20 Recipes for Your Holiday Ham

Nora Landis-Shack
Dec 02, 2014

Some of us are turkey people. Some of us are duck people. And some of us insist on having ham for the holidays. But it’s with good reason; a juicy ham fresh out of the oven is one of the most decadent dinners we can imagine. We collected 20 recipes to get your pork fix any time of the year. As an added bonus, all of these recipes are equally as good with store-bought ham or leftovers from your holiday feast. Start with the entrées and sides first, then move into the best part — leftovers!

1. Glazed Easter Ham: Let’s start with the basics: Check out this gorgeous giant ham. The super flavorful centerpiece takes a long bath in Dr. Pepper, mustard and brown sugar. The caramel-like crust will be well worth the wait. (via The Pioneer Woman)

2. Bourbon Glazed Ham: Add a little extra holiday cheer to your ham with a blend of nutmeg, honey, bourbon and cloves. All the alcohol burns off, leaving a deliciously sticky sauce behind. (via Food52)

3. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: This simple side couldn’t be easier to make. Even the pickiest eaters won’t refuse veggies wrapped in salty ham. (via Fig and Cotton)

4. Chopped Kale With Ham and Figs: Upgrade your kale salad with a salty punch from prosciutto and soothing sweetness from the figs. It’s a side salad with major flavor worthy of a main. (via 100 Threads)

5. Devilled Ham: Make this unusual spread with the bits and ends left over from your holiday roast. Serve alongside an assortment of crackers for a party-pleasing dip. (via Bon Appetit)

6. Savory Bread Pudding With Ham And Cheese: Serve this decadent stuffing-inspired side all year round, or just upgrade from your classic Thanksgiving fare for a taste of something new. We don’t think any of your guests will complain about the break in tradition. (via Buns in My Oven)

7. Fig, Blue Cheese and Prosciutto Tartine: Sweet, spicy, salty and meaty, this is the perfect fall appetizer to serve to hungry guests before a big dinner. (via Cooking for Keeps)

8. Spanish Croquettes: Looking for something with a little more exotic flair? Make this popular Spanish tapa that combines a blend of cheese sauce and ham, fried into a perfect finger food. (via Uno de Dos)

9. Maple Brussels Sprouts and Ham Hash With Apple Noodles: It may sound like a strange combo, but this tasty mashup of holiday favorites is sure to be a hit and a new family tradition. (via Inspiralized)

10. Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Smoked Ham: The smokiness of the ham perfectly complements the sweet potato gnocchi and rich, creamy sage butter sauce. Make this meal on a chilly night for a cozy pick-me-up. (via Cookin’ Skinny)

11. Sunday Brunch Croque Madame: Stack up this breakfast (or lunch) sandwich with leftover sliced holiday ham for an extra decadent treat. Tons of melted cheese and a perfectly fried egg take it over the top. (via The Stiers Aesthetic)

12. Baked Ham and Cheese Tart: Pack one of these ooey-gooey hand pies for a tasty lunch or serve fork-and-knife style with a simple fresh salad. (via Hip Foodie Mom)

13. Ham and Goat Cheese Crostini: This elegant hors d’oeuvre is practically a small meal, so if you want to eat a few for dinner, go right ahead. (via The Blonde Chef)

14. White Bean and Ham Soup: Make this thick and hearty soup on a cold winter’s day. The best part is that once you get everything in the pot, you can leave it alone while it cooks all day and makes your house smell ah-amazing. (via Inspiration Kitchen)

15. Croque Madame Pizza: Homemade pizza with all the flavors of what might be our favorite grilled cheese sandwich? We’ll take as many slices as we can fit in our bellies, please. (via Cooking for Keeps)

16. Banh Cuon Thanh Tri: We promise we didn’t make this up, and we promise you will not be disappointed with this rice-noodle, Vietnamese ham and herb salad with a spicy umami-packed dressing. (via Goodies a Volonte)

