Beyoncé Surprised These Lucky Employees by Showing Up to Perform at Their Holiday Party

Italian Hand Pies

Follow this exact recipe for a fully vegan Christmas appetizer, or choose your own adventure by making swaps for the plant-based picks. No matter how you make them, these savory hand pies will taste amazing for a pre-dinner snack.

Chocolate-Covered Cheese Bites

You'd never guess it, but certain kinds of chocolates and cheeses work well together, kind of like snack and wine pairings. This appetizer-ready recipe combines Parmigiano Reggiano and bitter dark chocolate for a mind-blowingly merry munchie.

Greek Stuffed Mushrooms

To make these bite-sized Christmas appetizers, you'll essentially stuff mushrooms full of the contents of Greek salad. That means this pick is super healthy, but also super customizable, too. If you'd rather stuff your mushrooms with melty cheese, there's nothing stopping you!

Sesame Shrimp Puffs

This savory, layered snack takes flavor inspiration from Asian dishes, which will totally make it a standout among the more traditional holiday dishes you're serving this season.

Butter Candles

If you make a butter candle as a Christmas appetizer, just know it's gonna be the talk of the table. When lit, it will not only generate some seriously melty butter to dip crusty bread in, but it will add to the cozy Christmas dinner ambience, burning warm light.

Bacon Pastry Twists with Beer Cheese Dip

All you have to say is "cheese dip," and your dinner guests will flock to the snack area. To complete the appetizer, make these easy bacon twists that are crafted with pre-made pastry dough. (via Brit + Co.)

Keto Cheese Ball

Keto or not, you'll be blown away by this cheese ball. It's covered in chives and bacon crumbles, the ultimate duo to pair with crunchy crackers.

Spinach Dip

Spinach dip is a no-fail Christmas appetizer. You can serve it hot or cold, and it's going to be delicious every single time.

Smoked Salmon Poke Bites

If you love sushi but don't want to eat a whole roll before Christmas dinner, this appetizer is the perfect pick for you. With smoked salmon, rice, avocado, and onions, everyone will want more of these delicious bites. They're super easy to customize too, so you can leave out (or add) whatever toppings you want.

Baked French Onion Meatballs

Meatballs are one of the greatest Christmas appetizers because they're bite-sized and delicious. We'd definitely consider that a win-win. This French-themed recipe features cremini mushrooms, garlic, and gruyere cheese for some seriously rich flavor.

Vegan Butter Board Recipe

Butter boards are one TikTok trend that we can totally get behind, and this updated version gives the dish a sweet (and healthy) twist with vegan butter and plenty of berries. Coconut flakes and almonds add some texture, but if your guests have allergies, simply leave them off!

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes

This delicious Christmas appetizer is a great way to complement the all kinds of recipes that you'll be having throughout the holiday season. Since they take less than an hour to make, they're great as a pre-dinner snack while the ham is in the oven. They're easy, they're delicious, and they're Paleo!

Beet Hummus

Add some vibrant color to your holiday appetizer game with this superfood dip. Dress it up with festive veggies like rainbow carrots, watermelon radish, and golden beets. Talk about eye candy!

Sweet Potato + Feta + Honey Appetizer

This holiday appetizer provides a mouthwatering balance between sweet and salty that will definitely make its way to your table year after year. Spice it up with some extra seasoning or leave it as-is based on your preference. Either way, don't worry about setting out the Tupperware — you won't have any leftovers!

Vegan Baked Brie Recipe

Baked brie is one of our favorite Christmas appetizers, but if you usually can't take part in the creamy goodness, have no fear. This vegan recipe swaps regular cheese for a cashew-based alternative. You can use cashews to make a convincingly creamy dip, and the nutritional yeast in this pick gives it a cheesy flavor that's almost too good to be true.

Vegetable Pinwheels

You can make these cream cheese and veggie pinwheels with any filling you prefer, making it a dish that gives you a ton of variety at the snack table. They're so colorful, too! Try this Christmas appetizer with different types of wraps or try filling them with fruit for even more snackage.

