How to Host a Gingerbread Christmas Cookie Party

There is something about gingerbread that instantly takes me back to the magic of Christmas as a child. The candy canes, red bows, gingerbread men and the smell of something sweet baking in the kitchen—it all feels wonderfully nostalgic.

For this Christmas cookie party, I wanted to create that feeling throughout the entire room, not just at the decorating table. I carried the gingerbread theme from our Christmas tree to the table, added lots of traditional red and white, fresh greenery and candy-cane details, and hung our matching Christmas stockings nearby. Even the gingerbread cake became part of the decor.

The result felt like stepping into our own little gingerbread Christmas—and it made the sweetest backdrop for an afternoon spent decorating cookies together.

Now that I have children of my own, these are the Christmas traditions I find myself caring about most. Not necessarily the biggest plans or most elaborate parties, but the afternoons spent around our table making something together.

The cookies won't always be perfect and the table definitely won't stay this clean, but that's exactly the point.

Creating a Nostalgic Gingerbread Christmas

I started with a traditional red-and-white Christmas palette and layered gingerbread details into it rather than making every single decoration overtly themed.

Red bows and candy-cane ornaments filled the tree alongside gingerbread ornaments and oversized snowflakes. Fresh greenery continued across the table and sideboard, while the matching stockings and gingham details repeated the same colors throughout the room.

It's one of my favorite ways to decorate for a themed party. Instead of buying an entirely separate collection of decorations, start with what you already use for Christmas and add a handful of special details that tell the story.

The Christmas tree became such a big part of the party without really needing to be “party decor.” The red bows, candy canes and gingerbread ornaments naturally tied it into everything happening at the table.

And because the tree and sideboard were directly behind us, they created the prettiest backdrop once we actually sat down to decorate.

The Gingerbread Christmas Table

The table was really the heart of the party.

I wanted it to feel special when you first walked into the room but still be a table we could actually use. A cookie decorating table needs room for little hands, icing, sprinkles, mugs and plenty of inevitable mess.

Instead of filling every inch with decorations, I let the gingerbread pieces and decorating supplies become part of the tablescape.

I kept the palette consistent with the rest of the room: warm gingerbread brown, Christmas red, crisp white and lots of natural greenery.

That simple color palette is what makes all of the playful gingerbread details work without the table feeling too busy.

Gingerbread Place Settings

Each place setting carried the theme down to the smallest details.

You don't need dozens of decorations to recreate this. A gingerbread-shaped plate or cookie, festive napkin and a few red-and-white accents can do most of the work.

Let the Cookie Decorating Supplies Be Part of the Decor

This is probably my favorite trick for a cookie party: the activity can also be the decoration.

Bowls of sprinkles, candies, piping bags and gingerbread cookies already look festive. Instead of hiding everything until it is time to decorate, work some of it into the table.

It makes the table more inviting and means everyone can sit down and start decorating without you having to reset everything once the party begins.

For the cookies themselves, I love having them baked before everyone sits down. Set out your gingerbread men along with icing, sprinkles and a few favorite candies and let everyone create their own.

My Brown Butter Gingerbread Cookie Recipe is perfect for a party like this and can be made ahead so you're not trying to bake while everyone is arriving.

Carry the Theme Beyond the Table

One of the reasons this party felt so special was that the gingerbread theme didn't end at the edge of the table.

The sideboard, mirror, Christmas tree and stockings all became part of the party.

I added fresh greenery around the mirror and across the sideboard and kept the same red bow detail we used throughout the room.

Then I placed the gingerbread cake right on the sideboard.

Suddenly dessert wasn't just something we were serving—it became part of the Christmas decor, too.

The Matching Christmas Stockings

The stockings are one of my favorite details in the entire room.

Because they already coordinated with the traditional red-and-white palette, hanging them together beneath the sideboard helped connect the Christmas tree, table and gingerbread theme without adding another decoration.

This is also why I always recommend looking around your house before buying a lot of new decorations for a party.

