaments, along with deep blue and silver decorations. Add some fairy lights or twinkle lights to enhance the starry effect. 33. Plaid Christmas Tree Decor Embrace the cozy, cabin feel with a plaid-themed Christmas tree. Use plaid ribbon as garland and mix in solid-colored ornaments that match your plaid color scheme. Look for plaid-patterned ball ornaments to complement your plaid ribbon. 34. Snowman-Themed Christmas Tree Decor Create a winter wonderland with a snowman-themed tree. Use lots of white ornaments, along with snowman figurines and carrot-shaped ornaments for noses! Add some “coal” buttons using black ornaments or pom-poms. 35. Woodland Animal Christmas Tree Decor Create a forest feel with a woodland animal-themed tree. Use lots of natural elements like pinecones and twigs, along with ornaments shaped like foxes, deer, and owls. Decor Tip: Add some faux fur elements to enhance the woodland creature theme. 36. Icy Blue Christmas Tree Decor Create a frosty wonderland with an icy blue Christmas tree theme. I love using various shades of blue ornaments, from pale sky blue to deep navy, mixed with silver and white for that perfect wintry feel. Add some clear or iridescent icicle ornaments to enhance the icy effect. 37. Vintage Toy Christmas Tree Decor Bring back childhood memories with a vintage toy-themed Christmas tree. I find it charming to use ornaments shaped like old-fashioned toys like rocking horses, teddy bears, and toy soldiers. Try to look for miniature vintage-style sleds or wagons to use as unique tree ornaments. 38. Rainbow Christmas Tree Decor For a vibrant and cheerful look, try a rainbow-themed Christmas tree. I love arranging ornaments in ROYGBIV order from top to bottom for a stunning ombre effect. Use clear lights to let the colorful ornaments shine, or try color-changing LED lights for an extra festive touch. Related: 15 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gift Ideas Everyone Will Love 39. Music-Themed Christmas Tree Decor Celebrate the sounds of the season with a music-themed Christmas tree. Incorporate ornaments shaped like musical notes, instruments, and even miniature carol books. Look for a tree topper shaped like a golden treble clef to complete the musical theme. 40. Fairy Christmas Tree Decor A Fairy Christmas tree brings a magical, enchanted forest vibe to holiday decor! Picture a tree decorated with twinkling fairy lights, delicate tulle or gauzy ribbons, and whimsical ornaments like tiny fairy wings, butterflies, mini woodland creatures, and sparkling stars. Soft colors like pastel pinks, whites, and silvers enhance the dreamy atmosphere, making the tree feel like it’s straight out of a fairytale. 41. Scandinavian Christmas Tree Decor Embrace the simplicity and warmth of Scandinavian design with a Nordic-inspired Christmas tree. I love using lots of white, natural wood elements, and simple geometric shapes. Add some traditional Swedish Dala horse ornaments for an authentic touch. 42. Foodie Christmas Tree Decor For the culinary enthusiasts, a food-themed Christmas tree can be a delightful twist on traditional decor. Use ornaments shaped like various foods and kitchen utensils. Look for glass ornaments shaped like your favorite fruits or desserts. 43. Travel-Themed Christmas Tree Decor Celebrate your wanderlust with a travel-themed Christmas tree. I love using ornaments representing different countries or landmarks, along with miniature globes and suitcases. 44. Pastel Christmas Tree Decor A pastel Christmas tree is all about creating a soft, dreamy holiday look that brings a fresh twist to traditional Christmas colors. Decorate with ornaments in delicate hues—think blush pink, mint green, lavender, and baby blue—and pair with shimmery silver or rose gold accents to add a touch of elegance. 45. Citrus Christmas Tree Decor Bring a fresh, zesty feel to your holiday decor with a citrus-themed Christmas tree. Use ornaments in shades of orange, yellow, and green, along with dried citrus slices for a natural touch. Look for scented ornaments with citrus fragrances to engage multiple senses. 46. Jewel Tone Christmas Tree Decor Create a rich, opulent look with a jewel tone Christmas tree. I love using deep purples, emerald greens, and sapphire blues for a truly regal effect. Mix in some gold accents to enhance the luxurious feel of the jewel tones. 47. Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree Decor For an environmentally conscious approach, try decorating your tree with eco-friendly ornaments. Use natural materials like wood, felt, and recycled paper, or even edible decorations like popcorn garlands. Final Thoughts As we wrap up this extensive list of Christmas tree ideas, I hope you’ve found plenty of inspiration for your holiday decorating. Remember, the best Christmas tree is one that reflects your personal style and brings joy to you and your loved ones. Whether you prefer classic elegance, modern chic, or whimsical charm, there’s a Christmas tree theme out there for everyone.
