Ditch Red and Green for These 14 Non-Traditional Christmas Decorations

Disco Balls

Rose and Grey Braided Pink Napkin Rings

This tablescape is the sweetest with ric rac napkins, braided rings, colorful candles, and disco balls, because why not make it a dance party?

Velvet Bows

Same Time Tomorrow Napkin Ring

Velvet bows are on trees, tables, and wreaths this holiday and the more the better. Add them to your napkins, your glassware, even your candles!

Ribbon-Tied Candles

Here's a DIY to try, a simple ribbon-tied candle.

Prelit Garland

Crate & Barrel Pre-Lit LED Norway Spruce Christmas Garland

Fresh or faux, add some Nordic vibes to your table with greenery and starry white lights. Add candles and vintage baubles to upgrade the look.

Vintage Baubles

Williams Sonoma Gilded Champagne Ornament Faux Centerpiece

Metallic or colorful, adding vintage-inspired glass ornaments to your table centerpiece is sure to feel festive.

Dried Oranges

This garland DIY is a seasonal element to add to your table and gives a woodsy Christmas vibe we love. Try this easy DIY from Call Me Cupcake.

Festive Kid's Table

Meri Meri Christmas Character Garland

I'm dying over the hanging lamp idea, so cute!

Honeycomb

Etsy Honeycomb Handmade Decoration

These honeycomb ornaments would make adorable napkin rings.

Red Stripes

The Cross Red & Pink Stripe Ruffle Linen Napkin

Go for full-on candy cane with red and white stripes or a more subtle look with these red and dusky pink striped napkins. A little ruffled edge doesn't hurt. Look for ruffled tablecloths too!

Gingerbread Centerpiece

Pottery Barn Ceramic Gingerbread Train

You can add your own Gingerbread creation or use this delightful train again and again.

Ric Rac

Believe Christmas Ric-Rac Fringe Paper Cocktail Napkins

Ric rac always adds a playful accent to your holiday decor. Try it on napkins, tablecloths, and runners.

Cordless Lamps

Amazon Cordless Table Lamp

Make it an intimate affair by embracing the cordless table lamp trend. These red scalloped ones are also super holiday and sweet!

Glitter!

Meri Meri Candles Christmas Tree Glitter

Make or add glittery elements, like these adorable glitter trees, to your table!

Handmade Crackers

Etsy Personalized Christmas Crackers

Velvet crackers are perfect for your elegant holiday table.

Tapers

Etsy Christmas Tapers

Tall Christmas candles add a touch of whimsy to your table. Look for a vintage style candelabra too!

STARTERS

Whipped Feta Dip With Roasted Olives

Go easy on yourself this holiday with this Mediterranean-inspired dip that takes just minutes to make! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Serve these party-appropriate stuffed mushrooms made with cheese, peppers, and fresh herbs. (via Clean Cuisine)

Antipasto Tree

Turn your charcuterie board ingredients into a festive tree with mozzarella cheese, olives, pepperoncini peppers, and fresh rosemary! (via Averie Cooks)

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

This veggie side is super simple, calling for just two ingredients and 10 minutes of prep work. Throw them in a skillet right before showtime and let the prosciutto get nice and crisp while the asparagus turns bright green and tender. They turn out perfect every time, trust us. (via Damn Delicious)

Puerto Rican Papas Rellenas

There's nothing more tasty on earth than crispy potato croquettes, unless it's potato croquettes stuffed with savory picadillo. Prepare for the onslaught, because *everyone* is going to want this Christmas Eve dinner menu idea. (via Kitchen Gidget)

Red Onion Dip

Kick your guests' tastebuds in gear with this easy and delicious dip! (via This Wife Cooks)

Maple Pecan Baked Brie

Baked brie is so ooey-gooey delicious that it's definitely one of our favorite Christmas Eve dishes, and this one calls for ingredients you probably already have on hand. Serve it as an appetizer with a crisp white wine or in place of rolls at the table. It's always a crowd pleaser and goes great with dessert. (via Fake Ginger)

Bacon Pastry Twists + Beer Cheese Dip

It doesn't have to be a game day to enjoy the this tasty Christmas Eve food idea. Serve these appetizers to everyone before dinner, or snack on them as you're preparing the rest of the food. Either way, you'll love this recipe! (Brit + Co)

Delicious Christmas Dinner Side Dishes

Creamy, Cheesy Gratin

With sweet potatoes, Gruyère, cream, and sage all mixed in together, this is one easy Christmas Eve dinner dish (or Christmas brunch idea) that you'll never leave off your holiday menu ever again. (via Brit + Co)