The things that make a theme feel complete often aren't party supplies at all. They're your stockings, Christmas tree, ribbon, greenery, ornaments and serving pieces—the things that already make Christmas at your house feel like Christmas.

Shop the Gingerbread Christmas Party

I've gathered similar gingerbread decorations, Christmas table pieces, baking essentials and holiday entertaining favorites so you can recreate the feeling without needing every single piece to match.

What to Serve at a Gingerbread Cookie Party

Because everyone is already decorating—and eating—cookies, I don't think you need a huge dessert table.

Keep the rest simple.

Hot chocolate, coffee, milk for the kids or warm apple cider all work beautifully. For an adults-only evening party, you could add a festive Christmas cocktail or wine.

And then I like having one special dessert in addition to the cookies.

For us, it was gingerbread cake.

My Gingerbread Cake Recipe carried the theme onto the dessert table and looked so pretty sitting beneath the greenery and Christmas wreath.

You certainly don't need another dessert when you're decorating cookies, but I loved having a cake we could slice and serve while we decorated.

Set Everything Up Before the Party

Anything I can do before guests arrive, I do.

Bake the gingerbread cookies ahead of time. Fill the bowls with sprinkles and candies. Prepare your icing and piping bags. Set out the plates and mugs. Make the cake ahead if you're serving one.

Then the day of the party is mostly about finishing the table and enjoying it.

For a simple gingerbread Christmas cookie party, I would have:

• Pre-baked gingerbread cookies

• Royal icing or your favorite decorating icing

• Piping bags

• Christmas sprinkles

• Small candies and edible decorations

• Plates or trays for finished cookies

• Cookie boxes or tins for taking treats home

• Plenty of napkins

• Hot chocolate, coffee or cider

• A Christmas playlist

• One additional holiday dessert, if you want one

We've also hosted cookie parties where everyone brought a batch of their favorite Christmas cookies. At the end of the party, I set out cookie tins and everyone packed their own assortment to take home.

It's such a fun way to turn one afternoon together into a box of everyone's favorite Christmas recipes.

Pour Something Cozy

And yes, I fully support having a Christmas mug that matches the theme.

There's something about drinking coffee or hot chocolate out of a festive mug while Christmas music is playing and the entire table is covered in cookies that makes an ordinary afternoon feel like an occasion.

Make It About the Memory, Not the Perfect Cookies

This is the part that means more to me now.

I love creating a beautiful table. I love planning the details and finding the little things that make a theme come together.

But that's not really why I do it.

I do it because eventually everyone sits down.

Once everyone is at the table, it doesn't matter if the icing gets everywhere or the gingerbread men don't look anything like the inspiration.

Especially with little ones, that's usually when it gets better.

The imperfect cookies and little hands reaching across the table are the parts I'm going to want back someday.

Creating Christmas Traditions With My Children

Christmas feels different once you're creating the magic for your own children.

Things that might have once just been a pretty party idea start to feel like the beginning of something they might remember doing every December.

I hope cookie decorating becomes one of those things in our house.

Maybe the table will look completely different in ten years. Maybe the cookies will get more elaborate as the kids get older. Maybe someday they'll be the ones baking them.

But I hope we'll still find our way back around the table together.

FAQ

Gingerbread Christmas Cookie Party FAQ

What do you need for a gingerbread cookie decorating party?

Start with pre-baked gingerbread cookies, icing in piping bags, Christmas sprinkles, small candies and edible decorations. I also like to have plates or trays for finished cookies, plenty of napkins and cookie tins or boxes so everyone can take their creations home.

Should I bake gingerbread cookies before the party?

Yes. I think this is one of the easiest ways to make a gingerbread cookie party feel relaxed. Bake the cookies a day or two ahead of time so everyone can sit down and start decorating when the party begins.

What food should I serve at a Christmas cookie decorating party?

Because everyone will already be decorating and eating cookies, you don't need an elaborate menu. Serve something warm to drink like hot chocolate, coffee or apple cider and add one special dessert if you'd like. For our party, I made a gingerbread cake that also became part of the Christmas decor.

