19 Festive DIY Garlands for Your Thanksgiving Get-Together

Chai Hot Toddy

With some spiced rum and cinnamon-infused milk, chai tea becomes one of the best holiday cocktails — and one that you'll never want to put down! Add a shot of espresso for an extra kick or keep it as-is. (via Brit + Co)

"Naughty and Nice" Holiday Cocktail Recipe

With a few ingredients — including grenadine, citrus fruits, and whiskey — you can take your classic Coca-Cola to a whole new level. These fun holiday drinks are so flavorful that you can leave out the alcohol for the kids without sacrificing any of the flavor! (via Brit + Co)

Coffee Holiday Cocktail

This funny holiday cocktail recipe combines beer and coffee for a drink like you've never had before! You'll be able to unwind and get a little caffeine kick at the same time. (via Brit + Co)

Candy Cane Martini

Combine the best parts of the holiday — peppermint and vanilla vodka — to make this pleasing candy cane martini. Glasses up! (via Brit + Co)

Peppermint White Russian

This fan-favorite drink just got an upgrade thanks to the festive peppermint along the rim. You'll enjoy the juxtaposition between the crunchy mint and the smooth taste of vodka, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur. (via Brit + Co)

Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail

We know a good mid-morning drink when we see one and this citrus cocktail looks mighty tasty! If you plan to sleep in, serve it with your Christmas brunch meal as a fab precursor to opening gifts. (via Brit + Co)

Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail

All the flavors shaken together here are certainly tempting, but we're especially taken by the brandied cranberrygarnish. Talk about a seasonally appropriate alternative to cherry recipes. (via The Little Epicurean)

Cranberry-Ginger Cocktail

The usual vodka-cran gets a holiday makeover, thanks to a double dose of ginger-flavored additions and a few dashes of bittersfor balance. (via Jelly Toast Blog)

Cranberry Bourbon Negroni

Turn the typical Negronion its head with this festive holiday cocktail. Bourbon replaces gin, and a splash of cranberry soda gets thrown in. The latter creates a seasonal spin that tempers the trademark bitterness of ruby red Campari

enough. (via Climbing Grier Mountain)

Glögg Holiday Drink (Swedish Mulled Wine)

If Scandinavian Long Island iced tea meets mulled wine sounds good to you, well, you need a little Glögg in your life. Save the top shelf stuff for another time, because all the spices that go into this easy holiday cocktail mask any unsavory elements. (via Hapa Nom)

Hot Buttered Rum

This classic couldn't be easier. The butter, sugar and spice mix keeps well for ages (and can even be spread on your morning toast). Just stir it together with a shot of hot rum when you're ready for a little indulgence and voilà. A must-have warm holiday cocktail. (via I'm Bored, Let's Go)

Slow Cooker Spiced Wine

Have you heard? There's a hot new trend in holiday cocktails this year: slow cooker sips. This spiced wine sure knows how to take the chill out of your bones. (via Well Plated)

Cinnamon Apple Whiskey Sour

No cloying, neon sour mix here. This sip's sweetness comes naturally via apple cider, simple syrup and a cinnamon-sugar rim. The wreath-like apple slice floating on top and sprig of rosemary is just an added bonus in this holiday drink with alcohol. (via She Eats)

Brandy Old Fashioned

Mix up a batch of brandy old fashioneds as a sweeter, holiday mixed drink alternative to the usual whiskey-based recipe. And if you love those glasses, we have another gilded suggestion that you're sure to adore. (via House of Hipsters)

Brandy Alexander Holiday Drink Recipe

If you’re looking for an adult hot chocolate equivalent in classic cocktail form, this sweet, creamy concoction is just what the doctor bartender ordered. (via The Drink Blog)

Frosted Gingerbread Martini

Don't those gingerbread boys look like they're up to no good? Featuring four parts of well-balanced booziness to one part cream, shake up one of these classic holiday drinks and you just may join them. (via Freutcake)