Easy Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers

These flaky, cheesy, and spicy poppers are *the* go-to Christmas appetizer idea when you want big flavor, but are short on time. Use veggie cream cheese instead of regular to give this snack a fuller flavor.

Cranberry Brie Pastry Tarts

What's more festive than cranberries and brie? Bright, cheery, and just a bit sweet, this Christmas appetizer recipe is exactly what any party needs to get going. And they're simple to make, too!

Red Cooking Wine Caramelized Onion Baked Brie

Baked brie is not only a fan-favorite Christmas hors d'oeuvre, but it's quick to throw in the oven while you're working on your other appetizers. This recipe uses caramelized onions and a little bit of wine to bring out the flavors of the cheese. We love eating this cheese with crackers and fruit.

Vegan Smoked “Salmon” Cheese Rolls

If you love the elegance of sushi but don't want to leave fish out all night, this might be the best Christmas appetizer recipe for you. You'll never guess what the vegan salmon is made from. These are also a great way to make sure any vegan family members at the party aren't excluded.

Citrus Marinated Olives and Feta

For something tangy and savory to snack on, look no further than this recipe. Besides being full of tasty flavor, telling your family that you marinated your own olives will make for a toothsome conversation starter!

Need Menu Ideas? Steal These Christmas Finger Food Recipes.

Let's save the forks and knives for dinner! Finger foods are easy for both prep and clean up. All you need is a few small plates and napkins, and your friends and family can enjoy these holiday appetizers at their leisure. Finger foods are also great for kids because they're often bite-sized, but that doesn't mean that everyone can't enjoy them! From bacon-wrapped scallops to Chinese chicken egg rolls, don't be surprised if these Christmas appetizers leave your guests speechless.

Holiday Pomegranate Guacamole on Roasted Sweet Potato Toasts

What's red and green and sweet underneath? These festive Christmas party appetizers topped with pomegranate seeds and guacamole! With so many different consistencies and flavors coming together, this recipe really provides an appetizer experience like no other.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is always a hit — especially when you serve it in a fancy glass! These shrimp are served with a zesty cocktail sauce and to add that Mexican flair, they're topped with a refreshing tomato and avocado relish to make them a holiday appetizer recipe to remember.

Vegan Walnut, Sage, and Cranberry Stuffed Holiday Mushrooms

Mushrooms were meant to be stuffed — and when you pop one of these tasty and easy holiday appetizers into your mouth, you'll agree. The nutty, herbaceous, and slightly sweet filling creates a palate pleaser that will wow all your friends.

Charcuterie Wreath

The only thing we love more than a Christmas appetizer is a themed Christmas appetizer, and this charcuterie wreath is just perf! It's a cute (and festive) take on the usual cheese board. Use plenty of rosemary sprigs for some greenery and throw in a few chocolate pieces for good measure.

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops With Cajun Cream Sauce

The bacon-wrapped scallop is kicked up with a creamy and dreamy Cajun sauce. This is one recipe that's tasty enough to be made all year long!

Maple Rosemary Roasted Nuts

Warm, aromatic roasted nuts help you stay cozy when it's cold outside, and the maple and rosemary flavors in this holiday hors d'oeuvre work so nicely together. Not only do these make a tasty appetizer, but you can fill your go-to candy jar with them for a snack all holiday season long.

Chinese Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Egg Rolls + Sweet Chile Pomegranate Sauce

You've never seen egg rolls like this. The crispy egg rolls become swoon-worthy bites when mixed with the sweet, tart pomegranate dipping sauce. Since pomegranates are in season in wintertime, make sure to get a few to make some extra holiday recipes.

Crispy Caprese Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

We understand that people share a deep love for crock pots full of Swedish meatballs, but these babies take the cake. Stuffed with gooey mozzarella, these meatballs will totally become a holiday tradition.

Try These Delicious Dip Ideas For Christmas Eve!