How do you decorate for a gingerbread Christmas party?

Choose a simple Christmas color palette first and then layer gingerbread details throughout the room. For our party, I used traditional red and white with fresh greenery, red bows, candy-cane ornaments, gingerbread details and matching Christmas stockings.

How can I make a gingerbread cookie party easy for kids?

Have everything ready before they sit down. Pre-bake the cookies, prepare the piping bags and place sprinkles and candies in small bowls that are easy for little hands to reach. Don't worry about perfect cookies—the decorating is part of the fun.

What can guests take home from a Christmas cookie party?

Set out cookie tins or bakery boxes so guests can take home their decorated gingerbread cookies. For some of our past Christmas cookie parties, I've also asked everyone to bring a batch of their favorite holiday cookies and then let each guest fill a tin with an assortment to take home.

The Best Christmas Parties Don't Have to Be Complicated

If you want to recreate this party, don't feel like you need to recreate every detail.

Start with the gingerbread cookies.

Put on Christmas music. Make something warm to drink. Pull out your favorite Christmas dishes. Add greenery down the middle of the table and tie a few red bows.

Then sit down and decorate.

That's enough to make it a tradition.

More Christmas Party Ideas

If you're planning your own Christmas gathering, you may also love my 9th Annual Christmas Cookie Party, my 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Table Setting, and My Dining Room Decor for Christmas.

More Gingerbread Recipes

If you're leaning all the way into gingerbread season like I am, make my Gingerbread Whoopie Pies, Homemade Gingerbread Latte, or Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls with Sourdough Starter.

And don't forget the Brown Butter Gingerbread Cookies and Gingerbread Cake from this party.

Shop My Christmas Entertaining Favorites

I've linked my favorite pieces for Christmas baking, gingerbread decorating and holiday entertaining below.

Christmas in the Kitchen

Gather Around the Table

The older I get, the more I realize my favorite Christmas memories aren't necessarily the biggest things we did.

They're the traditions that came back every year.

The same Christmas music. The decorations we unpack over and over. Something sweet baking in the kitchen. A table everyone eventually gathers around.

A gingerbread cookie party is simple enough to repeat every Christmas but special enough that everyone can look forward to it.

And that's exactly the kind of tradition I want to keep.

Made with love for the people you love.

Setting the Scene for Santa: Enchanting 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' Table Setting Ideas with Williams Sonoma

Welcome to the enchanting world of holiday tablescapes, where the clink of glasses and the warmth of family gatherings create magic that lingers long after the desserts have disappeared. Today, we're diving into the festive tradition of setting the perfect Christmas Eve table with none other than everyone's favorite Williams Sonoma, the essence of culinary elegance and home comfort. Their latest collection, inspired by the timeless poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas," brings forth an experience straight from the pages of a storybook, ensuring your dinner setting is as captivating as the anticipation of Santa’s imminent arrival. Set the stage for a magical holiday dinner with the Twas the Night Before Christmas Collection from Williams Sonoma. This timeless holiday collection features a unique dinnerware set with the beloved poem, "Twas the Night Before Christmas". The festive design is completed with a festive red table runner and a beautiful floral arrangement. This classic holiday decor is perfect for setting the perfect holiday table.

In addition to the dinnerware and table linens, this collection also includes serving pieces and accessories such as a serving platter, cups, hot cocoa pot and more. This complete collection is perfect for creating a festive and memorable holiday table setting. Whether it’s for a large family gathering or for a special holiday dinner for friends, this classic holiday decor will have your guests talking and make your holiday season even more special. Craft the quintessential holiday tablescape with the help of Williams Sonoma! Williams Sonoma’s "Twas the Night Before Christmas" Collection is a timeless holiday decorating tradition that is sure to bring a magical touch to your holiday table.