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecans

This shaved Brussels sprout salad with pomegranate, candied pecans and a lemon dijon vinaigrette went viral and is perfect for potlucks! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Sourdough Stuffing

This vegetarian stuffing is easy and loaded with flavor, making it perfect for your Christmas feast! (via Hello Little Home)

Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Skip the box in favor of this homemade recipe that takes less than 30 minutes! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Kale Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts

This kale salad is loaded with pears, and cranberries, topped with walnuts, and blue cheese with a homemade vinaigrette, making it perfect for the holiday table. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Butternut squash is one of those seasonal foods that's perfect in salads and adds a bit of weight to any Christmas Eve recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Curry

This side dish can also serve as a main course for any plant-based eaters around your dinner table this Christmas Eve. The flavors of pumpkin and vegetables keep things light and bright, while the spicy curry will warm you to your toes. (via Brit + Co)

A Green Bean Casserole for Every Dietary Need

Green bean casserole is so tasty that everyone should be able to enjoy it! With mushroom sauce, beans, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free swaps, this dish will be a Christmas favorite. (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

There's nothing quite as cozy as a bowl of warm soup on Christmas Eve, and this slow cooker version is about as convenient as it gets. More time for wrapping presents! (via Brit + Co)

Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole

This green pozole is bubbling over with the goodness of peppers and tomatillos, zucchini and sweet corn, avocado and cotija cheese — with fresh baked tortilla strips and roasted pumpkin seeds on top. One bite and your taste buds will be singing hallelujah! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Romanesco Holiday Trees With Parmesan Snow

If you need a festive and easy Christmas Eve dinner idea, think of these pointy florets like miniature Christmas trees. Set them in a creamy cheese sauce and dust with Parmesan for a snowy (and tasty) side dish for your dinner. (via Brit + Co)

Pan Fried Zucchini with Basil and Pecorino

Side dishes don't have to be underwhelming before your big Christmas dinner. Whip up this delicious pan of fried zucchini with basil and Pecorino Romano cheese that will make your guests ask for the recipe! (via Vikalinka)

Sweet Potato Cornbread

If you can't wait until Christmas to treat your family something sweet, make this sweet potato cornbread to go with your meal! You can either serve it as a side dish or treat it like dessert. (via Averie Cooks)

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Make-ahead sides are a real life saver at holiday time. These potatoes are whipped up with cream cheese, sour cream and eggs, so you can keep them in the fridge until the very last minute and they'll bake up to perfection, casserole style. (via Seasons and Suppers)

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Toss Brussels sprouts with bacon grease, maple syrup, salt, and pepper, then roast until perfectly crispy and browned. So tasty! (via Bowl of Delicious)

The Best Baked Spinach Rice

This rice casserole is rich with three kinds of cheese, spices and lemon zest. Make a double batch and hold one back in the fridge for leftovers; you'll be thanking yourself amid tomorrow's wrapping paper frenzy. (via The Iron You)

Secret Ingredient Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots

The trick to feeding a crowd with your Christmas Eve meal ideas is to make a meat or fish entreé with a plethora of easy and tasty sides. Well… nothing could be easier than these carrots that caramelize slowly to perfection in a balsamic glaze in a low-heat oven. This is one sweet veg you won't have to beg the kids to eat. (via Carlsbad Cravings)

The Best Christmas Dinner Main Courses

MAIN COURSES

Cranberry-Glazed Roast Turkey

Make a turkey full of the flavors of the season with this simple, easy-to-follow recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

Made with a flavorful brandy and brown sugar glaze, this baked ham is the perfect main dish for Christmas. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Crisp, Golden Turkey

Here's everything you need to know about prepping, roasting, and serving the best bird you'll eat this year. You'll learn how to thought and season the turkey, as well as everything else you need in the kitchen to prepare it just right. (via Brit + Co)

Mushroom Wellington

Not just for vegetarians at the table, this Mushroom Wellington, flavored with roasted garlic, thyme and Parmesan cheese, then baked in flaky puff pastry, is an everyone pleaser! (via Julia Frey of Vikalinka)

Spiced Rack of Lamb With Citrus Salad

Racks of lamb served with a fresh, vibrant citrus salad is a unique, refreshing take on holiday dinner. (via The Original Dish)