By the time Christmas Eve comes around, you've probably already made half a dozen appetizers for your office party, your friend's White Elephant gift exchange, and your family's Christmas dinner. If you're feeling burnt out on regular finger foods, go for a dip instead! Dips are a great way to make a customizable appetizer that everyone will be able to enjoy. Make some sweet and savory dips to give guests a few different options, and pair 'em with your favorite cracker, veggie, or even cookies. Chef's kiss!

Cheesy Artichoke Dip

A party just isn't a party without a melty dip! Get ready for a little extra indulgence with this ooey-gooey mixture that's packed with plump artichokes and topped with toasty breadcrumbs for an easy Christmas appetizer. Our mouths are watering!

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

A pop of dried cranberries makes this holiday cheese ball a tart and savory Christmas-themed appetizer to make for your next holiday bash. It's an unconventional take on a cheese ball that uses your favorite traditional holiday ingredients.

Curry Hummus

Why have run-of-the-mill appetizers for a Christmas party when you can have curry hummus? This recipe is easy to follow, even if you've never made your own hummus before. We love to dip carrots and cucumbers, but the veggies you pick are totally up to you.

Bacon Wrapped Potatoes with Warm Apple Cream Cheese Dip

The apple cream cheese dip paired with these fluffy and crunchy potato bites will add a nice, sweet touch to your Christmas dinner table. It's safe to say that no one else will have an appetizer quite like this!

Cheesy Chicken Fritters

What's better than tender chicken, mozzarella that help prepare your taste buds for Christmas dinner? We highly suggest you cook this easy recipe.

Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

If you want something that's cheesy and gluten-free, try prepping these vegan jalapeño poppers for a spicy Christmas appetizer idea.

Hot Cheesy Spinach Dip

This tasty spinach dip is the icing on the cake for all the other holiday appetizers you'll be serving. Just ensure that you bake it to bubble perfection, that way your cheese pulls will be epic.

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a southern staple that 1000% deserve a seat at your Christmas table this year. The salty, crunchy outer contrasts beautifully with the tender inner veg, but the real magic lies within the dipping sauce you make to serve this app.

Olive Artichoke Crostini

If the idea of eating a finger sandwich doesn't sound fancy enough for your holiday soiree, this olive + artichoke crostini recipe is going to hit the spot. This Christmas appetizer is unbelievably easy too customize, too, so you can accomodate for the vegans and vegetarians in your life.

Bang Bang Chicken

This recipe is a take on Bonefish Grill's famous Bang Bang Shrimp – yum! What makes this holiday appetizer recipe extra-special is that it doesn't exclude those who may have a seafood allergy, using chicken instead.

Shrimp Cocktail

Should you have some seafood-lovers stopping by on Christmas, cater directly to them by whipping up this quick and easy shrimp cocktail recipe! Here's how to make it:

(via Clamato)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, deveined and chopped
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup Clamato®
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Hass avocado, diced
• ½ mango, diced (optional)
• Cilantro for garnish

Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the lemon juice, olive oil, cilantro, sugar, Clamato, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir for a few seconds and set the salsa aside.
3. Add in the avocado, mango (if you like mango), and shrimp.
4. Put the shrimp in a schooner-type glass and pour salsa on top.
5. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Savory Crescent Roll Appetizers

Crescent-Wrapped Asparagus

Tender stalks of asparagus seem made for elegant appetizers. This go-around they're wrapped in strips of flaky dough, then sprinkled with cheese and baked. (via Simply Sated)

Vegan Garlic-Stuffed Olives in a Blanket

Save the pigs-in-a-blanketfor game night. When hosting a swankier soirée, garlic-stuffed olives enveloped in flaky crescent dough will do the trick — and they're vegan. (via The Baking Fairy)

Greek Crescent Rolls

Buttery, flaky rolls are wrapped around creamy feta-kalamata dressing and a medley of chopped veggies to make this appetizer. The sweet sun-dried tomatoes and salty feta cheese perfectly balance one another out. (via Whitney Bond)