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25 Christmas Finger Food Ideas to Try This Year
If you are looking for finger foods for your next Christmas party or gathering, you are in the right place! We compiled a list of 25 of the best Christmas finger food ideas for the ultimate inspiration! Christmas Finger Food Ideas 1. Pull Apart Christmas Tree This pull apart Christmas tree appetizer is sure to wow everyone at the party! It’s warm, yummy, creamy spinach dip stuffed in a chewy pizza crust. What’s not to love? The best part is that this recipe is super easy to make and only requires a few ingredients, so it’s perfect if you need something last minute. We recommend this cookie sheet because it distributes heat evenly, making sure your Christmas tree is cooked just right! 2. Christmas Tree Sandwiches If you’re looking for Christmas finger food ideas that are super simple and great for the kiddos, you definitely need to try these Christmas tree sandwiches! They are super easy to make. All you need is a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out the sandwiches after you assemble them, and viola! 3. Cranberry Brie Bites You and everyone else will absolutely love these delicious cranberry brie bites with melty brie topped with tangy, sweet cranberry sauce, all in a bite-sized phyllo cup! YUM! The best part is you only need 3 ingredients for these bites, so they take minimum effort. If you can’t find phyllo cups, you can get them here! 4. Christmas Deviled Eggs Deviled eggs are always a great Christmas finger food idea! I mean, we think deviled eggs are perfect for any occasion! These Christmas deviled eggs take it up a notch with the inclusion of fresh herbs and pomegranate for Christmas colors, and the lemon and garlic brighten them up to create a delicious balance of flavors! 5. Easy Cucumber Christmas Trees Forget a veggie tray! If you are feeling a bit creative and looking for Christmas finger food ideas that are healthy and great for the kiddos, look no further! These easy cumber trees are super adorable and are sure to be a huge hit! You will need some tools to pull these off, though, such as a mandolin and a mini-star cookie cutter. 6. Prosciutto Wrapped Pears These prosciutto-wrapped pears are super sophisticated and perfect for your next Christmas party! They are absolutely delicious with the bright flavors of the arugula and olive oil combined with juicy pomegranate and pear, wrapped in salty prosciutto. 7. Sausage Balls No Christmas event would be complete without savory sausage balls! We love sausage balls because they only need a few ingredients and are super easy to put together. If you have never tried sausage balls, you should definitely give them a try! You can even make them festive with these adorable little toothpicks. 8. Pecan Pie Bites Everyone loves pecan pie during the holiday season, but sometimes you just want a little bite instead of a whole piece! That’s where these adorable little pecan pie bites come in! It’s just like pecan pie, but in little bite-size pieces, so you can get your pecan pie fix without overdoing it! Related: 24 DIY Christmas Craft Ideas on a Budget (for Kids and Adults!) 9. Christmas Pinwheels These Christmas pinwheels are super cute, delicious, and healthy! They are a perfect finger food for those looking for something on the lighter side that isn’t so rich and heavy, as well as those wanting to make healthier options even during the holiday season! They are super easy to make, so you can pull them together in no time! Keep in mind that you will need a little star cookie cutter for these! You can find one here! 10. Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts When you think of bacon-wrapped appetizers, I am sure water chestnuts do not come to your mind! However, these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts are a unique and delicious appetizer that will be perfect for your Christmas party or even just to make at home for the family! They are also super easy to make, and you only need a few ingredients. You definitely need to give these a try! 11. Baked Mac and Cheese Bites All the delicious things you love about mac and cheese made into bites in a mini-muffin tin! Umm, yum! These mac and cheese bites are sure to be a huge hit at your next get-together! The best part is they are perfect for kiddos, so it makes a great, family-friendly option! 12. Apple Cider Doughnut Holes These apple cider doughnut holes are just the ticket for the christmas season since the weather is cold! They are warm and delicious, packed with amazing apple cider flavor! Doughnut holes may seem intimidating at first, but they are actually quite simple to make. Once you get the hang of it, you will be making doughnut holes for every occasion! 13. Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese This is one of our favorite Christmas finger food ideas! These bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese are super yummy! They have the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and salty, which creates an absolutely incredible flavor profile! We recommend serving them on an adorable Christmas serving tray like this one! 14. Caprese Tortellini Skewers These Caprese tortellini skewers are bright and colorful, making them perfect for the festive Christmas season! They are also super delicious, and their fresh, crisp flavor makes them the perfect option when you are looking for something on the lighter side! 15. Caramelized Pigs in a Blanket These caramelized pigs in a blanket are a delicious take on classic pigs in a blanket and will definitely have everyone asking you how to make them for themselves! In fact, we recommend making an extra batch to keep up for yourself! Since these pigs in a blanket are on the sticky side, we recommend using toothpicks or skewers to make them easy to pick up and eat. 16. Spinach Artichoke Cups We love the idea of these spinach artichoke cups, and they are the perfect finger food for your Christmas party or really whenever! It’s basically spinach artichoke dip in convenient little bite-sized cups! YUM! They are also super easy to make, and you only need a few things to pull them together, so they are a great option if you need something fast! 17. Apple Brie Tarts If you are looking for Christmas finger food ideas that are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, these apple brie tarts are just what you are looking for! You will need a mini muffin pan for this recipe. Related: Best Christmas Cheesecake Ideas to WOW Your Guests 18. French Onion Cups French onion soup is a favorite among many with its ooey gooey cheese, deep, rich French onion flavors, and crunchy croutons! It’s a comfort food for sure! That’s why these French onion cups are perfect for Christmas when the temperatures are cool! You get all the wonderful things about French onion soup out into a warm, delicious cup! Everyone will definitely be begging you for the recipe. 19. Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups If you love pickles, these ham and pickle roll-ups are the perfect Christmas finger food for your next Christmas get-together! Not to mention, they are a favorite among even the pickiest of eaters, so kids will absolutely love them! They are super easy to make, so that you can whip them up in a pinch! You could also let your kids make them while you work on something else! 20. Turkey Cranberry Sliders These turkey cranberry sliders are one of the best Christmas finger food ideas ever! They are a great option if you are looking for ways to use up any leftover turkey you have! They are also incredibly easy to put together and seriously delicious. What makes these sliders pop is the delicious buttery poppy seed topping, so you definitely don’t want to skip this step! 21. Grape Jelly Meatballs We love these crockpot grape jelly meatballs because they are super easy to make and you only need a few ingredients! Just throw all of the ingredients in your crockpot and cook them on high for about 2 ½ hours. Once they are done, you can leave them on warm until you need them! When you are ready to serve them, you can use these super cute Christmas toothpicks to be ultra festive! Related: Easy Christmas Treats – 25+ Recipes to Wow Your Guests 22. Fried Ravioli These fried ravioli appetizer bites are definitely a huge crowd-pleaser! They are also super popular with kids, which makes them great for almost any Christmas function! 23. Pretzel Bites If you thought you had to go to the mall or a restaurant to get delicious pretzel bites, think again! These warm, chewy, salty pretzel bites will blow everyone away! We recommend serving with a few different dipping sauces, such as gourmet mustard and beer cheese! 24. Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls Instead of a traditional cheeseball, give these cranberry pecan mini goat cheese balls a try! They are deliciously sweet and tangy with the slight bitterness of pecans, and they are rolled into convenient little bite-sized balls on a pretzel stick to make them super easy to serve! 25. Crock Pot Little Smokies These crock pot lil smokies are a classic, and they are always the first to go at any gathering or event! We love these because they are super easy to make and only require 3 ingredients! You can cook them on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1.5. Either way, they allow you to make it and leave it until it’s time to serve!