This set of four festive plates features a hand-painted rendering of the iconic poem, complete with Father Christmas, his eight reindeer, and a jolly old Saint Nicholas himself. Each plate is made from durable melamine, making them ideal for family meals and holiday buffets. Plus, the plates are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. These "Twas the Night Before Christmas" Plates are also a wonderful gift for family and friends and collectors of all things with Christmas beauty. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift for the holiday season or a special addition to your own table setting, these plates are sure to bring a smile to the faces of those receiving them. With their beautiful design and durable construction, they’re sure to become a favorite part of your holiday decor. Shop Williams Sonoma today to add the perfect touch of holiday cheer to your table setting.

Incorporate Williams Sonoma products into your Christmas Eve dinner presentation

This holiday season, get ready to host a magical Christmas Eve dinner with a festive table setting from Williams Sonoma. With a wide selection of tablecloths, placemats, napkins, and dishware, you can create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere for your guests. You can also bring a unique presentation to your dishes with Williams Sonoma cookware and serveware. To make your dinner even more special, add a touch of holiday cheer with Williams Sonoma decorations. Choose from a variety of ornaments, garlands, and tree toppers to bring the spirit of Christmas into your home. For a final touch, use Williams Sonoma candles and tea lights to create an elegant and romantic atmosphere. With the help of Williams Sonoma, you can create the perfect setting for your Christmas Eve dinner. From tablecloths to decorations to candles and more, Williams Sonoma has everything you need to make your dinner magical. So get ready for a night of delicious food and festive fun with your own Williams Sonoma table setting.

With Williams Sonoma, you can create a stunning, festive table setting that will leave your guests in awe. Start by incorporating Williams Sonoma products into your Christmas Eve table setting with festive dinnerware and serveware, like festive plates, beautiful glassware and cheerful serveware. Enhance the look of your table with a stunning centerpiece such as a festive garland, a holiday wreath or a set of scented candles. Choose elegant cutlery, such as gold or silver cutlery, to bring a touch of luxury to your table setting. Add a festive touch to your meal with a set of Williams Sonoma's holiday-themed table linens and napkins. Set the mood with some festive music playing in the background and Williams Sonoma's selection of holiday-themed glassware for your guests to enjoy. Put together a stunning cheese board with a selection of seasonal cheeses, nuts and fruits. Last but not least, serve up a delicious dessert with a selection of festive cookies and cakes from Williams Sonoma. With these items, you can create the perfect night-before-Christmas dinner setting that will make your guests feel special and festive. With some creativity and Williams Sonoma by your side, your "Twas the Night Before Christmas" table setting is sure to be a hit!

Other Holiday and Christmas Blog Posts to set the mood:

Crafting the Perfect Gingerbread Waffle Board: Delicious Recipes and Styling Tips!

My Dining Room Decor For Christmas: How I Made My Dining Room Festive

Indulge in Coziness: The Ultimate Homemade Gingerbread Latte Recipe with Splenda

9th Annual Christmas Cookie Party

Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Bar Station

A Festive Taste of Tradition: Sparkling Cider Punch for Christmas

Welcome to the Holiday season! With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about the special treats that are going to keep your guests happy and their tummies content during the festivities. One of my favorite treats of the Christmas season are the delicious, festive, colorful signature drinks. I love to get creative on drinks that can be served to family and friends. If you're looking for something special to serve this season, why not try a Sparkling Cider Punch? This classic Christmas drink is easy to make, uses ingredients you can find at most grocery stores, and is sure to be a hit at any Holiday gathering. Read on to find out how to make a Sparkling Cider Punch that will help you sparkle like the star of your Christmas party!

Skip to the Recipe

When moving to Texas this summer, my husband's grandma gifted me her beautiful punch bowl. A bowl she had spent every Christmas making her famous brandy slush in. A bowl I had been admiring every Holiday since he and I got together. She knew I had loved that bowl it and she generously gave it to me to enjoy. This Christmas, we won't be in our hometown to enjoy her brandy slush, but I wasn't going to let her beautiful punch bowl sit this season out. I wanted to put together a new recipe I could share with you as well. So, grab your favorite punch bowl and let's make a tasty sparkling cider punch for Christmas!

