33 Recipes For Entertaining This Easter

easter recipes, desserts, drinks, appetizers, side dishes, main courses, easter dinner

With spring comes tons of fresh seasonal produce – produce we're so eager to use in our upcoming Easter recipes. From adding fresh strawberries to a post-dinner cheesecake, to topping a chilled pasta salad with crispy snow peas, this season's cooking is easily elevated. Whether you're setting the table for brunch, lunch, or dinner, we've got recipes that fit any Easter meal. Build your Easter menu with these recipes below!

Easter Side Dishes and Appetizers

Make sure your Easter meal is off to a tasty start with these quick appetizer recipes. Find a range of bites that will satisfy everyone around the table for the holiday, from plush biscuits to smooth butter boards.

Antipasto Tortellini Skewers with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

These skewers are giving all the Italian flavors we know and love. A combination of tortellini, mozzarella, tomatoes, roasted peppers, and olives come together for the perfect pre-Easter snack. Enjoy this balanced bite on skewers, or you can opt to mix everything in a big bowl for a pasta salad dish. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Delicious & Healthy Charcuterie Board

Because who doesn't love a good charcuterie board? Assembling an assortment of meats, cheeses, dips, and veggies along a sizable cutting board will give everyone something to start with. Have fun with creating fun patterns with your food, then dig right in. (via The Girl On Bloor)

Maple Glazed Carrots

The maple glaze from this recipe takes your healthy Easter appetizer from boring, old, regular carrots, to a sweet and savory mouthful. If you're looking to switch things up this year, try this one out! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Vegan Biscuits

Sometimes the best side dishes are the simplest. These flaky vegan biscuits are just begging to be smothered in soft, salty butter. (via Veggie Society)

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are an expected suspect for Easter snacking. This recipe makes preparing them super straightforward and painless: all you need is four ingredients to create a tangy treat. You'll want to make more than you think you need because these eggs are irresistable. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Greek Style Lamb Meatballs

The best apps come pierced, and these Greek style lamb meatballs are on our top five list for skewed snacks. Each meatball is nothing short of juicy and tender, plus the add-ins of cumin and feta cheese add a ton of flavor. (via Barley & Sage)

Butter Board

Looking for something trendy for your table this Easter? Butter boards are perfect to try this year. Just think about it: who doesn't want a supple layer of butter to soak your breads and biscuits in before mealtime? Customize this recipe any way you like – sweet, savory, or even both! (via Brit + Co.)

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potatoes are an Easter ham's starchy BFF. Indulge in a single forkful of this delicious recipe, and you'll immediately want to add it to your holiday menus for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Yes, it's that good. (via Salt & Lavender)

Crispiest Garlic Parm Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Save some of your precious kitchen time by utilizing the tool to rule them all: the air fryer. To make this mouthwatering Easter recipe, toss some Brussels sprouts in oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and spices, then let the air fryer work its magic. Your side dish will be ready in a matter of ten minutes! (via The Girl On Bloor)

5 Minute Tzatziki Sauce

Clear some space among your Easter snack spread for this easy-to-make tzatziki sauce. Use it to dip veggies or slather a salad with the fresh, zingy flavors. You're going to want to bookmark this recipe for year-round snacking! (via Live Eat Learn)

Main Dishes and Dinners for Easter

Here it comes: the main event. Traditional Easter meals tend to center around a ham, but we've included a wide range of main course candidates for you to taste this year. Go the more standard route with maple glazed ham, or whip up some pasta salad for guests. See all of the delectable possibilities below!

One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta

This recipe had us at whipped ricotta. The flavors of this pasta dish are bright and honestly, a bit magical. This recipe is a great option if you're looking to uncomplicate holiday cooking, too: you just need one pot! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Maple and Pear-Glazed Ham

Pear and maple syrup douse cuts of ham to create a complex mix of flavors for your Easter dinner. This combo is not like you're typical holiday ham — the flavors are unlike anything you've ever tasted before, with a unique sweet and saltiness. (via Brit + Co.)