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24 Boho Christmas Decor Ideas to Nail This Aesthetic
Boho Christmas decor is totally trendy, and we are here for it! However, you may be wondering how to bring the boho aesthetic into your Christmas decor. If this is you, you are in the right place! We found 24 of the best boho Christmas decor ideas to give you inspiration so you can nail this aesthetic! Boho Christmas Decor 1. Pom Pom Garland We absolutely love this pom pom garland. The Boho vibe always embraces pom-pom-style items because they add texture to the room! You can find pom pom garland here, or you can make your own using this super easy tutorial. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors! You can use colors like in this pin, or you can go with more traditional red and green! 2. Craft Gift Wrapping Paper Craft paper has a natural and organic vibe, so it’s brilliant to use for wrapping presents for a Boho Christmas aesthetic. It creates an artsy feel and gives you more freedom to decorate your gifts to fit your personality. You can find craft wrapping paper here! Pair it with some cute boho-inspired ribbon like this and some tassels instead of traditional bows! 3. Twine Christmas Trees If you’re looking for Boho Christmas decor that you can DIY with your kids or even on your own, these twine Christmas trees are perfect! They are super adorable and so easy to put together. Check out the tutorial here. 4. Macramé Ornaments You will be hard-pressed to find any boho-inspired decor without some macrame, so chic macrame ornaments should be a must on your Christmas tree. We just love this set of macrame ornaments on Amazon! 5. Faux Fur Stockings Boho implements a lot of texture in its style, so faux fur stockings are a great way to add some texture to your boho Christmas decor. You can find the most adorable faux fur stockings here! 6. Gold Dipped Recycled Paper Ornaments These gold-dipped recycled paper ornaments are so adorable! They are perfect for a boho-inspired Christmas tree, and the best part is that you make them yourself! This would be a super fun project to do with the kiddos! You can find the full tutorial here! 7. Bottle Brush Trees This is one of our favorite boho Christmas decor ideas! These bottle brush trees totally fit the Boho vibe and look totally chic. Mix and match with different sizes to create depth in your space. You can find bottle brush trees here! 8. Christmas Tree Basket This boho Christmas decor idea is just brilliant! Trade out your traditional Christmas tree stand and skirt for a tree in a basket. Here is a set of three baskets, so you can use one for your tree and the other two for decor in other places you want to style boho. You can also find a blanket here to wrap around the bottom of your tree. 9. Eucalyptus Garland We love the idea of using eucalyptus garland in your boho Christmas decor! You can use fresh eucalyptus or faux eucalyptus garland. Either way, this look will look stunning with your boho decor. You can even add in some large wooden beads for an earthy vibe. You can find eucalyptus garland here! 10. Macrame Tree Decor Here is another super cute project you can do to complete your boho Christmas decor! We love this because it is something fun you can do with your kids or even if you just like crafting. You can hang these trees on the wall or put them on your tree. Here are 15+ insanely beautiful Macrame Christmas tree tutorials you can follow! If you don’t have time to make them, you can buy some like them here! 11. Twine Ornaments These twine ornaments are just darling! They are so chic and would look amazing on a boho Christmas tree! Pair them with some other boho ornaments like macrame ornaments and beaded ornaments. If you want to try this look for yourself, you can find them here! 12. Tree Artwork Artwork is a key element in boho spaces, so this Christmas tree artwork is perfect for a boho Christmas aesthetic. We love this wall art if your space includes any pink hues or something like this if you want a more neutral vibe. 13. Fairy Light Christmas Tree We just love this boho Christmas decor idea! It is so unique, and