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Bored Panda

Donata Ruzgaitė

50 Times People Got So Creative With Their Christmas Foods, They Had To Share Them Online (New Pics)

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If you celebrate Christmas, you undoubtedly will be attending some holiday parties this year. And what's the cardinal party sin? Not to bring anything for your friends and family to snack on, of course! It's not just about being a great guest; it's also a chance to show off your culinary and pastry-making prowess.

That's why we've decided to honor our old Panda tradition and give you some ideas for tasty, visually stunning snacks and meals you can impress your loved ones with this holiday season. Check out what people made for their Christmas table this year, and glean some inspiration to make your holidays truly magical!

To get even more Christmas treat ideas, Bored Panda reached out to nutrition and health coach Ciara Turley. She told us what this year's Christmas food trends are going to be and even shared the most delicious Christmas Pavlova Wreath recipe with us. You'll find it below!

More info: Ciara Turley | TikTok | Facebook | The Tummy Fairy Shop

#1 Caprese Christmas Wreath

Image credits: itsnotcomplicatedrecipes

Food blogger and nutrition and health coach Ciara Turley tells us that this year, more and more Christmas recipes seem to be tailored for air fryers and slow cookers. "Air fryer turkey and baked cheese with hot honey have become popular choices," she says. "Slow cookers are being used for everything from Christmas hams to festive hot chocolates and mulled wine."

"Cheese continues to be a major feature," she adds. "Fabulous creations like cranberry and nut-crumbed soft cheese logs or cheese shaped into Christmas trees create stunning centerpieces for cheeseboards and charcuterie platters."

When it comes to desserts, they're getting modern makeovers this year, too. "Baileys and chocolate trifles, pavlova wreaths, and pavlova Christmas trees are reinventing classics with a touch of festive creativity," Turley says.

#2 Wreath Pizza.. Looks Pretty Good

Image credits: thechristmaswreathcompany

#3 Cute Christmas Cake

Image credits: 9vaga_food9

Holiday snacks and bakes not only have to be delicious, but they have to look the part, too. We asked Ciara how home bakers and home cooks can balance this task to create visually stunning but practical dishes and snacks. "I focus on easy-to-follow recipes that aren't overly complicated, using bright garnishes to enhance visual appeal," she says in short. "For desserts, vibrant berries and fresh mint leaves add a festive touch, while sprigs of rosemary or thyme work beautifully for savoury dishes," Ciara adds.

"I also love adding my own spin to Christmas classics. For example, air fryer parmesan roasted parsnips with a drizzle of honey or pan-fried Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple pecans are simple and flavourful options. They're easy to prepare, delicious, and bring a festive flair to the table."

In November, Ciara launched her Christmas ebook where you can find 30 easy-to-follow, delicious Christmas-inspired recipes to take the hassle out of Christmas entertaining. "From tasty festive nibbles, delicious desserts and cocktails, and, of course, the full Christmas dinner, each recipe is designed to be both easy and tasty, with lots of air fryer options!" Ciara says. Be sure to check it out here, Pandas!

#4 Christmas Poppy Star, Have A Nice Sunday My Dears

Image credits: ksiegowa_77

#5 Introducing The Next In Our Festive Range, The Brie, Bacon And Cranberry Toastie. Brie’s Creamy Texture And Mild, Buttery Flavour Contrasts With The Crispy Saltiness Of The Bacon

Bursting with festive flair, the cranberry sauce provides that fruity tang with the toasted-to-perfection bread balancing the soft interior. Pair it with a warm drink like our gingerbread latte or hot chocolate for the ultimate warming, winter treat.

Image credits: realeatingco

#6 The First Gifts Of The New Year Making These Tiny Brownie Packages Was So Much Fun You Should Definitely Try This For Christmas

Image credits: cookthym

The one goodie that Ciara can't imagine her Christmas dinner table without is her signature Christmas Pavlova Wreath. She makes it every year and it's always a hit. "I love experimenting with different toppings, but my Baileys and Raspberry Meringue Wreath with a chocolate drizzle is a consistent crowd-pleaser," she adds.

"It's also practical for the busy Christmas season as you can prepare the meringue days in advance and simply add the toppings on the day you serve it," Ciara explains. Scroll a little further down to see the full recipe, or find it on Ciara's Instagram page!

#7 Like Cinnamon Rolls But Prettier And Perfect For Christmas Brunchs

Image credits: alinitabakes

#8 For The Christmas Morning

Image credits: poradcevyziva

#9 Charcuter Tree

Image credits: kindraskitchen

Recipe:

Baileys and Raspberry Meringue Wreath

Ingredients:

6 large egg whites

300g sugar or sweetener

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cornflour

1 tsp white vinegar

Topping:

Fresh or frozen raspberries

30g melted chocolate

A handful mint leaves

500ml cream whipped

35ml baileys

Preheat oven to 140c (fan oven). Beat the eggs until they are stiff white peaks then gradually add in the sweetener and vanilla until shiny and glossy.

Mix together the cornflour and vinegar and fold into the meringue.

Line a large tray with baking paper and draw a 12-inch circle and then a 6-inch inner circle, then turn the paper over and dollop on the meringue in the wreath outline.

