30 Christmas party appetizers and drinks to serve for a festive holiday

There’s a reason the Christmas season is so often described as magical, and it’s not just because of all the gifts—it’s the food. The delicious, aromatic flavors of peppermint, rosemary, cranberry, and cinnamon help define that magic at Christmas parties, where the jolly masses can often be found around the appetizer and drink tables. 

You read that right: partygoers are often perfectly pleased to forgo a formal, sit-down dinner for a more casual assortment of light bites and tipples from which they may pick and choose at their fancy. Putting out platters is also an excellent way to get guests mixing and a-mingling—and save you some precious time in the kitchen. 

Read on for some of our favorite crowd-pleasing Christmas party appetizers and Christmas party drinks. Mmmm, we can almost taste them now…

 

What to serve at your Christmas party

You’ve sent your Christmas party invitations, trimmed the tree, and strung up the outdoor lights. But planning a Christmas party doesn’t stop there! Follow these quick tips to decide what to serve at your Christmas party—and how much of it to prepare.

 

Match refreshments to your party theme

Once you’ve nailed down your Christmas party theme, use it to decide which refreshments to serve. Casual parties, like ugly sweater parties, might just have appetizers, while formal Christmas dinner parties usually serve sit-down meals and desserts.

 

Start preparing the food early

Choose appetizers for your Christmas party that you can prepare early for the party, preferably ones that can be frozen and thawed. If you’re too busy to cook in advance, find a recipe that takes under 30 minutes to make (but that preferably looks and tastes like it took much more).

 

Plan on making extras

Use your guest list to determine how much food and drink you’ll need, but always plan on extras. If you’re inviting 12 people, prepare food for 20. The last thing you want is to run out of food before the party’s over.

 

Decorate your refreshment and appetizer table

The food’s going to do the talking at your appetizer table, but adding Christmas décor will really drive the holiday vibe home. Find beautiful holiday serving ware and drinkware in the Party Shop Christmas collection, including food cards to indicate the names of each dish.

 

Survey guests

 

When you send out your Paperless Post holiday party invitations, use Guest Questions to gather dietary information and restrictions before you even start planning your holiday party appetizers. If you’re making cocktails, include a Guest Survey to see what spirits your guests prefer, then customize a cocktail to suit your guests’ preference. 

 

Hire a bartender or server

If your party is larger or more formal, consider hiring someone (or enlisting a trusty friend) to mix drinks or serve passed plates of hors d’oeuvres. It frees you up from watching the refreshment table all night and refilling drinks yourself.

 

Ask guests to pitch in

Guests love contributing to a party. Use the Comment Wall on your Christmas party invitation so guests can chime in with what they plan to bring, whether it’s wine, dessert, or an appetizer platter.

 

Send guests home with leftovers

Who needs party favors when you’ve got leftovers? Double your appetizer recipes, invest in some festive to-go boxes, and pack up small doggy bags for your guests to enjoy at home. 

Better yet, pack one up for yourself when the party begins in case you don’t get a chance to try everything while you’re mingling.

 

20 Christmas party appetizer ideas

 

Whether you’re hosting your own Christmas party or attending as a guest, these festive Christmas party appetizers are sure to light up the refreshment table.

 

1. Hummus wreath

The most beautiful wreath at your party isn’t the one on your door—it’s this hummus appetizer plate, adorned with green parsley, cherry tomatoes, and finished with a picture-perfect red pepper bow.

• Total time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings
• Diet: gluten-free, vegetarian
• Recipe: Two Healthy Kitchens

 

2. Festive goat cheese balls

Don’t stress over constructing one big cheese ball that’s just going to get destroyed within a few minutes. Give everyone their own personal cheese ball, complete with cranberries, pistachios, and tons of cheesy flavor.

• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 30 servings
• Diet: vegetarian, gluten-free
• Recipe: The Pioneer Woman

 

3. Melon prosciutto skewers

With just one cantaloupe, a few slices of prosciutto, and some basil and mozzarella, you can create a flavor combo that gets the whole party started.

• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 skewers
• Diet: gluten-free
• Recipe: Delish

 

4. Cranberry meatballs

If you want the delicious sweet-and-spicy flavor of cranberry meatballs without spending a lot of time in the kitchen, prepare this five-ingredient meatball recipe in the slow cooker. Serve them with plaid pinwheel fan toppers for a splash of festive fun.