the warm, glowy lights will create a calm and relaxing environment for you to unwind and watch your favorite Christmas movies! See how to achieve this dazzling wall art here! 14. Chunky Macrame Christmas Wreath This chunky macrame Christmas wreath is just adorable! You can hang it on a wall or a mirror or replace your traditional wreath on your front door! If you want to try this look, here are the instructions to make it! If you don’t want to make it yourself or don’t have time, you can find one similar here. Or try this amazing Pampas Grass Wreath from Amazon here! 15. Burlap Christmas Sign This cute boho Christmas sign is perfect to hang on your wall or over your mantle! Get creative and drape some boho beads along with it. You can find a sign like this here! 16. Paper Bag Stars These paper bag stars are so cute and would be a perfect project to do with your kids! They are a unique festive take on the basket wall decor usually found in boho spaces. You can do them in whatever color you like. Red and green are Christmas colors, or in colors to match your other decor! Here are the instructions showing you how to make these super cute paper bag stars! You can also get the paper bags you need here! 17. Boho Advent Calendar No Christmas would be complete without an advent calendar, and we love this adorable idea for your boho Christmas decor. You can snag this one here! 18. Wooden Star decor This rustic tree star decoration is super boho and will look great with your Christmas decor! It may look simple, but it will totally make a statement! The best part is that this is a DIY craft, so it will be a fun project, especially if you have kids! 19. Pinecones Boho is all about embracing earthy elements and things made from nature, which is why pinecones are a must in your boho Christmas decor. Use them for a decorative garland, or dip them in paint and make some creative ornaments out of them. You can also make a gorgeous pinecone wreath! If you don’t have pinecones in your yard, you can find some here! 20. Dried Fruit Ornaments Dried fruit ornaments not only look beautiful on a boho Christmas tree, but they also fill the air with an amazing smell! Dried fruit is also great for garland and would look stunning with your eucalyptus! You can snag some dried fruit ornaments here, or if you want to DIY, check out this tutorial! 21. A white Christmas Tree One way to nail the boho Christmas aesthetic is to swap your green tree out for a white one! This will totally brighten up your space and allow the rest of your boho decor to really stand out. Pair with your macrame and twine ornaments. You can also add in some gold or copper ball ornaments to add in a metallic feel. If you want to try this idea, you can find a white tree here! 22. Burlap Pillows Burlap pillows are long known as a farmhouse staple, but did you know they also look amazing in boho rooms? Burlap has a natural vibe, making it a perfect material to use for your bohemian decor. Try adding burlap pillows to your couch or chair to really bring your boho space together. And check out these sweet Christmas tree pillows from Amazon! 23. Eucalyptus Ornaments These eucalyptus ornaments are so adorable! They are perfect for your boho Christmas tree, and they are neutral so that they will go with almost any decor! They are super easy to make. All you need is eucalyptus and clear glass or plastic ornaments. Simply open the ornament, insert a snip of eucalyptus, and put the lid back on. You can glue it shut if it seems a bit loose. 24. Macrame Stocking Boho is all about macrame, so macrame stockings are the perfect way to bring the boho aesthetic to Christmas decor! They are super chic and so neutral, so you can use them regardless of the rest of your color scheme. You can find macrame stockings here, or if you want to try making them yourself, here is a pattern you can follow! Final Thoughts We hope you found tons of boho Christmas decor inspiration to try yourself! Feel free to get creative and let your personality shine. Boho loves to embrace personal style and DIY artwork, so don’t be afraid to get in there and try some super cool DIY projects.