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This vegetarian sweet potato dish fills your home with spicy scents of Aleppo pepper flakes and homemade miso sauce. Don't be fooled by the veggie base, though — it's definitely a hearty, filling dish. Plus, the recipe leverages all fresh ingredients, so you're getting a healthy meal while you're at it. (via This Wife Cooks)

Baked Ham with Honey Mustard & Apples

Ham and sliced apples pair flawlessly for this Easter recipe. The texture of tender meat is equally balanced by crunchy apples, and all the deep flavors blend together beautifully. Prepping a whole ham is the way to go for a deluxe dinner. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken

Sheet pan meals take the stress out of holiday entertaining because all you need to do is season the ingredients and toss 'em in the oven for a bit. We love how this recipe tosses chicken and vegetables in a tasty paprika spice mix! (via Culinary Hill)

Pasta with Pea Shoots, Snow Peas and Pesto

This pasta salad recipe joyfully welcomes spring with a ton of fresh, seasonal produce! The recipe itself is a breeze to make, plus, if you're not feeling snow peas, you can always substitute them for your favorite spring veggie. (via )

Baked Salmon with Cucumber Mint Salsa

Season some salmon to your liking, then pop it in the oven for about ten minutes. Now that the easy part is done, prep a homemade cucumber salsa with cucumber, mint, za'atar spices, and lemon juice to top your fish. This meal boasts bright, tangy flavors that'll make your Easter guests go wild. (via Salt & Lavender)

Easy Greek Chicken with Red Peppers and Onions

This Easter option is painfully easy and healthy. You only need one pan to combine your ingredients, and make sure you spice things up with the seasonings of your choice! The end result is a juicy medley of meat and veggies that can be enjoyed alone, or atop a bed of rice. (via Fancy Peasant)

Modern Pineapple Ham with Balsamic Honey Glaze

If you still remember your grandma's pineapple ham recipe (yes, the one with the maraschino cherries) and you loved it, you need to try this modern take for your fam this year. Pineapple slices and a sticky, sweet glaze adorn a tender ham in all of the classic flavors you crave for Easter dinner. (via The Endless Meal)

Easter Sweets and Desserts

What's a holiday without a little sweet treat? End your Easter meal on a high note with one of these dessert recipes!

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Berries practically scream springtime. These soft strawberry sugar cookies get covered in a cream cheese frosting, too – we'll take a dozen, pretty please. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Chocolate Nests

Toss some lightly cooked vermicelli noodles in your chocolate of choice, then shape your creation into little bird's nests. Once the nests hold their shape, fill them up with an ample amount of chocolate eggs for even more Easter sweetness. The kiddos will love this one. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Easter Bunny Chocolate Truffle Spoons

These bunny-shaped treats are definitely a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is the perfect excuse to get creative for Easter, leaving everyone with a chocolatey, peanut buttery truffle that's almost as cute as it is delicious! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Robin's Egg Macarons

These egg-shaped macarons are just begging to be baked for Easter in all their adorable, robin's egg glory. (via Barley & Sage)

Iced Lemon Loaf

TBH, our mouths water at the mere mention of "lemon-infused." This sweet and sour loaf is light, fluffy bread...and drowned in a thick, creamy glaze. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

You know we couldn't forget about carrot cake. It's the cake flavor to rule them all on Easter – it's savory and sweet, plus most carrot cake recipes come with a heavenly cream cheese frosting. This Easter dessert recipe is vegan, but still delivers a moist cake with loads of flavor. (via The Edgy Veg)

Easter Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Forget about decorating eggs for Easter, and unleash your inner artist to decorate dipped strawberries instead! This sweet treat comes together with minimal effort — most of the work goes into melting the chocolate. Set aside different amounts to dye an array of pastel colors, giving you plenty to play around with! (via Salt & Lavender)

Matcha Cheesecake

The refreshing tastes of matcha, strawberry, and lemon blend together with this cheesecake recipe. Not only does this cake rock a springy color palette (making this recipe totally Instagrammable), but it's also giving all the sweet and sour flavors of our favorite spring treats. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Vegan + Gluten-Free Healthier Copycat Reese's Eggs

Vegan chocolate lovers, relish in the goodness of this copycat recipe that's ideal for the Easter holiday. Gather just four ingredients for a decadent dessert that's not only vegan, but also gluten-free, grain-free, and oh-so healthy(ish). (via Rachel Mansfield)

Easy Apple Galette

A satisfyingly crispy pie crust surrounds handfuls of delicately sliced apples in this Easter dessert. Each bite is full of fresh apples, and the whipped cream makes this treat all the better. If apples aren't your thing, try out pears or spring berries instead! (via Two Spoons)

Cocktails and Drinks for Easter

Well, now that you've crafted your excellent Easter mealtime menu, you need something to sip on. These cocktails and mocktails will do! Each drink is reflective of springtime, so your dinner has the perfect match.