• Total time: 3 hours, 5 minutes (5 minutes active)
• Servings: 10 servings
• Diet: gluten-free, dairy-free
• Recipe: Dinner at the Zoo

 

5. Artichoke dip bites

Every Christmas party needs a good artichoke dip—but what about an artichoke dip you can carry around with you? Whip up these cheesy puff-pastry bites with all the artichoke goodness you’re looking for.

• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 36 dip bites
• Diet: vegetarian (without optional bacon garnish)
• Recipe: Carlsbad Cravings

 

6. Roasted eggplant spread

Combine smoky eggplant, sweet red pepper, and tangy tomato in one easy-to-make spread that pairs with any cracker on your table.

• Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
• Servings: 2 cups
• Diet: vegan, gluten-free (with gluten-free crackers)
• Recipe: Taste of Home

 

7. Baked mac and cheese bites

Looking for easy appetizers for your Christmas party that everyone loves? Whether you’re hosting kids at your holiday party or not, these macaroni and cheese appetizers are sure to be a hit.

• Total time: 1 hour
• Servings: 48 bites
• Diet: vegetarian
• Recipe: PureWow

 

8. Holiday reindeer chow

 

If you need a sweet treat for the appetizer table, look no further than a classic Christmas snack: Puppy Chow (also known as Muddy Buddies, depending on where you’re from), with a holiday twist.

• Total time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings
• Diet: vegetarian
• Recipe: Country Living

 

9. Christmas deviled eggs

Can you serve deviled eggs at a Christmas party? When they’re red and green deviled eggs with avocado instead of mayo, you bet Santa’s beard you can.

• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings
• Diet: vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free
• Recipe: Mom Foodie

 

10. Cranberry baked brie

Tart, creamy, and just a little nutty, this three-ingredient cranberry baked brie may attract even more attention at your party than the Christmas tree.

• Total time: 12 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Diet: gluten-free, vegetarian
• Recipe: Ahead of Thyme

 

11. Stuffed mushrooms

Not even your pickiest guests can turn down stuffed mushrooms. With parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and a mouth-watering collection of herbs, you may have trouble keeping these little guys on the table.

• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 24 servings
• Diet: vegetarian
• Recipe: Two Peas and Their Pod

 

12. Christmas pinwheels

For a beautiful holiday appetizer that comes together in just a half hour, whip up these three ingredient (and vegan!) Christmas pinwheels.

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 pinwheels
• Diet: vegan
• Recipe: V Nutrition

 

13. Pork dumplings

Stuffed with Italian sausage and peppered scallions, these pork dumplings are perfect for an app-heavy party without a sit-down dinner.

• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 48 dumplings
• Diet: dairy-free
• Recipe: Real Simple

 

14. Ricotta and roasted grape crostini

 

What pairs better with wine than grapes? These sweet-and-savory crostinis combine rich ricotta, aged balsamic vinegar, and sweet honey with roasted grapes for a sophisticated start to your holiday party.

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 crostini
• Diet: vegetarian
• Recipe: Food & Wine

 

15. Sweet potato black bean dip

Add wintery squash flavors—and colors—to an ordinary black bean dip for a sweet, hearty take on the classic holiday appetizer.

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Diet: gluten-free, vegan
• Recipe: Minimalist Baker

 

16. Zucchini tater tots

Add some green to your Christmas refreshments table with this healthy, zucchini-based, potato-free tater tot recipe.

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Diet: gluten-free, vegetarian
• Recipe: Delish

 

17. Christmas tree bruschetta

Guests may forsake gathering around the Christmas tree when they catch a glimpse of this bruschetta tree, complete with diced tomatoes and crispy baguette rounds, nestled on a bed of fresh green basil in the shape of a tree.

• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 20 people
• Diet: vegan
• Recipe: A Table Full of Joy

 

18. Olive Christmas tree appetizer

Forget the partridge in a pear tree—this adorable recipe gives your guests olives on an appetizer tree! An assortment of olives and fresh rosemary hang on a foam cone, making your holiday appetizer a worthy centerpiece for the table.

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings
• Diet: gluten-free, vegan
• Recipe: Cooking on the Front Burner

 

19. Vegan egg rolls

You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy these crispy egg roll appetizers. Serve these with your favorite dipping sauce—preferably red or green.