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21+ Aesthetic DIY Christmas Decorations for Your Home
Want to fill your home with unique holiday décor? Then, you’ll love these DIY Christmas decorations. Making your own decorations is rewarding, but it also gives you full control over the aesthetics of your home. We have 21+ awesome ideas for you to try this holiday season. 21+ Aesthetic DIY Christmas Decorations for Your Home 1. DIY Christmas Swag Bring a little Christmas spirit to your front door with this DIY swag. It’s so easy to put together with either faux greenery or real garland. To make this decoration, you’ll need: A mini grapevine wreath Thick jute rope Bells Artificial fir branches Artificial red berries Be creative about how you arrange your swag to make it truly your own. 2. Cranberry Garland Here’s a fun and simple Christmas decoration that you can make in an afternoon and enjoy on your tree all season long. You’ll need just a few supplies to bring this idea to life: Fresh cranberries (they must be fresh for this DIY) Sewing needle Sewing thread Scissors The idea is simple: use the sewing needle and thread to “sew” the cranberries together into one long piece of garland. The cranberries will dry out over time and help create a tart/sweet smell in your home. 3. DIY Wood Bead Ornaments These bead ornaments are so fun to make, and they’ll make a statement hanging on your Christmas tree. A Wonderful Thought has a great tutorial on how to make these ornaments, and you only need a handful of inexpensive supplies: 16mm wood beads Embroidery needle Embroidery thread Scissors Hemp cord 4. Anthropologie-Inspired Village Wreath This is one of those DIY Christmas decorations that look anything but handmade. And in our opinion, this Anthropologie village wreath dupe is cuter than the real thing. DIY wreaths are super simple and one of the easiest projects you can tackle this holiday season. First, you’ll need to find some wooden village houses that are small enough to attach to your wreath. Grab some bottle brush trees, and use floral wire and hot glue to start building your wreath village. To finish things off, use paint and a simple brush to flock your wreath and make it match your village. 5. Mini Clay Star Garland Here’s a fun decoration project for the whole family. This mini star clay garland will look gorgeous on your tree and complement any aesthetic you’re going for this holiday season. You only need a handful of things to make the clay base, and you probably have them in your kitchen already: cornstarch, baking soda and water. Mini star cookie cutters will help you get that perfect star shape for your garland. All that’s left to do is grab a needle and twine to start stringing your garland. 6. Drop Cloth Christmas Trees You can never have too many Christmas trees, right? These drop cloth trees are so easy to make – no sewing involved. You’ll need just a few things: Foam cones Measuring tape Drop cloth fabric Hot glue gun Scissors Screwdriver 7. Handmade Christmas Wreath One of the most rewarding Christmas decorations you can make is a wreath. It’s easy to put together, it looks gorgeous, and you can customize it to match whatever aesthetic you’re going for. First Day of Home has a great tutorial on how to make this wreath with just a handful of supplies, like a pine wreath, floral stems, greenery and ornaments. To put it together, you’ll need some wire cutters, floral wire or glue. Related: 15+ Insanely Beautiful Macrame Christmas Tree Tutorials to Try This Year 8. Vintage Bells Vintage copper bells are perfect for hanging with wreaths and natural holiday greenery. But you don’t have to spend a fortune on the real thing. You can make your own vintage bells with just a few supplies. For this project, you’ll use soda cans to create your bells. You’ll also need gold spray paint, black spray paint, wood beads, scissors, twine and some other basic supplies. 9. Pinecone Centerpiece This pinecone centerpiece is super easy to make and a unique piece of décor that you’ll love displaying in your home for the holidays. Best of all, this project is easy to put together and make your own. Here’s what you’ll need: Foam balls Pinecones Faux moss Gold stars 10. Pom Pom Wreath Pom poms are perfect for simple DIY Christmas decorations. You’ll need to glue them together into a circle to make a wreath or affix them to a wire wreath if you like. Add in cute decorations, such as small Christmas trees (color them for fun) and other ornaments. 