Lavender Lemonade Cocktail

Any recipe that includes lavender is good in our book. This sip balances sweet lavender with tart lemonade, mixed with vodka for an extra kick. (via Amanda Wilens)

Zero Proof Coconut Vanilla Mint Lemon Drop

Mint, lemon, and vanilla assemble to create a mocktail that without any added sugars. The bright flavors absolutely belong next to all your divine Easter dishes. (via Chef Bai)

Grapefruit Ginger Beer Mocktail

This zero proof sip packs a juicy punch with grapefruit and ginger beer. Mint and lime add complex flavors to this refreshing drink — perfect to pour for your afternoon Easter egg hunt. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Japanese Yuzu Whiskey Sour

Work those home bartending skills with this yuzu-filled drink! Each ingredient balances the other out, making for a well-rounded Easter cocktail. (via Takes Two Eggs)

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It seems Thanksgiving is barely a week away by the time we start thinking about the menu. But while ovens all over the country will be working overtime this year, don't forget your secret weapon — the crock pot! Kitchen strategy is key when you're trying to factor various cook and prep times for both oven and stovetop dishes. There just never seems to be enough time (or counter space).

Whether you're already finalizing your menu for the day or are just in charge of a few side dishes, we've scoured the web and found 18 Thanksgiving crock pot recipes that are perfect for any gathering.

Creamed Corn

Damn Delicious

Cornis a standard side dish for most Thanksgiving meals, but this recipe is a total game-changer. Five simple ingredients go in your crock pot, and three hours later you’re greeted by corn that is so creamy and delicious, you’ll never be able to eat the canned stuff again.

Wheat Bread Stuffing

Recipe Runner

Free up some room in your oven and cook the stuffing right on the counter this year. Crusty whole wheat bread, celery, onions and chicken broth will have you going back for seconds. Once it’s cooked, turn the heat to low and it will be ready whenever you are.

Brussels Sprouts

Damn Delicious

These aren’t Grandma’s Brussels sprouts. Covered in a brown sugar balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, these sprouts will have you converted after just one bite.

Sweet Potatoes

The Magical Slow Cooker

This one takes minimal effort, but packs maximum flavor. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes before wrapping them in tinfoil and piling into the crock pot. Cook on high for six hours, and resist the urge to open the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. Serve with butter, brown sugar and mini marshmallows.

Apple Cider

Damn Delicious

Your guests are going to need something to sip on. Made 100% from scratch, this apple cider recipe will definitely steal the show: Combine apples, cinnamon sticks and spices and cover with water, and drink in the delicious smell while it simmers in the slow cooker.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Creme de la Crumb

Okay, so this does require a little oven time, but it’ll be the last thing you heat up before you can dig in (and it’s totally worth it). Peel and chop 5lbs of sweet potatoes and let your slow cooker do all the work for the next four hours. Transfer to a casserole dish, spread a layer of pecans over the sweet potato mixture then bake for 20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch before adding the mini marshmallows. Bake for five more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown) and dig in.

Caramel Fondue

Creme de la Crumb

From apple slices to pretzels, there’s no wrong way to dunk with this dip, made from only three ingredients — caramels, heavy cream and marshmallows. Say hello to your new post-Thanksgiving party trick.

Garlic Ranch Potatoes

The Cookie Rookie

Tender red potatoes are a great alternative to the typical mashed variety. Top the wedges with ranch seasoning, chives and garlic for a fresh side dish that no one will believe you made entirely in the crock pot.

Cranberry Sauce Crock Pot Recipe

Gimme Some Oven

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss in the ingredients and come back in three hours for cranberry sauce that is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Add a splash of vanilla extract right before serving.

Cinnamon Apples

A Spicy Perspective

The best side dishes double as dessert. Cover thinly sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon and bourbon, then simmer for four hours. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is — they’re delicious either way.