17. Cubano Sandwich: It’s a classic for several reasons: Roasted pork, smoked ham, melty cheese, spicy mustard, sour pickles and super soft bread make the ultimate comfort sandwich. (via The Meaning of Pie)

18. Ham and Cheese French Toast Roll-Ups: Adults will love this decadent finger food almost as much as the kids. It’s super easy and super fast, so everyone wins. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

19. Ham and Potato Chowder: Creamy potato soup with double the pork and double the flavor? Double portions, please! (via Love Grows Wild)

20. Monte Cristo Waffle Sandwich: This sandwich is best made on a lazy post-holiday Sunday afternoon, enjoyed alongside a mimosa and finished off with a cozy afternoon nap. (via Foodie Crush)

Which one of these recipes are you eager to try? Ready to make a holiday ham and use the leftovers for this array of delicious goodies? Tell us in the comments below!

22 Flavorful Soups From Around The World To Try Right Now

During bouts of cold weather, nothing warms you down to your toes quite like a good soup. From spicy soup recipes to more mild creations, soup is nourishing, warming and often packed with nutritious ingredients. Tomato soup recipes are a classic choice here in the U.S., but maybe you’re in the mood for something a little more… exotic. Lucky for you, soup is a staple in all corners of the globe. Try these 22 soup recipes from around the world next time you feel like jetting off to new (and perhaps warmer) climates.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This one-pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is so simple and the perfect bowl to spice things up with salsa verde, poblano peppers, jalapeños, and shredded chicken. Taco seasoning and ground cumin top it off with amazing flavor. Add salty tortilla chips and even lime zest for a magical soup to cozy up to mid-winter. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Easy Homemade Wonton Soup

Though the concept of making homemade wontons may seem intimidating, this delicious soup is actually pretty easy to pull together. Ready in just 40 minutes, it boasts the flavors of authentic pork dumplings, shrimp and fresh veggies. (via Jessica Gavin)

New England Clam Chowder

For something a little closer to home, whip up a bowl of New England clam chowder. You’ll need bacon, pork, potatoes, an array of spices and, of course, clams. The fresher the fish, the better — but if you live somewhere without access to fresh clams, you can sub in canned clams instead. (via A Family Feast)

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Alternatively, you could try Manhattan’s version of clam chowder if you’re craving a yummy seafood stew. The difference between New England and Manhattan clam chowders lies in the soup itself — New England chowder features a white, cream-based soup, while Manhattan style is broth-based. (via Baker by Nature)

Chicken Dumpling Soup

Curb your cravings for a cozy comfort soup with this well-rounded meal that nourishes with tender chicken, fluffy cooked dumplings, and a flavorful creamy broth. (via Real Food Dietitians)

Turkish Tarhana Soup

Mix things up with this popular Turkish soup made with fermented dough and a tomato base, mint, and garlic. (via Give Recipe)

15-Minute Curry Noodle Soup

Curries are popular throughout Asia, particularly in countries like India and Thailand. This quick and easy curry soup is ready in just 15 minutes, and features rice vermicelli noodles. (via The Woks of Life)

Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian-American soup is often served at all manner of Italian restaurants here in the states, but its name is misleading. It’s not traditionally served at weddings in particular… instead, the name refers to the “marriage” of greens and broth. (via Jo Cooks)

Hearty Mulligatawny Soup

This simpler version of the famous mulligatawny soup is made with leftover roast chicken or turkey. Part Indian, part British, this soup is aromatic, mildly spicy, and so comforting. (via Vikalinka)

Vegan Tortellini Soup

This hearty, delicious soup won't take more than 45 minutes and is packed with vegetables, cheesy tortellini, spicy plant-based sausage and lots of flavor! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Spanish Bean Soup

This traditional Spanish soup is made with chickpeas, andouille sausage, onion, olive oil and red potatoes. If you’re more in the mood for spicy chorizo, substitute that instead. Either way, this soup will be nourishing, mildly spicy and *packed* with flavor. (via The Noshery)