Easy Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers

Forget the breadcrumb-coated poppers you know from the freezer aisle because they can't complete with this crescent roll appetizer. These elegant pastry-wrapped jalapeño bites combine comfort food and class in one tidy package. (via The Blond Cook)

Onion Poppyseed Crescent Rolls

Stuffed with onions and poppyseeds, these rolls taste a bit like bagels. Serve them with a spread of whipped cream cheese that's been mixed with plenty of chopped scallion greens and a swirl of caramelized onions. (via My Sequined Life)

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Rolls

Your guests won't even recognize that these are made from crescent roll dough. They look totally homemade, and the sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top gives them an extra savory kick. (via Go Go Go Gourmet)

Pasta Bread Rolls

Filled with pesto, tomato, and cheese, these are like the grown-up version of pizza roll-ups. The best part is the cheese that gets crispy and golden on the bottom of the rolls. (via El Mundo Eats)

Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Rolls

Here we have a sub shop favorite masquerading as fancy finger food. Each satisfying bite is stuffed with shaved steak, cheese, and peppers. (via Food Fanatic)

Mini Chicken Pot Pies with Crescent Roll Crust

I love chicken pot pies, but they're not super easy to serve to big groups. With these mini pot pies, you can pass them around a room so everyone can enjoy this savory goodness! These are perfect for your next party for sure! (via Averie Cooks)

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Croissant

Bronzed crescent rolls are stuffed with cream cheese and smoked salmon in this recipe. They're yummy served warm or cold. (via Christie At Home)

Spinach and Cheese Crescent Ring

Sometimes presentation is everything. This spinach and cheese wreath is arranged in a festive ring, so no one will guess that it's made with refrigerated crescent roll dough. (via Julie's Eats and Treats)

Turkey, Cranberry, and Brie Crescent Braid

Cut this gooey Brie braid into wedges if you're serving it as a starter. Or, serve it in large slices for brunch, lunch, or extra hungry party guests. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Mini Baked Brie Roll Ups

Your dream of getting to eat an entire baked Brie en croute is about to come true... in miniature version, at least. A toasted pecan atop each one adds a pleasing crunch. (via Inspired Taste)

Herby Mushroom Croissant Stuffing

Savory mushrooms and smokey pork ensure that each one of these small rolls packs enormous flavor. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Sweet Crescent Roll Appetizers

Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath

Tart and sweet cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with creamy Brie. The flash of crimson will make this appetizer wreath the centerpiece of your party spread. (via My Modern Cookery)

Sweet Potato Crescent Rolls with Whipped Honey Butter

Take a cue from our Thanksgiving leftovers guide and use any remaining sweet potato to create these sweet crescent rolls. (via Completely Delicious)

Easy Vegan Rugelach

This may look like a savory crescent roll appetizer, but it's actually a dessert-filled treat! You can fill the middle with things chocolate or raisins. What makes this dessert vegan is its lack of cream cheese. However, you can always add it should you feel like taking a walk on the wild side. (via The Edgy Veg)

Glazed Apple Pie Crescent Rolls

Apple desserts are undefeated, but we couldn't have anticipated the quick and easy way this version could make our mouths water. We recommend saving this recipe so you can serve it during your Christmas brunch party. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Mixed Berry Almond Croissants

We only have two words for this crescent roll appetizer – absolutely scrumptious! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Croissant Cinnamon Roll Cake

Betcha didn't know you could make a croissant cinnamon roll cake. The good news is now you do. (via Woman Scribbles)

Strawberry Lemon Crescent Ring

This bright, refreshing crescent ring is perfect for a sweet morning bite, a brunch dessert, or whenever you'd like really! I can totally picture this paired with a bellini on sunny Saturday morning, can't you? Whip this up when you need a sweet refresh! (via Averie Cooks)

So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.

The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”

Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.

Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)

Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.

So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.

That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.

Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.

There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.