Cranberry Meatballs

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Trade out the usual jar of grape jelly in your famous meatball recipe for cranberry sauce to give it a holiday update. The sweet and tangy flavor will keep you coming back for more. In fact, you better double the recipe.

Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix

Averie Cooks

This tasty party snack is perfect for clearing out your cabinets: cereal, peanuts, pretzels, dried fruit and graham crackers all come together in a salty sweet crunch. Drench the mix in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices before testing your willpower for the next two hours.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

The Healthy Maven

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day (especially on Thanksgiving), but this oatmeal couldn’t be easier: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to the aroma of nutmeg and maple syrup.

Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creme de la Crumb

A pile of fresh herbs, butter and garlic make these mashed potatoes stand out on the buffet table. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for a rustic flair that not only adds a ton of flavor, it also saves you some work.

Spinach + Artichoke Dip

Damn Delicious

Keep your guests from getting hangry while they wait for dinner: Serve this creamy spinach and artichoke dip with bread, pretzels or pita for a Thanksgiving staple made super easy, thanks to your crock pot.

Butternut Squash Soup

Life Made Sweeter

Combine coconut milk with chunks of butternut squash and sweet potato, then cook in the crockpot for four hours. Once everything is fork tender, break out your immersion blender to make the texture velvety smooth. Top with extra coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds before devouring.

Pumpkin Cobbler

The Gunny Sack

Trade in your standard pumpkin pie for a cobbler that is made in the crock pot from start to finish. Pro tip: place a paper towel underneath the lid to keep the condensation off the food and ensure a crispy crust. Top the plated perfection with a dollop of whipped cream and caramel syrup.

Dinner Rolls

Lil Luna

The slow cooker might be the last place you'd think to bake dinner rolls, but trust us on this one. This trick comes in handy year-round, especially on hot summer days when you don't feel like blasting that oven. Genius.

Don't miss out on knocking out a dish or two this year with these Thanksgiving crock pot recipes and if you need more inspiration, join our newsletter or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes.

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

So long, pumpkin spice season: Starbucks’ holiday menu is on the way, and per menu leaks, it reportedly brings back a ton of seasonal favorites starting next week.

From a classic Peppermint Mocha to the beloved Caramel Brûlée Latte, the recent menu rumors say a new Refresher flavor, 6 unique cold foams, and 4 new bakery items are on the way as the holidays draw near – including many items we predicted! The speculated lineup is honestly wild. Starbucks teased that the holiday menu will hit stores on November 7.

If you just can’t wait to order off the Starbucks holiday menu, here’s every offering reportedly coming to your closest cafe!

When will the Starbucks holiday drinks for 2024 come out?

Starbucks

According to an Instagram post from Starbucks, new holiday drinks and snacks will come out on November 7, 2024.

Will there be holiday cups?

Starbucks

We do anticipate that the Starbucks holiday menu will include some new holiday cup designs! Though we don't know what they'll look like just yet, previous holiday menus over the years have featured vibrant reds, greens, and pinks, plus stars, sparkles, Christmas trees, swirls, and stripes. Typically, Starbucks' holiday cups span across hot and iced drinks. Additionally, a new lineup of reusable cups and mugs should become available!

What's missing from this year's rumored Starbucks holiday menu?

Starbucks

Per rumors around the Starbucks holiday menu, the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread Loaf won't be returning to cafes for 2024. We're especially sad to see the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha not included, though the official menu lineup has yet to be released!

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Though there's no official word out about Red Cup Day for 2024, our best guess – based on the Red Cup Days of years past – is it'll return mid-November. In 2023, Red Cup Day fell on November 16. In 2022, the coffee chain held the event on November 17. Both dates landed on the third Thursday of November, so we predict it to hit on November 21 for 2024. Red Cup Day is when Starbucks customers can get a free reusable red cup when they order a seasonal drink off the holiday menu.

Drinks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Cran-Merry Orange Refresher

The Starbucks holiday menu leak reported that this brand-new Refresher is packed with sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spice. It also has cranberry inclusions and is order-able mixed with water, lemonade or coconut milk.

Starbucks

Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

Chai is a totally underrated holiday flavor in our opinion. This iced drink is crafted with warm chai spices and creamy oat milk, then gets topped with even more frothed oat milk infused with gingerbread-flavored syrup and a sprinkling of spice.