French Onion Soup

Is there anything more delicious than a rich French onion soup topped with crunchy croutons and tons of cheese? We think not! This recipe showcases the flavors of French onion soup to delicious effect. We recommend using gruyere, asiago, Swiss or mozzarella cheese (or any combo of those four). (via Gimme Some Oven)

Easy Mexican Pozole

Pozole is a Mexican soup boasting the flavors of hominy and pork. There are red versions and green versions. This particular version is made with red sauce and is super easy to whip up in a jiff. (via The Spice Kit Recipes)

Turkey Avgolemono Soup

This traditional Greek recipe is made with turkey, rice and a little bit of lemon, making for a delicious comfort food that’s both warming and totally invigorating. In fact, you only need five ingredients to make this delicious, authentic soup. That’s right, FIVE. (via The Kitchn)

Cuban Black Bean Soup

Healthy and hearty, this black bean soup is graced with the flavors of black pepper, olive oil and garlic, and comprised of ham and black beans. It’s as nourishing as it is tasty, and can easily be garnished with Greek yogurt in lieu of sour cream in order to make it even healthier. (Of course, that will take away the authenticity of the dish, but we’ll let you decide.) (via The Kitchn)

Creamy Coconut Soup With Cauliflower

This soothing soup is a great way to get veggies into your day in a healthy and hearty way. (via Clean Cuisine)

Ribollita

Now, if you’re looking for a quick and easy dish, this Tuscan soup recipe isn’t for you — it takes roughly three days to make if you want to go the traditional route. Ribollita literally means “reboiled,” so this is a great recipe to make ahead of time and then reboil right before you’re ready to serve it. (via 31 Daily)

Hot and Sour Soup

This traditional Chinese recipe is warming, tasty and packed with nutritious ingredients. We particularly recommend adding kimchi on top, as it’s fermented and therefore contains natural probiotics. Pro tip: To make this vegan, just use veggie broth. (via The Kitchn)

Locro de Papa

Locro de Papa is an Ecuadorian cheesy potato soup that will warm you to your toes and fill you right up. It features annatto, a regional spice that you’ll have to find in an ethnic or Mexican grocery store. But trust us — it will be worth the extra effort. (via Curious Cuisiniere)

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is often steeped for *days* in order to get the best broth flavor. However, you can make it much more quickly by taking a few shortcuts. In terms of beef, the best cuts for this noodle soup are sirloin steak, round eye or London broil. (via The Kitchn)

One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Got 30 minutes? This soup version of the Italian classic is the perfect, hearty, comfort food with ground beef, noodles, a tomato-based broth, and a delicious three-cheese topping. (via Averie Cooks)

Easy Homemade Ramen

Last but not least is perhaps America’s most beloved ethnic soup: ramen. Once you’ve made a homemade savory ramen with fresh veggies, noodles and boiled eggs, you’ll never go back to the instant store-bought version. EVER. (via Damn Delicious)

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Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

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This post has been updated.

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This Big-Batch, Pressure-Cooked Chili Recipe Can Feed You (and Your Neighbors)

It's taken years (kid you not) to develop this thickvegan instant pot chili. Many recipes out there turn out too soupy and have a sort of muted steamed taste. We've toyed with the measurements here and there and finally can present something we're impressed with. Fascinatingly enough, quinoa helps to bind the veg and tomatoes together; the pseudo-grain swells up and soaks any extraneous liquid. It's an essential part of this simple vegetarian chili that calls for only a handful of ingredients.

We intentionally tried to make it easier on you, because we know getting a home-cooked meal on the table is trouble enough. The most effort you'll have to put forth is cranking open a bunch of cans and rough-chopping onion and pepper. We promise you can get through that prep in about the same amount of time it takes to listen to a single on Spotify.

How To Make Pressure-Cooked Vegetarian Chili

Once cooked, the onions, tomatoes, and peppers practically melt in your mouth, while the beans retain their firmness and chew. This is not a five-alarm chili in terms of heat, but you can certainly crank things up by doctoring it with sriracha, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeño. If you need more textural contrast, serve it with some tortilla chips. The recipe yields quite a large amount — certainly enough for you to reheat and enjoy all week long. That, or inspire you to host a last-minute dinner party with spicy paloma cocktails for all.