11. Hanging Wreath Branch Don’t you just love the look of this hanging wreath? You’ll be able to use any wreath that you have, but you’ll hang it with some ribbon. For the branch, go outside and find one that will fit snugly between your windows. You’ll need a saw to cut the edges so that they’re smooth and don’t damage your walls. 12. Dried Orange Wreath A dried orange wreath is not something most people ever think about, but it’s a great-smelling addition to your home this year. You’ll need to start with the wreath, but then you’ll need to dehydrate the oranges, which will require: Baking sheet Cooling rack Paper towels You can use pins to attach the oranges to the wreath. 13. DIY Pallet Christmas Tree Signs What a beautiful Christmas tree sign. And it’s very easy to make. You’ll need some scrap wood or a wood pallet sign. Next, you can add black cardboard paper to add a tree and then use chalk to draw on quotes or other decorative designs. 14. Mini Christmas Tree Succulents If you have chicken wire, pins, a chopstick, moss and succulents, you can create this decoration. You’ll use some of the succulent leaves to create your own tree and can add decorations just like you would your Christmas tree. Put a small star on the top of the tree to finish it off. 15. DIY Christmas House Village Christmas house villages are a personal favorite of ours. You’ll need white foam board, Sharpie and a lot of artistic skill. You’ll draw the house exterior on the foam board, and how do you keep it together? Low tack tape or glue. If you want to add greenery to the home, such as a wreath, you can use dollhouse wreaths or easily make your own with small pine tree branches. 16. Porch Light Decoration DIY Christmas decorations look amazing in the right lighting – especially porch lighting. You can make this project with just a few items, including: Foam block Wire coat hanger Florist pins Tree branch cutters Chenille stems And you can add your own ornaments and ribbons to make the decoration look more ornate. Related: 15+ Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas That Are Full of Style 17. Snowflake Wreath Wreaths are expensive, so why not make your own? You can purchase most of these items at the Dollar Store, but you can also get them from Amazon. You’ll need snowflakes, a hot glue gun, and a wreath frame. You can add ribbons or other ornaments if you like. Go crazy and make these wreathes your own. Add garland, snowmen or anything else you want to it. 18. Felt Christmas Trees Felt Christmas trees are a ton of fun to make because you can choose any color you like green, red, white – whichever matches your décor. You’ll need quite a few pieces to make these: Styrofoam cones Cricut maker Felt Wood candlestick bases Hot glue gun Of course, you’ll need a pair of scissors and any decorations that you want to add to the trees. 19. Christmas Cactus If you have some extra garland that you’re not using, planter pots and some decorations, you can easily make these Christmas cactuses. You’ll need some PVC piping and elbows to make your cactus, but it’s well worth the effort. Add some rocks into the pots to keep the cactus in place. And then, you can add any decorations and ornaments that you like, such as Christmas lights or balls, to the garland. Related: 24 DIY Christmas Craft Ideas on a Budget (for Kids and Adults!) 20. DIY Christmas Village DIY Christmas decorations from scrap wood? Yup! If you have some scrap wood hanging around or wooden shelving that you no longer use, you can make your own little village. You’ll need to be handy with wood and will need quite a few woodworking tools, such as: Drill Sander Jig and miter saw You’ll need some plywood, wood glue, putty, clamps and a few other items, but this decoration is 100% worth the effort. 21. Christmas in a Jar Christmas in a jar is the best way to describe these small village homes. You’ll need glass cookie jars with lids, fake snow and mini trees. You can be as creative as you like with the trees, and if you need to trim your tree, you can even use the branches as a mini tree. Sprinkle some fake snow on top and then add little figurines, such as reindeer or make little houses out of Styrofoam and markers. 22. Festive Front Porch Decorations If you have a front porch that needs a little sprucing up, these mini pine trees with Christmas lights on them are a great choice. You’ll be able to make them in minutes. All you’ll need are:
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