Ingredients

2 bottles of sparkling apple cider

1 bottle of ginger beer

1 cup vodka

1/2 cup cinnamon sugar simple syrup

2 to 3 apples thinly sliced ( I like to do 1 green and 1 red)

1/2 cup pomegranate ariels

1/2 cup cranberries

Cinnamon & sugar mixed for rim of glass

Simple syrup mix:

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cinnamon

1 cup water

Instructions

1. Make Simple syrup by adding all ingredients into a stove top pot and letting come to a simmering boil and sugar has all dissolved. Add to a jar to let cool. I like to make this the night before and put in fridge, so it doesn't make the punch warm.

2. Rim glasses you plan to serve with. I used coupe glasses I had from Pottery Barn for this. Makes it so easy to ladle in fruit and punch.

3. Once simple syrup is cooled, or if you waited for the following day, Add all ingredients into a punch bowl.. the bottles of sparkling apple cider, ginger beer (you can add 2 if you want more carbonation) vodka, simple syrup and then layer in fruit.

3. Ladle in punch as guests arrive! You can add ice if you want as well to keep cool.

4. ENJOY!

Save This Recipe

Whether you're planning ahead for a special occasion or adding a new favorite to your recipe collection, I've included a printable recipe card below so it's easy to save, print, and share with the people you love.

This sparkling cider punch recipe includes alcohol. If you are wanting to have this as a non-alcoholic punch that everyone (even the littles) can enjoy it this Christmas season, then you can substitute the vodka for tonic water. This will enhance the flavors of the other ingredients of the punch without adding any other alternative flavors. It makes it a drink that everyone can enjoy!

As you may have read above, this punch bowl was given to me by Scotty's grandma Dot. However, if you are looking for a beautiful bowl for yourself to make this punch in this Holiday season I have more linked below.

Delight Your Guests with an Antipasto Christmas Wreath

Welcome to the Holiday season! With Christmas just around the corner, what better time to get creative with your holiday recipes? One of the most eye-catching and unique dishes to serve for any Christmas gathering is an antipasto Christmas wreath. This delicious and festive dish is sure to be the talk of the table. I think it is so cute that this dish is designed to look like your traditional Christmas wreath, with a variety of savory antipasto ingredients like salami, olives, cherry tomatoes, and cheese. Not only is this dish festive and colorful, but it's also a great way to feed a crowd without having to spend too much time slaving away in the kitchen. Read on to find out how to make stunning antipasto for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to wow your guests and give them something fun to change up the same old charcuterie boards we have been making all year.

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This wreath is the ultimate edible centerpiece that promises to be as visually stunning as it is tantalizing to the taste buds. This culinary creation is both a feast for the eyes and a prelude to the main events of the holiday meal. Prepare to be the host with the most, as we show you how to delight your guests with an Antipasto Christmas Wreath that's guaranteed to be the talk of the table. The fun thing about this antipasto Christmas wreath is you can customize it in so many ways to make it all your own! You can change and swap the cured meats, add marinated artichoke hearts, and drizzle different toppings instead of the olive oil pesto I share below. Other delicious options for drizzle would be balsamic vinegar or garlic butter. YUM! This is one of my favorite recipes that I have found and is such a unique appetizer that is sure to be a hit for your first course of the meal. Another great option is to make this antipasto in the form of a candy cane instead of a wreath. Both are beautiful and perfectly festive for the Christmas season!

Start with a large round platter lined with arugula or green lettuce. Then layer the cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, and soppressata, and top off the wreath with a variety of cheeses, olives, sundried tomatoes, artichokes, and roasted red peppers. For a festive look, add fresh herbs and edible flowers. Include a few different types of crackers on the side and a bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Enjoy the traditional flavors of Italy without leaving your home with this tasty and convenient dish. No cooking necessary - just assemble the ingredients and you're set! Your guests will be delighted by the unique presentation and delicious flavors of this antipasto Christmas wreath. This is a great way to provide an elegant and tasty centerpiece that will impress your guests this holiday season. To complete the experience, serve the wreath with a festive holiday cocktail. Your guests will love it! With a little bit of effort, you can create a beautiful and delicious antipasto Christmas wreath that will be the highlight of your holiday gathering.