Charred Lemon Rosemary Sparkler

Together, rosemaryand gin are quire the recipe for a festive holiday drink. You'll love how caramelizing the lemons lends each sip a richer, sweeter flavor. It's the perfect punch to satisfy a thirsty crowd. (via Serious Eats)

Gelt Chaser

Break out the Manischewitz — you're about to mix up a delicious holiday alternative to the rusty nail. You don't even need to celebrate Hanukkah to enjoy this holiday drink idea. (via Thrillist)

Evergreen Swizzle

It may take you some time to gather up all the specialty spirits required, but it really doesn't get much more Christmas-y than this easy holiday drink. It features gin, pine liqueur and a handful of other well-thought-out additions and we highly recommend sipping on this while you trim the tree. (via Tempered Spirits)

Oy Vey Iz Kir

Use Manischewitz instead of creme de cassis for a playful twist on the usual kir royale. Champagne's involved in this simple holiday cocktail — what's not to love about that? (via Bon Appétit)

Raspberry Mojito

Dressed up in red and green, this summery sip calls to mind warmer days in a holiday-worthy way. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Futuristic Glam Holiday Party

Metallic disco vibes here. Think silver or neon outfits for dress code; glow-in-the-dark drinks; and even a VR experience. Plus, DIY a future predictions time capsule!

Swiftie Merry Era Party

Each room is inspired by Swift’s different albums and eras: Evermore/Red with cozy plaid blankets, vintage books, candles, and hot chocolate with sprinkles on top; Lover with a pastel Christmas tree, heart-shaped ornaments, and glittering pink decor serving Lover’s Lemonade; Midnights with starry backdrops, disco balls, and rich purples and blues serving Midnight Margaritas. Playlist is ofc a curated Swiftie-approved playlist. Plus, you can DIY friendship bracelets as gifts! Photo: Brit + Co x Moonpig Holiday Collection

Naughty or Nice Pajama Party

Whatever your guests decide, Naughty or Nice, comfort is key here. Have a fireplace going if you have one (or fake it), sleeping bags to snuggle into, and serve a Christmas breakfast with pancakes, bacon and holiday cocktails!

Tacky Christmas Party

Guests wear their most over-the-top Christmas sweaters or ridiculous 'fits and you serve up classic comfort foods like sliders and spiked eggnog. Create a photo booth with tacky props too!

Holiday '20s Revival Party

The vibe here is the Jazz age with a modern twist as we head into 2025! Guests wear flapper dresses, pinstripes, and sequins. Your decor is filled with art deco details and Champagne towers with jazz playing in the background.

Charcuterie + Cocktails Christmas Happy Hour

Flex your charcuterie skills, even making personalized individual charcuterie boards for smaller gatherings, and check out our Christmas cocktails to sip and sparkle your way through the holidays. This is the perfect happy hour before holiday party hopping!

Time Travelers' Ball

Celebrate every decade from the 1920s to the 2020s. Guests choose their favorite decade and each room is styled after a specific era with different music from that time!

Winter Wonderland Party

Everyone wears white, silver, or icy blue and you decorate with snowflakes, twinkling lights, and faux fur and shearling accessories. Feature a hot chocolate bar with cinnamon sticks and whipped cream, snowflake-shaped cookies, and sparkling cocktails, and play icebreaker games like a snowman building contest (using marshmallows and toothpicks).

Celestial Countdown Party

What does 2025 have in store for you? Try this zodiac-inspired theme with starry backdrops, constellation lights, and moon props. Everyone wears shimmering outfits, and you serve up cocktails like galaxy martinis and moon pies. Hire a tarot reader if you're feeling really fancy!

Come As Your Favorite Christmas Character Party

Project holiday movies on your wall, create a popcorn bar station, and everyone dresses as their favorite Christmas movie character. Holiday movie trivia optional!

Cookie + Cake Decorating Party

Here's a more casual theme that's also great for families. Let guests show off their sweet decorating skills with pre-baked cookies, plus milk and cocktails. You can do a blind taste test too and gift the winner with aCrumbs cookbook at the end of the night!