Using a knife to dig a slight trench through the centre top of the wreath for the cream to go into when cooked.

Place in the oven and turn it down to 130c and cook for around an hour and 15 and leave in the oven to fully cook, I left it overnight!

Then whip the cream add in the baileys, dollop onto the wreath and top with the raspberries, and drizzle the melted chocolate! Then add a few mint leaves, divine!!

#10 Black Forest Cake

Image credits: eunice.baking

#11 This Years Trifle For My Family

Image credits: emmayoung_fit

#12 Edible Pine Cone

Image credits: olwen_eats

We might think that homemade Christmas dinners are a thing of the past. "Only our grandparents used to spend two weeks before Christmas to prepare for the big family dinner, this is not for us!" the young generation might say. Yet statistics paint quite a different picture.

According to one poll, 61% of Americans say they will prepare a Christmas dinner at home themselves. 33% will also be hosting other people, like family and friends. Still, some people plan to either order or dine out for the holidays. According to Statista, 2% of Americans will be ordering their Christmas meal, and another 2% plan to go out to eat.

#13 [Homemade] Christmas Yule Log

Image credits: Ferons

#14 Cutest Ever Coconut Polar Bear

Image credits: nitasha.glutenfree.cooking

#15 My Little Christmas Tree Quiches With Romanesco Are So Wonderfully Simple To Prepare Thanks To The Mashed Potato Base That They Can Be Integrated Into A Christmas Menu Without Any Stress

Together with some lamb's lettuce and cut vegetables, they are a real eye-catcher, I think.

Image credits: jankes.seelenschmaus

If you're reading this list, you're probably looking for some ideas for your Christmas dinner table. The centerpiece of a Christmas dinner, at least in the U.S., is often a turkey or a ham. And since many American families have just had turkey on Thanksgiving, many opt for a roast ham. In the UK, people also go for a turkey.

#16 3D Christmas Tree Cookies

Image credits: nathys_pastr

#17 No Reindeer Was Hurt In The Making Of These Strawberries

Image credits: kc.sugarfix

#18 Since My Favorite Time Of The Year Has Come, I'll Continue To Have Fun With Food

Image credits: lulumevy

Australians and New Zealanders, since they enjoy hot and sunny weather during the holidays, usually go for a hearty Christmas barbecue. They do grilled meats, burgers, chicken, or barbecue prawns. Cold beer is a staple that goes together with the meal really well, and the staple dessert for the holiday season is a Pavlova topped with fluffy whipped cream and seasonal fruit and berries.

#19 Xmas Meringue Tree

Image credits: galleyofgail

#20 Ornament Cheeseball (Boursin With Pomegranate)

Image credits: alinitabakes

#21 The Perfect Addition To Your Christmas Party! Or Fun Holiday Snacks For The Kids That Don’t Involve Chocolate!

Image credits: liddierowl

Japan has a really interesting tradition when it comes to Christmas dinners. Due to a very successful marketing campaign in the 1970s, many Japanese people get a bucket of KFC chicken. The holiday chicken party bucket includes drumsticks, a shrimp gratin, and a chocolate cake. People start ordering the holiday special as early as November, as it can often sell out on Christmas day.

#22 An Idea On How To Turn Ordinary Cookies Into Cool Cookies In A Few Extra Steps

Image credits: __mmmila

#23 My First Go At Making A Homemade Gingerbread Structure

Image credits: aww.sam

#24 [homemade] Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Image credits: Miffolka

Christmas food trends in America are changing as well, but it's not KFC that Americans want. Whereas in the past, turkey was the staple of the American Christmas dinner, this generation would rather skip the long hassle and just have burgers on Christmas day. According to one poll, out of the 60% of Americans who have eaten something non-traditional on Christmas, 37% had pizza, 31% ate pasta, and 28% opted for burgers.

#25 Pinecone Cookies For Christmas Holiday! [homemade]

Image credits: Tanya_Rozenberg

#26 An Incredible Brownie “Alfajorcito”, Filled With A Thick Dulce De Leche Layer And Decorated With A Fresh Strawberry And Chantilly Cream

Image credits: cheta.bakerygoods

#27 To Start This Month Of Magic And Celebrations, I Offer You A “Recipe” (Assembly Even) Of Very Delicious Little Christmas Cups

Image credits: nousansgluten_

Christmas cookies are not safe either. According to Google Trends' 2024 Christmas Cookie Map, the Italian Christmas cookie was the most searched this year. Also called Angletti (mini angels), the little treats are made with ricotta and topped with an almond-flavored glaze.

#28 Christmas Snacks Inspiration

Image credits: basta.camden

#29 Pinecone Brownies

Image credits: if_mikamami

#30 Christmas Cookies. These Cookies Are Nice To Share And Give Away, They Are Easy To Make And Are Ideal For These Christmas Holidays

Image credits: vainilla_cakes_and_cookies

What are your plans to cook or bake for Christmas this year? I'll be bringing my signature tiramisu to the Christmas party, but we'd love to hear about the treats and snacks you'll be preparing, Pandas. Let us know in the comments! And while you're at it, be sure to check out our Christmas treat listicles from previous years here and here!