Other Appetizers To Serve On The Side Of The Antipasto Wreath

For an appetizer that won't take too much time to prepare, pesto crostini is a great choice. Simply spread pesto on a toasted baguette, top with slices of fresh tomato and you will have a delicious and easy appetizer that is sure to please any crowd. Bruschetta is another classic Italian appetizer that is perfect for a holiday gathering. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic make the perfect topping for a toasted baguette. Stuffed mushrooms are also a great appetizer for your holiday party. Filled with a flavorful mix of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, these mushrooms are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Finally, antipasto skewers are a colorful and easy way to add some pizzazz to your antipasto Christmas wreath. Olives, artichokes, salami, and other delicious ingredients will make for a great presentation and a tasty treat. Delight your guests with all of these great choices, especially the Antipasto Christmas Wreath this holiday season. With a variety of options to choose from, whatever you prepare is sure to be a hit!

Holiday Antipasto Wreath Ingredients

4 oz salami salami

4 oz pepperoni

4 oz prosciutto

4 oz mortadella

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1 cup blue cheese stuffed olives or similar

8 oz favorite cubed cheese

8 oz Cherry sized mozzarella balls

Mezzetta Basil pesto

Olive oil

Fresh Basil

Arugula or other lettuce to lay down on a plate

Instructions

1. Layer arugula or other lettuce on your round plate of choice. I used a white dish to let the colors of the food stand out but feel free to add in holiday color and texture here also.

2. Lay out all of the ingredients so you can see everything you're using to assemble the antipasto skewers. Grab your skewer and start layering your meats, cheeses, veggies, and herbs! I change it up for each one so if a guest doesn't like one thing on one they can grab another. However, if you like to have more symmetry and keep it simple, then of course make them all the same. I also try to not put the same colors next to each other. So, meats and cherry tomatoes wouldn't go by each other but instead you can add olives, marinated artichokes, and mozzarella balls to add variety and color.

Now that you assembled the skewers and layered them in a wreath pattern you're ready to layer with a light sauce to make it extra delicious! I personally love the pesto & olive oil sauce I make but they give delicious combination variations to this dish. (another option if you are making for a big party is to add all 3 sauces on the side for the guests to pick whatever one they would like!).

3. Mix together the Mezzetta basil pesto and olive oil to your consistency. I add roughly 3 tablespoons. Stir and sprinkle over the antipasto skewers.

4. You can make this ahead of time and leave in the refrigerator in an airtight container and bring it out right before the guests arrive. I hope you ENJOY this recipe and that it gave you lots of inspiration for your holiday appetizers!

Other great recipes to try this holiday season:

A Crowd-Pleasing Stuffed Mushroom Recipe

How to Make the Perfect Pear and Pomegranate Arugula Salad

Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Bar Station

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

Perfect Pairings: Savor the Flavor with Our Ultimate Steak and Feta Crostini Recipe!

Festive Flavors Unveiled: Crafting a Herb Christmas Tree Focaccia Bread Masterpiece for the Holidays

Indulge Your Taste Buds with The Ultimate Raspberry Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe

Save This Recipe

Whether you're planning ahead for a special occasion or adding a new favorite to your recipe collection, I've included a printable recipe card below so it's easy to save, print, and share with the people you love.

How to Make the Perfect Pear and Pomegranate Arugula Salad

Looking for a unique and flavorful salad to serve at your next dinner party? Look no further than this Pear and Pomegranate Arugula Salad! The flavors come together so nicely with this salad from the sweetness of the pears and pomegranate seeds, complemented by the peppery arugula, and the bitterness of the feta cheese crumbles. You get a little bit of every delicious taste in your mouth. This salad is sure to impress your guests during this Christmas season and beyond! It's also a beautiful looking dish to bring to any gathering.

