Looking for some different ways to impress your guests with an array of irresistible dessert ideas for your next holiday party? I put together a few ideas from cookies, pie displays, cakes, coffee/hot cocoa bars, and more! Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a festive feast, these dessert ideas are sure to be the highlight of your event.
With these delectable dessert ideas, your holiday party will be a sweet success. So, put on your apron and get ready to create memorable moments that will leave your guests craving for more.
Why I Love these Dessert Ideas for a Holiday Party
Let’s be honest, no one ever left a holiday party raving about the carrot sticks they dipped in fat free ranch dressing all evening. They remember the main courses like the Glazed Ham, Smoked Turkey, or Seafood Lasagna. And yes…the sweets. Give your guests an indulgent night of delicious treats and let them worry about the calories some other day. Even if your family or guests want to contribute, you can turn the desserts into a beautiful dessert table with these tips and ideas!
Try A Variety Of Cookies
Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like plate full of colorful cookies. Look up cookie recipes on cooking websites or the taste section of your local newspaper. This time of year it is hard not to go an entire day without a cookie recipe somehow finding its way into your hand or social feed.
Whether you find it in a cookbook, website, or printed on the back of prepackaged chocolate chips at the grocery store, recipes are everywhere. Choose several recipes that make you drool a bit while reading the ingredients, and try them out. Try different shapes, sizes and color for visual appeal.
🎄 My Christmas Cookie recipes to check out!
Have A Table Devoted To Pies
You may want to even theme the table “The Twelve Pies of Christmas” and bake a dozen. Again, find new recipes and have plenty of whip cream on hand to top them. Set out some dessert plates and lots of forks and let your guests try a bit of each.
Go beyond the regular pies and try a cherry, cranberry, rhubarb or even mince meat. It is always fun to try new things so offer some fun alternatives to your guests.
🎄Check out my easy pie recipes below:
- Easy Pumpkin Pie
- Smoked Berry Cherry Pie (with oven instructions)
- Classic Lemon Meringue Pie
Christmas Cake Table
If you are more of a cake person ( I sometimes am), you could put out a few festive cake options. Maybe a gingerbread flavor, Christmas colored layer cakes, or even a hot cocoa flavor cake. If you are a cupcake person, go for it! Just a few options would be great with some small plates and napkins, and boom done!
⭐ PRO TIP: Make sure to grab some different sized platters or cake stands to elevate them and make them stand out!
🎄 Christmas Cake recipes to check out!
- Festive Christmas Cake Roll (with Cake mix)
- Red Velvet Christmas Poke Cake
- Boozy No Bake Eggnog Cheesecake
- Mocha Peppermint Christmas Cupcakes
Set Up A Coffee/ Hot Cocoa Bar
With the right condiments, a coffee bar can act as a dessert station. Place some fresh brewed coffee (in regular and decaf) and offer fun ways to spice it up. Creamers in peppermint mocha, sugar cookies, or pumpkin latte can be purchased at your local grocery store.
You can also offer add-ins such as nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and whip cream to top it off. If you want to be especially generous to your guests, offer some Irish cream liquor or other coffee liquors to pour into their cup.
You could also put some hot chocolate out for non-coffee lovers. Make sure to have some mini marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate covered spoons, and chocolate syrup.
For the adults, some caramel vodka or peppermint schnapps make great additions as well.
⭐PRO TIP: Grab some disposable Christmas themed coffee cups for easy clean up (plus they are more festive)!
Chocolate Dipped Treats
You could either have a chocolate fountain and let people dip their own treats such as Rice Krispies, pretzels, strawberries, and cookies! Or you could put out your own treats that you coated in chocolate ahead of time. I have some ideas of things to dip in this post: Make at home Holiday Dipped Treats!
Finally, be sure to leave out a pitcher of water and some self serve cups. After all the sweets have set in, your guest will welcome a cool drink of water to cleanse their pallet so they go back for more.
Shop Some Dessert Table Must Haves:
- 3 PC Metal Cake Stand set
- Wooden Food Platter Serving Trays
- Lenox Holiday 2-tiered server
- 12 pc Christmas Serving Trays
- 7 pc Stainless Steel Silverware Utensil Set
Make sure to PIN IT!
Like this Christmas entertaining tip? Check out my:
- Holiday Food & Entertaining Tips
- Tips for Decorating Christmas Cookies
- Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids Who Like to Cook & Bake