Recipe Notes: Don't rinse the beans! They help thicken the chili. To crank up the heat, dice up a fresh jalapeño (ribs and seeds), and toss it in the pressure cooker along with all the other ingredients. The hot capsaicin will infuse into every bite of the chili.

Ingredients

Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

  • 2 cups broth of your choice
  • 1 1/2 cups quinoa
  • 1 large onion, large dice
  • 2 bell peppers, large dice
  • 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 4 ounce can diced green chilis
  • 1 heaping tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained
  • 1 15 ounce can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 15 ounce can pinto beans, drained
  • salt and cayenne, to taste
  • shredded cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast, to garnish
  • guacamole or freshly sliced avocado, to garnish

Directions

Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

Step One

In the pot of a multicooker, combine all ingredients in the order they appear. Secure the lid and lock. Cook on chili/bean setting or on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes.

Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

Step Two

Quick-release, carefully remove lid, and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Salt and/or sprinkle cayenne pepper to taste.

Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

Step Three

Divide chili in bowls, garnishing with shredded cheddar cheese and guacamole (or avocado).

Step Four

Transfer leftovers to an air-tight container, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Flavor will improve each day as the spices sink into the ingredients.

Dive into more mouth-watering food recipes on Brit + Co!

Recipe created by Anna Monette Roberts

This post has been updated.

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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35 Christmas Party Decor Ideas You Can Totally DIY

It's the most wonderful time of year for presents, festive recipes, and *all* the Christmas party ideas. Now is the time to start your holiday decor pinboards, stockpile entertaining essentials, and dream up your party menu. Instead of throwing the same old gathering you've been hosting for ages, mix things up with a holiday shindig that's totally epic this year. Check out these 35 DIYs, decor ideas, and creative themes that'll have your guests RSVPing Yes!

Candy Cane Lane Backdrop

Etsy

Host a Candy Cane Lane party with this sweet and colorful backdrop. (via Etsy)

Dried Orange Garland

Shutterstock

String dried oranges with twine for garlands, attach them to gifts, or use them as natural ornaments on your tree.

Festive Charcuterie Board

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Serve up the most festive charcuterie board with gingerbread, pomegranate, chocolate, rosemary, and candy canes!

Christmas Tree Arch

DBackdrop

Create a Christmas Tree Arch for your photo backdrop with real or artificial garland.

Bow Paper Cups

My Mind's Eye

Buy or DIY these adorable cups for your holiday party. (via My Mind's Eye)

Velvet Tree Bows

Dress up your tree for a very demure, very mindful holiday party. (via Etsy)

Disco Ball Wreath

Bring a little dance floor vibe to your holiday door with this disco wreath. (via Brit + Co)

Honeycomb Backdrop

If you’re looking for a colorful, swoon-worthy backdrop for your dessert table, you can’t go wrong with a wall covered in honeycomb shapes. How pretty are those jewel tones with pops of gold? (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY ’90s Throwback Tree Ornaments

Instead of Santa or reindeer, turn your tree into an homage to everything awesome about the ’90s, including Koosh balls (‘member those?). (via Aww Sam)

Wreath Witherspoon

This tribute to our fave legal blonde is now our new favorite holiday decoration. Invite some friends over, and make one together! (via Brit + Co)

DIY Snow Globe Cake

The best way to do snow globes? DIY edible versions, duh. Take your cake to the next level with a little fondant and some cheerful cake toppers. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Edible Chocolate Trees

Foil-wrapped chocolates will make these pretty trees the main attraction. Line them up along the mantel or use them as an inexpensive table centerpiece at your holiday dinner. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Punny Tree Ornaments

DIY queens will love the idea of putting their own spin on ornaments. Stock up on plain glass balls at the dollar store and let your friends have a blast coming up with holiday puns. They can then take their handiwork home at the end of the night as a fun party favor. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Candy Cane Treat Box

Peace, love, and peppermint! These candy cane gift boxes are a breeze to put together. Fill ’em with chocolate truffles dunked in pink chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Disco Ball Tree

A disco ball tree beats vacuuming up pine needles any day. It’s bold, it’s glam, and it’s actually pretty easy to put together. (via Studio DIY)

Glass Ball Terrariums

Amazon

Fill these glass ball ornaments with pine stems, snow, gift bows, even sprinkles for your festive decor!