Skip to the Recipe

You can pair this with chicken for a wonderfully balanced combination, and it typically will serve 5-6 people if used as a main dish. Of course, if served as a side salad in addition to your delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner you can serve as many people as you want. It's honestly good enough to enjoy any time of the day.

Ingredients

10 ounces of arugula salad

1/2 cup Pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup feta cheese ( goat cheese is also a delicious addition)

1 thinly sliced red pear

1 thinly sliced green pear

Ingredients For Dressing

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1/4 balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup raw honey

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Rinse and pat dry all fruit and vegetables.

2. Add all dressing ingredients into blender and blend until smooth. I use fresh pomegranate seeds but pom pomegranates arils are great when in a hurry! This dressing can be premade in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 days ahead of time.

3. Now it's time to assemble the pear and pomegranate arugula salad. Add half the pomegranates seeds, half feta cheese, and half of both thinly sliced pears. Pour dressing over top and mix up! Then layer remainder of pears on top. Sprinkle feta cheese and pomegranates on top and serve!

I hope you enjoy this delicious salad recipe during Christmas season and all year around! For another favorite salad head to my Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans.

Save This Recipe

Whether you're planning ahead for a special occasion or adding a new favorite to your recipe collection, I've included a printable recipe card below so it's easy to save, print, and share with the people you love.

To Shop These plates head -here- holly napkins head -here-. For all other items shown here you can shop my LTK -here-

My Dining Room Decor For Christmas: How I Made My Dining Room Festive

It's that time of year again! Time to get out the Christmas decor and get your home ready for the holidays. If you're looking for some inspiration for your dining room, look no further. Here are my dining room decor ideas that I put together for my own space. I hope you enjoy it and get inspired to spruce up your own homes this holiday season!

This year, in our new home I decided to add more to my dining room decor for Christmas. I love that I have more room in this house, with a formal dining room, and I even added in our Christmas tree to the room. It makes it feel so cozy when we eat and walk up to the house because that window faces the front yard. The room gives a great evergreen feeling. I decorated the tree with velvet ribbon and antique ornaments, which I feel gave it a French country vibe that I really love to have as a basic theme for our home.

This year instead of my regular floral centerpieces on the table, I decided to do the cutest pots filled with different varieties of poinsettia. I found the flowers at Walmart & Trader Joes and went with 3 different colors. They have them in different shades of pinks, greens, reds and creams. I mixed and matched the sizes and varieties of pots for a wonderful and elevated arrangement.

I used traditional red and green colors, and I added more greens into the fun textured plates, layering two and adding in a red detailed napkin. I found these all on Zara Home and will link them all below.

With the beautiful table top I used my favorite gold napkins and layered two Lenox holiday glasses. I love the simple detail on these glasses, but I feel they still helped the area stay very Christmas and festive.

I hope you love my Christmas dining room this year! It is always such a joy to decorate and come up with a wonderful theme and share with you all. Have fun with all your decorating, and let your guests enjoy and admire as you entertain! For all links and to shop my furniture, collection of dishes and more I will link below. They are also on my Like To Know It app to shop anytime.

LINKS:

Sideboards - From Ballard Designs linked here

Mirror - From Anthropologie linked here

Chairs - From World Market linked here

Table - From Arhaus linked here

Dishes - From Zara Home linked here

Napkins - From Zara Home linked here & here

Glasses - From Lenox linked here

Cutlery - From Amazon linked here

Tree - From King of Christmas linked here

Dress - From Red Dress linked here

Pots - From Terrain linked here and here

Wreath - From Target linked here

Bed Bath and Beyond Gift Guide

Christmas tends to be the most hectic and stressful time of year. You get pulled in a million directions, with extra work, endless parties, and a 100 different gifts to buy for family, friends and coworkers. The easiest way to calm things down at Christmas is to have one stop where you’ll be able to find something for everyone on your list! Bed Bath and Beyond’s website is the perfect place to go. Their shipping is free, and you can find some of their best hidden discounts and merchandise online!