Garlic Rosemary Prime Rib Roast With Horseradish Cream

Prime rib is always a showstopper, but the real star of this show is the homemade horseradish sauce. It cuts right through the richness of the beef, adding just the right amount of savory zing to this Christmas Eve dinner recipe. (via NeighborFood)

Vegetable Béchamel Lasagna

If you haven't had lasagna made the old school way, with béchamel sauce instead of cheese, you are in for a *tasty* treat. This is one meatless dish even the carnivores in the house will be clamoring for — definitely add it to your Christmas eve dinner menu! (via Donna Hay)

White Wine Miso Braised Pot Roast

Slow-cook a beef pot roast braised in wine with onions, carrots, and fresh thyme, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a one-pot meal that’ warms a holiday crowd. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Crock Pot Mojo Pork With Cuban-Style Black Beans

This pork shoulder is cooked the traditional way — in a tasty citrus trio of orange, lemon and lime juice, spiked with onion, jalapeño, herbs, spices and an entire head of garlic. Start it in the morning and it will bubble away happily in your slow cooker all day, giving you time (and counter space) to get the rest of the feast prepared. (via Iowa Girl Eats)

Slow Cooker Ham With Maple Brown Sugar Glaze

Ham is one of those hearty dishes that's great for feeding a crowd, but it's actually pretty tricky to get it just right. This recipe uses the slow cooker to your advantage, gently heating the meat all day in delectable juices without ever drying it out. Serve it in slices the next day for a Christmas morning breakfast add-on. (via No. 2 Pencil)

Beef Stroganoff

This 30-minute meal makes a great holiday main with tender strips of beef, mushrooms, and a rich and creamy sauce, serve dover egg noodles or mashed potatoes. (via Two Peas And Their Pod)

Ranch Pork Tenderloin

If you're making a whole feast, this 30-minute meal with the tastiest gravy and tender and juicy pork would be the perfect addition! (via Salt & Lavender)

Carnitas Tamale Pie

Christmas Eve menu ideas for a buffet cannot be complete without pie! Tamales are a tradition this time of year, but you know the old saying: It takes a village! If you're craving the flavor but dreading the assembly line, your new go-to recipe has arrived. (via Pinch of Yum)

Lasagna Bolognese With Fontina Béchamel

Sometimes you want to mark a special occasion with a challenging dish. This lasagna bolognese is made completely from scratch, including the pasta, and your guests will appreciate that effort with every delicious bite they take. (via Nerds With Knives)

Easiest Ever Lasagna Roll Up Recipe

When you love the *thought* of made-from-scratch lasagna but you just don't have the time, roll ups to the rescue! This Christmas Eve party menu idea is jump-started using store-bought ingredients, but no one will ever taste the difference. (via Crystal & Co.)

Crock Pot General Tso's Chicken

Do you have fond memories of Chinese takeout on Christmas Eve? Before you dive into your Christmas desserts, serve up this crockpot version of everyone's fave, which tastes every bit as good as the real thing in case you were wondering. (via Host The Toast)

Christmas Eve Food Directly from the Sea

Lobster Fra Diavolo

When it comes to seafood, lobster is the crème de la crème. This Christmas Eve recipe, flavored the old fashioned way with clam juice and cognac, is sure to impress everyone at your holiday party table. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Fish Pie With Cheesy Mash

Nothing beats a creamy fish pie when the *crust* is made of mashed taters. Here's a meal that's guaranteed to taste better if you eat it in your jammies followed by your favorite holiday cocktail. (via Nicky's Kitchen Sanctuary)

Whole Roasted Branzino With Fennel and Onions

Whole roasted fish dishes are an Italian tradition on feast days. While this one looks like a culinary work of art sitting on your table, it actually comes together easily and calls for just seven ingredients. (via Saveur)

Christmas Eve Sweet Treats

Gingerbread Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

This stunning gingerbread layer cake with cream cheese buttercream is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for the holidays! (via Completely Delicious)

Dark Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Indulge in a cookie dessert that is delicious and not at all hard to make! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Cookies With Strawberry Jam

Make these quick and easy thumbprint cookies with only five ingredients. (via The Fast Recipe)

Black Forest Cupcakes

For a decadent and delicious twist on holiday dessert, try these chocolate cupcakes with cherry filling and whipped cream. (via Barley & Sage)

Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins

These sweet fall treats are sure to become a fan-favorite when you serve them as part of your Christmas Eve dinner. (via Averie Cooks)

Fry Bread with Cinnamon Butter Honey

This recipe makes us think about funnel cake combined with yummy cinnamon butter honey. (via Completely Delicious)

Venice, Italy

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.