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 egg rolls
• Diet: vegan
• Recipe: Picky Eater Blog

 

20. Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers

 

It may be cold outside, but your party will be hot, hot, hot with jalapeño poppers on the table. Baked with ease in the air fryer and served in savory bacon, these crispy, creamy appetizers may disappear quickly—so make some more for later.

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 10 poppers
• Diet: gluten-free
• Recipe: Ahead of Thyme

 

10 Christmas party drink ideas

 

Thirsty for some holiday spirit? Thought so. Find inspiration in our list of Christmas party drinks, ranging from ultra-boozy to mocktails.

 

21. White Christmas margaritas

Once you’ve made these drinks at your Christmas party, your guests will be dreaming about White Christmas margaritas until the next holiday season.

• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Diet: alcoholic, dairy-free
• Recipe: Delish

 

22. Hot buttered rum

When it comes to drinks for a Christmas party, hot buttered rum is a favorite for a reason. Warm, spicy, and buttery, this classic drink is perfect for gatherings around the fireplace or Christmas tree.

• Total time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Diet: alcoholic 
• Recipe: The Pioneer Woman (find a non-alcoholic version at Barefeet in the Kitchen)

 

23. Mexican hot chocolate

Serve up mugs of hot chocolate that your guests won’t soon forget. This Mexican hot chocolate recipe mixes unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and chili powder for just the right combination of sweet, spicy, and, of course, chocolate. 

• Total time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2 cups
• Diet: non-alcoholic
• Recipe: Isabel Eats

 

24. Traditional wassail

Take a step into history with a traditional wassail recipe, complete with hard cider, pale ale beer, and lots of spices. 

• Total time: 1 hour (20 minutes active)
• Servings: 12–14 servings
• Diet: alcoholic
• Recipe: Country Living

 

25. Mulled wine

Making mulled wine gives you more than a tasty, traditional holiday party drink. Its slow simmer keeps your house smelling like cloves, cinnamon, and oranges all day long, making it a perfect addition to your party repertoire. 

• Total time: 25 minutes (5 minutes active)
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Diet: alcoholic 
• Recipe: Gimme Some Oven (non-alcoholic version available at The Mindful Mocktail)

 

26. Eggnog

Forget the last-minute eggnog from the store. This homemade recipe combines traditional eggnog ingredients—including whipping cream, egg yolks, nutmeg, and vanilla extract—in a creamy holiday treat.

• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 cups
• Diet: non-alcoholic 
• Recipe: Tastes Better From Scratch

 

27. Grinch punch

You don’t have to be a holiday Grinch to love this cocktail, but it helps. Combine rum, melon liqueur, and lemon-lime soda for a green drink that’ll make your heart grow three sizes.

• Total time: 2 minutes
• Servings: 1 drink
• Diet: alcoholic 
• Recipe: The Mixer

 

28. Christmas morning punch

 

Perfect for a Christmas brunch or evening toast, this combination of juices, ginger, and sparkling apple cider comes with rosemary and pomegranate ice cubes.

• Total time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 servings
• Diet: non-alcoholic
• Recipe: The Pioneer Woman

 

29. Peppermint martinis

Fondly called “Peppermintinis” by those who love them, these frosty-sweet cocktails taste like Christmas in a martini glass.

• Total time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 3 servings
• Diet: alcoholic
• Recipe: Delish

 

30. Caramel apple hot toddy

Whether you’re celebrating a snowy Christmas or a sunny Christmas, there’s no turning down a sweet, cinnamon-spiced caramel apple hot toddy—which you can also serve cold.

• Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes (10 minutes active)
• Servings: 12 glasses
• Diet: alcoholic
• Recipe: The Cookie Rookie

 

It’s party time at Paperless Post

 

Creating the perfect holiday party appetizer may seem like a small, not-so-important element of a Christmas party—but offering the right dishes paired with the right cocktails can make your guests remember your party (and cooking) for years to come.  

Of course, the menu is definitely not where the holiday party planning stops. Paperless Post has everything you need to create a memorable Christmas party, from Lizzie Post’s holiday party etiquette to holiday party invitation and wording ideas.

Ready to start decking your halls? Head over to our Party Shop’s holiday collection—or check out our easy-to-follow guide to decorating for a Christmas party. Our experts know how to make a party look and taste so good, you and your guests will be in the holiday spirit in no time.

 

Hero image via Olivia Inman.