Secret Santa Soirée

Serve up a buffet with festive finger foods and mulled wine, and host a gift exchange with games like "Guess the Gifter." You can also do gift themes like from the zodiac, color based, earth-friendly, self care, and $15 and under.

Christmas Karaoke Night

Break out the karaoke machine for a night of Christmas tune belting. You can also play holiday-themed games like "Finish That Carol"!

DIY Christmas Craft Party

Get your pals together for a night of DIY gift making. Serve simple easy-to-eat snacks like mini quiches and mocktails, and create craft stations for decorating ornaments, wreaths, or self care items like scrubs and soaps, even jewelry! You can turn this into potluck where each guest brings a craft too!

Apple and Cranberry Cobbler

This egg-free Apple Cranberry Cobbler recipe is infused with vanilla, star anise, and optional bourbon, and served well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! (via Vanilla and Bean)

White Christmas Truffle Cake

Turn this fluffy sponge cake with white chocolate truffle topping into a stunning dessert centerpiece with edible pearls and a sweet pine decoration.(via Vikalinka)

Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies

These homemade slice and bake Christmas cookies are surprisingly easy to make, taste better than the ones in the tube, and are customizable so you can choose your favorite holiday shapes! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Chocolate Beet Cake

For a healthier spin on Christmas dessert, try this unique Chocolate Beet Cake. It's so moist and delicious, your guests won’t even know you used beets! (via Give Recipe)

Skinny Peppermint Mocha

Try a low-calorie version of this Starbucks favorite you can make at home! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Spiced Mascarpone Cranberry Cake

In charge of dessert this year? This stunning spiced cake will wow your guests in terms of taste and looks. It makes a delicious breakfast too! (via The Original Dish)

Christmas Frosting Board

What a fun idea! Swap your charcuterie for a dessert board where guests can pick and dip! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Vegan Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

This no-bake cheesecake, made with cashew and coconut, is so delicious and stunning they won't believe there's actually no cheese. (via The First Mess)

Vegan Mini Chocolate Pies with Pecan Caramel

Mini pies are the perfect Christmas dessert because they're hand-held and bite-sized, plus these feature chocolate, pecan, and caramel flavors! They're also vegan, which just makes us love them even more. (via Brit + Co)

The Best Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are so good, they don't really need any embellishments, but would it really be a Christmas party without reindeer cookies?! Save a few to leave out for Santa, too. (via Brit + Co)

Peppermint Macarons with White Chocolate Ganache

Find a new way to enjoy the minty flavor of peppermint with this macarons recipe. Covered in white chocolate, it's a nod to the traditional French pastry. (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Pumpkin Tart with Gingersnap Crust

Move over white chocolate ganache, because this pumpkintart is ready for its turn in the spotlight. We love that the gingersnap crust helps balance the rich taste of dark chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Puff Pastry Apple Roses

These roses look good enough to eat – because they are indeed edible! It's the one time you'll enjoy stopping to smell the roses. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Chai Latte Cupcakes

Turn your favorite morning beverage into a sweet treat with these cupcakes. The flavors and spices make for the perfect holiday season dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Christmas Cookies

Cookies will never be totally healthy, but there are definitely ways that you can make them healthier. Check out this easy Christmas dessert that's paleo-friendly. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Apple Cake

If puff pastry apple roses feel like too much of a lite dessert, you'll want to keep this vegan apple cake recipe handy. (via Brit + Co)

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts

We have a *major* sweet tooth for anything that involves gooey chocolate, so combining our love of doughnuts and hot chocolate sounds like a dream come true. (via Brit + Co)

Eggnog with Sugared Rosemary

Who says desserts have to be food? This sweet drink is a classic Christmas dessert, whether you're decorating the tree or curling up for a movie night. Our favorite detail is definitely the sugared rosemary. (via Brit + Co)

Oreo Red Velvet Cheesecake

If you love red velvet cake and you love cheesecake, then this is the dessert for you. The crust, cheesecake filling, and whipped cream come together beautifully so that every bite you take is better than the last! Plus, the Oreos on top are the perfect finishing touch. (via Brit + Co)

Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups

Take a break from traditional Christmas desserts and make candy recipes instead! Who knows, someone may request that you make frozen chocolate peanut butter yogurt cups for their birthday next year. (via Brit + Co)

Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes

If regular slices of cheesecake are too rich for you, try these mini bite-sized options for your next get-together. They're a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and just the right amount of creamy. (via Brit + Co)

Even Santa Will Want A Bite Of These Christmas Desserts!