A GIFT FOR EVERYONE:

I got this Nespresso machine as a gift to treat our guests when they visit our house. I think it ended up being more of a gift for myself, but all the holiday visitors are going to enjoy the warm and yummy tastes that i’m currently in love with! The machine makes such a great gift for everyone on our list. Coffee is such a universal necessity and I think every avid drinker will love the one we got! Even if you don’t like Espresso, the Nespresso® by De'Longhi Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Maker makes amazing coffee and gives more than just one option! Another perfect gift if your family member already has a Nespresso or Keurig is the pods to drink their coffee. I love going to Bed Bath and Beyond for those pods all year round! They have the biggest selection and best prices! Nespresso linked -HERE- My favorite pods are linked -HERE-

A GIFT FOR THE BEER DRINKERS:

Our dads are always pretty hard to buy for. I thought this was the perfect gift for them! Fun, practical, and something they can enjoy for years to come! I filled the beer caddy will different types of beers they might not always buy to give them something fun to drink. The caddy can also be used in many other ways as well. One way in particular that comes to mind is as a silverware holder at BBQ’s or parties. You can place mason jars inside to hold forks, knives and spoons. Who doesn’t love a personalized gift? There is always something prideful about seeing your last name engraved on things and the men in our family love that little personalized touch! The beer caddy is linked -HERE-

THE TEA LOVER:

My mother in law is the biggest tea fan! Every time we go out to eat or choose to stay in she has to have a cup of tea and she loves to try different flavors of it. Knowing this I had to try and come up with a creative gift that fit her love of tea. I found her the cutest wood tea chest made by Fulton St. She will love the look of this gift! Another gift option idea would be to add a tea kettle to the chest, and BBB has so many amazing options for this as well! Tea Box linked -HERE-

THE NEW HOME OWNER:

For the new home owner or room renovator. My mom happens to be redecorating, painting and giving my old bedroom a face lift. I thought it was only fitting I found a perfect pink bedspread to help her finish up the final touches! I knew the color she wanted and the theme she was going for so it was pretty easy to pick something out I knew she would love. Bed Bath has so many options and you’ll be able to find the perfect bedding for every style.

THE TRAVELER:

My brother in law is always traveling to visit us and going to fun places with his baseball group so I thought it would be fun and cute to get him a personalized toiletry case. I went with a grey canvas one that was very minimal and clean. This way he can travel in style and think of us when he does! I filled it will some fun beard oils and body washes! Travel case linked -HERE-

THE PERSON YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TO BUY:

Even though I offered up some great gift ideas, you may still be hung up on the perfect gift for the people that have everything. Maybe you have the white elephant gift exchange at work, the newly engaged couple in the family, or the mother in law that is just too picky! Fear not, the new Bed Bath and Beyond, BEYOND+ is always a great gift option! It gives you 20% off everything all year long and free shipping! That means no more hunting for a coupon or trying to spend more so you wont have to pay to ship! This gift is perfect for everyone, and if you need to spend more then 29$ you can always add on a gift card! DOUBLE win!

THE FAMILY PUP:
Before you finish up shopping don’t forget the lovable family dog. We don’t have kids at our small family Christmas brunch, so our pup Amore provides the most entertaining gift opening excitement. She gets so overjoyed by everything we get her and it puts the biggest smile on everyones faces! This year it was so easy finding toys and bones for her at Bed Bath and Beyond. Ranging in gifts for small to large dogs, hyper to mellow. I may have even given her one bone early (Just for photo purposes!)

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I hope these ideas help calm down the craziness of the Christmas season and give you the perfect ideas for everyone on your list! Treat yourself, your family, friends, and don;t forget your doggies at Bed Bath and Beyond’s one stop shop! Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!!

Xo, Amanda