DIY Advent Calendar

Marble backdrop with tiny packages full of goodies? Now you’re well on your way to counting down to Santa’s arrival in style. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Hot Cocoa Bar

Don’t forget the hot chocolate! You need all the fixings, though: marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and even a little caramel drizzle. (via PMQ for two)

DIY Giant Ornament Balloons

Let these beauties bounce across the floor, bunch them together for a photo shoot, or hang them on your porch. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Blendo Ornaments

Decorate your tree with gold stars, red ribbon, and soft sage leaves for an extra pop of texture. Then follow this DIY to recreate the soft pastel ombre ornaments. So pretty. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

DIY Flamingo Snow Globe Ornaments

Channel warm holiday vibes with this crafty ornament. (via Club Crafted)

Christmas Bar Cart

It doesn’t get much more festive than a bar cart full of presents and gold barware. Layered garlands and mini bottle brush trees create punchy decor accents for any holiday get-together.(via Sugar & Cloth)

Metallic Eggnog Cups

Give that punch bowl set you found at the thrift store a new lease on life with metallic paints. (via Design Improvised)

Pink Gingerbread Car

Don’t pass up a chance to put a fresh spin on this party staple. Just add gumdrops, candy wheels, and sugar dust! (via Studio DIY)

Christmas Tree Cactus

No need for a tree when you have this festive cactus tree! (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Christmas Light Balloon Garlands

String these on the tree, hang them across the mantel, or use them as a photo booth prop. These light bulb garlands can do it all. The best part is that you can totally customize the colors! (via Studio DIY)

DIY Printable Holiday Gift Wrap

Round up a group of friends for a spur-of-the-moment holiday wrap party. Make sure to get plenty of tape at the store, then warm up your printer and go crazy with this tropical-themed gift wrap. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Bubbly Balloon Backdrop

Simple, colorful, and DIY — all of our favorite things! This easy balloon backdrop will transform any blank wall — and the tree! — into a breathtaking party scene. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

Signature Drink

Deck out your bar cart for the holidays with some swag and swap out your wine glasses for something gilded to show off your signature Christmas cocktail. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Confetti Cannon

Shutterstock

It’s not a party until the confetti shows up. Pop the bubbly, then pop these DIY confetti cannons to kick off your bash in style. (via Brit + Co)

THEME IDEAS

Holiday Card Party

If you’re going with good old-fashioned snail mail this season, nothing beats a handwritten holiday card. Throw a party dedicated to hand-lettered addresses and actual stamp-licking. Check out the Brit + Co x Moonpig Holiday Collection too! (via Brit + Co)

White Elephant Gift Exchange

Skip the grand festivities in favor of a cozy night in with the people you love. Order in pizza, break out the Trader Joe's wine, and get ready to share some hilariously weird and wacky gifts. (via Brit + Co)

Cute Holiday Sweater Party, Hold The Ugly

ASTR the Label

Give everyone a reason to wear their cute holiday sweaters without needing to shop for something they'll never wear again. (via Brit + Co)

Gift Wrap Gathering

Photo by Marko Klaric

Grab your besties for a night of warm cocoa, gift wrapping, and holiday festivities at your house. Stock up on pretty wrapping paper and cool DIY gift toppers for a fun gift wrapping extravaganza.

Tree Decorating Party, BYOO

Turn your tree lighting into the main event. Invite your pals over for coffee and cocktails, then get your decorating on by DIYing a few baubles. You can even ask everyone to bring one DIY ornament with a prize for the most creative! (via Brit + Co)

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This post has been updated.

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