Peppermint Bark Cannoli

You just can’t get through the snowy season without indulging in some sweet and cool peppermint bark. No surprise, it's amazing in cannolis. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Mott's Gingerbread Cups

These lil cups are a fun, festive, and fabulous treat to make with and for your little ones — or for anyone else, frankly! Just look how cute they are! (via Mott's)

Rum and Eggnog Bundt Cake

We like big bundts and we cannot lie; a slice of this, we can't deny! Flavored with rum and eggnog, this luscious cake is slathered with a generous coating of eggnog cream cheese icing that will make your tastebuds sing. (via Liv for Cake)

Vegan Christmas Cookies Recipe

Packed with nutty almonds and made without butter, eggs or oil, these gluten-free cookies are actually delicious and easy to make. Powdered sugar for the win! (via Veggie Society)

Chocolate Molasses Crinkle Cookies

Serve up a plate of melt-in-your-mouth crinkle cookies with a rich chocolate flavor.(via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Black Forest Trifle Cake

Get creative with this trifle cake made with Black Forest layers. (via Woman Scribbles)

Coconut Balls

Make it snow with these easy and delicious coconut balls! (via The Fast Recipe)

Eggnog Cheesecake Brownies

With creamy eggnog cheesecake swirling into fudgy goodness, these brownies will make even eggnog naysayers fall in love with the soft and chewy bites. (via A Cookie Named Desire)

Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake

We know you’re thinking it because we’re thinking it — be still, my heart! This rich, minty, and chocolatey cake is dripping with glaze and topped with crushed candy canes. Can you say flavor bomb? (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Champagne Donuts With White Chocolate Glaze

One of the best things about donuts is they can be enjoyed as both a dessert *and* as a sweet breakfast option. The Champagne-infused dough and white chocolate glaze create the ultimate holiday treat. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Apple and Mincemeat Filo Wreath

This swoon-worthy recipe stuffs crisp apples and mincemeat into a flaky filo pastry, resulting in complete dessert heaven. Adorned with cranberries and drizzled with custard, this treat is guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday party. (via Domestic Gothess)

Mexican Wedding Cookies

These tiny snowballs are slightly salty, nutty, buttery, and downright delish. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Cranberry Dark Chocolate Biscotti

We hope you’re ready for additional caffeine, because you’ll be brewing an extra cup a day just for an excuse to dip and devour these beauties. Totally addicting, these munchies are packed with nuts and cranberries and drizzled with chocolate. (via Pinch of Yum)

Homemade Marshmallows

Storebought marshmallows will never taste the same after you make these. Dip them in chocolate or add them to your hot cocoa for a truly decadent treat. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce

Silky smooth panna cotta may seem like a summery dessert, but when made with eggnog and topped with orange liqueur-spiked cranberry sauce, it's completely festive. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

You Won't Want To Share These Delicious Christmas Desserts

White Christmas Sparkle Cake

If you prefer snowflakes and twinkly lights to bright red and green decorations, you'll love this fluffy vanilla almond cake with cream cheese frosting. (via How Sweet Eats)

You Won't Believe How Tasty These Christmas Desserts Are

Meringue Christmas Wreath Cake

But if you do love colorful decorations, opt for this wreath cake, decked out with nonpareils and candy canes. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Instead of rolling out dough to make individual cookies, bake up these bars, and have fun making your own sprinkle design on top. (via Averie Cooks)

Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies

It truly isn’t the holidays without some jam-filled thumbprint cookies to munch on. Though a berry jam is most commonly used, the choice of this orange jam is brilliant. (via The View From Great Island)

Christmas Tree Mousse Cups

You don't have to be an artist to make an adorable tree-shaped dollop of mousse in these chocolate cups. (via My Life Cookbook)

Peppermint Cream Puffs

Bite-size cream puffs are the ideal treat, and with a light peppermint ganache and festive sprinkles, they're holiday-ready. (via Best Friends for Frosting)

Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

We love how fluffy mousse is, and this Christmas dessert (which only needs four ingredients, FYI!!) mixes in peppermint extract for the perfect seasonal flavor. Add some crushed candy canes on top for an extra cute detail. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Funfetti Christmas Cake Roll

Don't be intimidated by the cylindrical shape; this colorful cake is both easy to bake and easy to roll up while hot. (via Passion for Savings)

Italian Pear Cranberry Tart

If the cranberry sauce at your Thanksgiving dinner didn’t satisfy your cranberry needs, this festive tart will. Fresh cranberries are piled into a shortbread crust over a luscious layer of almond cream, and it’s kind of the best thing ever. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)

Viennese Crescent Cookies

Popular in Austria, these melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies are a simple blend of hazelnuts, butter, and powdered sugar. (via Leite's Culinaria)

We'd Recommend These Christmas Desserts To Everyone

Mincemeat, Marzipan, and Apple Bread Wreath

Filled with mincemeat, marzipan, and apricot jam, this impressive buttery wreath is packed with flavor. And since it's fruity, you can get away with eating it for breakfast. (via Domestic Gothess)

Sugar Cookie Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Have more Christmas cookies than you know what to do with? Use them to top these velvety, chocolate-rich crème brûlées. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

If you want to get real fancy, haul out your bundt cake pan and try this recipe. The patterned cake looks even more impressive when laden with a shiny glaze. (via The View From Great Island)

Slice and Bake Heart Cookies

These heart-shaped cookies are so much easier to make than you'd think. Impress your Christmas guests with a bout of sugar cookies! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Easy Puppy Chow Recipe

You probably already have everything you need for this DIY dessert recipe: peanut butter (or another nut butter), chocolate chips, Chex cereal, butter, and powdered sugar. The red and green candies are just a bonus! (via Brit + Co)

Tahini Brownies

If you can't handle full-on sweetness, try these brownies that mix in some tahini for a nutty flavor addition. The flaky salt on top adds an edge that you do not want to miss out on. (via Forks and Foliage)

Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms

Is there a better duo than chocolate and peanut butter? These blossoms feature creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate chips for a rich, smooth take on the classic combo. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Olive Oil Orange Cake

This citrusy, just slightly olive-oily cake will brighten up your winter diet, and the touch of Grand Marnier makes it taste extra-elegant. (via Averie Cooks)

Hazelnut Shortbread with Salted Ganache Sandwich Cookies

Okay, regular Oreos. We raise you one with these uniquely delicious (and super festive!) homemade sandwich cookies! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Sugar Dusted Donut Christmas Tree by Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

For this delicious Christmas dessert, roll 60 (3lbs) white donut holes in 2.25oz green sugar sprinkles, then cover a 5.5 x 13.5-inch foam cone in plastic wrap. Insert your toothpicks (you'll need 60) into the foam, then push donut hole on the toothpick. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Add 1/2 cup peanut M&M’s to fill holes to resemble Christmas ornaments. Top with gold star cupcake topper. Cover with saran wrap until ready to use. Make up to 3 days ahead of time!

Cookies and Milk Shot Glass Dessert

Made in a shot glass, you can make this cookie dessert boozy or kid-friendly. It's play on Santa's milk and cookies, and a cute way to share with friends. (via Clean Cuisine)

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Chocolate bark makes the perfect gift for everyone on your list. (via Hello Little Home)

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Try this peppermint twist on the Hershey's Kiss thumbprint cookies. (via This Wife Cooks)