Looking for christmas day food ideas that go beyond the roast? A cinnamon swirl wreath, a tree-shaped cheese board and a gingerbread-topped trifle give you plenty to choose from.
There are lovely dinner ideas here too, including golden potatoes and a pineapple-topped ham.
You can keep things simple or go all out. Pick a main dish first, then add a few sides and something sweet.
You don’t need to make everything to put together a festive table!
Christmas Food Ideas Worth Saving
herb-crusted rib roast
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous rib roast. I love the dark herb-speckled crust and the thick slices arranged in front.
A little jug of gravy sits nearby, ready for serving.
Keep your presentation simple with a large board or platter so there’s room to carve.
pineapple-topped ham
How good does this ham look? The browned pineapple rings are my favorite part, especially against that glossy glaze.
The slices fan out inside the slow cooker with sauce pooled underneath.
If you want to follow this serving idea, save a few pineapple rings for the top rather than tucking them all around the sides.
little cheese trees
How cute are these little cheese trees? The triangular wedges have a colorful topping of chopped nuts, dried fruit and green herbs.
Each one has a small stick at the bottom for the trunk.
Arrange yours in different directions across a dark serving board to show off those pretty toppings.
cinnamon swirl wreath
I am obsessed with this cinnamon swirl wreath. The overlapping pieces make such a pretty ring, plus there’s icing drizzled over the golden tops.
This is a lovely direction to take Christmas breakfast if you’d rather serve something sweet. Keep the center open so you don’t lose the wreath shape.
stuffed roast roulade
If you love a stuffed roast, this rolled centerpiece is worth saving. The browned outside opens into pale meat with a darker filling spiraled through the middle.
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I especially love the herbs around the edges of the plate. Slice a few pieces for the front to show off the filling, just like this.
beef wellington
Looking for something a little dressier for dinner? This beef Wellington has a golden pastry border around a thick pink-centered slice.
The mushrooms, orange vegetables and piped golden swirls make the plate look extra special.
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Try serving individual plates with sauce around the base if you like this presentation.
savory breakfast casserole
The savory breakfast fans are going to love this! There are browned bread pieces, sausage chunks and melted cheese throughout this tall casserole slice.
A little chopped herb garnish finishes the top. I’d serve a square with fruit on the side if you want something fresh alongside it.
christmas tree cheese board
This cheese board may just be one of my favorite ideas here. I love the salami roses and the diagonal rows of cheese.
Blueberries, blackberries and rosemary fill the spaces between them.
Don’t forget the little salami trunk if you’re trying the same tree shape. It’s such a cute finishing touch.
golden potato gratin
Don’t want to get too playful with the shapes? No problem!
This potato gratin looks gorgeous all on its own, with thin slices arranged in overlapping curves.
The browned patches and little green herb flecks are so pretty against the pale sauce. Bring the pan to the table on a heatproof trivet to keep that arrangement intact.
sprouts with pomegranate
Give your Brussels sprouts a little Christmas color with this platter idea. The deeply browned halves sit beneath ruby pomegranate seeds and small white crumbles.
I love how the toppings are scattered right to the edges. Try a wide platter instead of a deep bowl if you want to show them off.
filled yorkshire puddings
How adorable are these little filled Yorkshire puddings? Each golden cup holds a bacon-wrapped sausage, a pale cheese wedge and a spoonful of dark red sauce.
The rosemary sprigs make them look even more festive. Save this idea if you like serving several little elements together rather than separately.
chocolate yule log
I am obsessed with the bark-like frosting on this Yule log. The cut end shows a lovely cake-and-cream swirl, with snowy-looking berries and little mushroom decorations around it.
For your own version, choose food-safe decorations and keep decorative pinecones off the cake.
twisted pastry tree
This is another cute way to bring a Christmas tree to the table. The golden pastry branches twist outward with green filling showing between the layers.
I’d leave this one whole for serving so everyone gets to see the shape. That little pastry trunk is too cute to hide.
glossy roasted carrots
If you are looking for a simple side dish presentation, this one is for you. Whole orange and yellow carrots fill a white platter, with their trimmed stems gathered toward one end.
The glossy coating and thyme sprigs are all the decoration they need. Keep a little of the trimmed stems if you like this look.
seafood christmas tree
If you want to go all out with an appetizer board, take a look at this seafood tree. Rows of oysters, lemon slices and shrimp lead up to lobster pieces at the top.
I love the rosemary outline around the edges. If you try a similar arrangement, keep the seafood properly chilled and bring it out close to serving.
berry-topped breakfast bake
Want something sweet for Christmas morning? This bread bake has tall golden pieces with dark toasted edges, a dusting of powdered sugar and glossy red berries piled in the middle.
The red topping looks so pretty against the snowy sugar. You could serve extra berry compote alongside it for anyone who wants another spoonful.
pomegranate and walnut salad
I love this red and green salad. The curly leaves, pomegranate seeds and thin red onion slices look so pretty together, especially with the walnuts and white cheese crumbles.
This is a lovely side to add when your menu already has plenty of roasts and baked dishes.
classic christmas pudding
Don’t want an elaborate dessert display? This domed Christmas pudding keeps things simple with a pale topping and a deep red plate.
The little holly-style decoration finishes the look. For your own pudding, use an edible version rather than real holly leaves or berries.
orange and spice drinks
A festive drink deserves a spot on the menu too. These dark red drinks have orange slices and star anise floating on top, with a cinnamon stick tucked into the front glass.
Try the same garnish with mulled wine or an alcohol-free spiced juice. Use heat-safe glasses if you’re serving it hot.
gingerbread house trifle
Last but definitely not least, we have this adorable gingerbread-topped trifle. I am obsessed with the little house!
The iced trees and gingerbread person make the top look like a tiny Christmas village.
Use a clear bowl to show off your cake, cream and sauce layers. I’d skip the sparklers and let those pretty cookies be the finishing touch.
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