Starbucks

Peppermint Mocha

You know it, and you love it! The Peppermint Mocha has hit Starbucks menus year after year, making it a total statement sip for the holiday season. This drink (available hot or iced) combines peppermint syrup, mocha sauce, and your milk of choice with espresso for a festive feel. It's traditionally topped with whipped cream and tasty chocolate curls.

Starbucks

Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha

Similar to the classic Peppermint Mocha, this bev swaps chocolate for white chocolate sauce.

Starbucks

Caramel Brûlée Latte

This rumored Starbucks holiday menu drink is very rich. The sweet caramel brûlée sauce totally completes the sip, along with plenty of whipped cream and crunchy lil' brûlée bits for textural variety.

Starbucks

Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

Literally like a sugar cookie in liquid form, this super-sweet latte is handcrafted with blonde espresso (it's sweeter and lighter than Starbucks' traditional espresso shots), sugar cookie syrup, and almond milk for a little bit of a lighter effect. It's finished off with red and green sprinkles to up the seasonal vibes even more!

Starbucks

Chestnut Praline Latte

This nutty latte – rumored to return for 2024 – brings on notes of chestnut and praline, which is a nice, flavorful departure from the very expected peppermint you'll see everywhere come holiday time.

Starbucks

Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew

Initially introduced for fall 2024, it appears as though the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew will stay on the Starbucks menu well into winter. The salted, pecan-flavored cold foam offers that classic sweet n' salty twist you'd enjoy on fall snacks like trail mix or dipped pretzels. The best part is you can now also order the cold foam in non-dairy form!

Starbucks

Holiday Cold Foams

Per the menu leak, Starbs will be bringing back four beloved holiday-flavored cold foamsand two new options for 2024. They're the perfect drink customization to add to your iced coffees and cold brews if you don't want to order an all-out holiday drink. See all the predicted flavors below:

  • NEW! Gingerbread
  • NEW! Salted Pecan
  • Peppermint Chocolate
  • Sugar Cookie
  • Chestnut Praline
  • Caramel Brûlée

Snacks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Dark Toffee Bundt

Per the menu leak, this sweet toffee-flavored bundt will be topped with holly- and berry-shaped sprinkles. How perfect for the holiday season!

@markie_devo

NEW! Turkey Sage Danish

This savory snack reportedly includes "turkey sausage with creamy béchamel sauce in a pastry." It sounds like Thanksgiving in a single treat, and we can't wait to try it!

@markie_devo

NEW! Penguin Cookie

This cutie sugar cookie is decorated like a lil' penguin bundled up for the cold.

Starbucks

Snowman Cake Pop

Starbucks' classic vanilla cake pop gets a wintry twist with an adorable snowman face – this sweet really makes us crave the holiday season!

Starbucks

Sugar Plum Cheese Danish

This cream cheese-filled danish is topped with a slightly-spiced sugar plum jam. It's been one of our go-to's over the past few holiday seasons at Starbucks!

Starbucks

Cranberry Bliss Bar

The Cranberry Bliss Bar has become an absolute staple on the Starbucks holiday menu, and for good reason! This blondie treat is smothered in a delicious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with orange zest and dried cranberries for added seasonal enjoyment.

What People Are Saying About The Leaked Starbucks Holiday Menu

Though most commenters on @markie_devo's Starbucks holiday menu leak post seemed to be excited for the upcoming rumored menu items, some Starbs fans noticed a few things missing from the leaked lineup.

"Still missing eggnog 😢," someone noted.

"Where is the toasted white chocolate mocha 😢😢😢😢," another questioned.

"ALLLLLL these cold foams, and not the one people want: Irish Cream," one more commenter said.

"Ugh still no gingerbread loaf 😭," a disappointed user wrote. "Everything else looks bomb though!"

Despite the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread loaf not being part of this year's menu predictions, the holiday season is our favorite time of year at Starbucks. Many more users shared the same sentiment:

"So excited for all chestnut praline shaken espressos & cranberry bliss bars 🎄🎄🎄🎄," someone wrote.

"Oh hell yess all the chestnut praline offerings," another rejoiced.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay posted on the latest Starbucks news, including when the official holiday menu lineup drops!

This post has been updated.

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

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Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

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Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

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Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

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The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.