Get Your Last-Minute Christmas Spread Made Right With 19 Apps, Drinks, and Desserts

Need help pulling together your Christmas spread at the last minute? These easy appetizers, drinks, and desserts are festive, foolproof, and guaranteed to impress your guests without adding stress to your day. From crowd-pleasing bites to drinks that sparkle and sweet treats that wow, this lineup has everything you need to make your holiday gathering feel complete.

Red Velvet Cake

Moist, rich, and topped with cream cheese frosting, red velvet cake is a dessert that never disappoints. It’s a timeless choice that’s easy to make ahead and perfect for rounding out your last-minute Christmas spread. A slice of this cake is all it takes to make the holidays feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Creamy and minty with just the right amount of chocolate, this peppermint hot chocolate is a treat you can’t skip. It’s the perfect drink to warm everyone up and bring the holiday spirit to your last-minute Christmas spread. Topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, it’s as festive as it is comforting and comes together in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Potato Skins

These crispy potato skins are brushed with garlic butter, baked to perfection, and topped with melty cheese, bacon, and fresh green onions. Not only are they incredibly satisfying, but they’re also a no-fail addition to your last-minute Christmas spread. Whether served as an appetizer or a side, these are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

M&M Cookies for Christmas

Soft, chewy, and bursting with festive colors, these M&M Christmas cookies are as fun to eat as they are to look at. They’re quick to whip up and a lifesaver when adding sweetness to your last-minute Christmas spread. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or leaving out for Santa, they’re a must-make for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: M&M Cookies for Christmas

Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Pull-apart bread loaded with garlic butter and gooey cheese is the ultimate party starter. This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s also the centerpiece that will boost your last-minute Christmas spread. Serve it warm and watch as guests rave over each cheesy, garlicky bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Cranberry Margarita

This cranberry margarita isn’t just a cocktail; it’s the festive splash your holiday table needs. With its sweet-tart flavor and vibrant red hue, it’s a drink that blends seamlessly into your last-minute Christmas spread. Ready in just five minutes, it’s an easy way to impress without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Margarita

Reindeer Chocolate Bark

Reindeer chocolate bark adds a playful, no-bake dessert to your holiday lineup. Cute reindeer faces made with chocolate and festive candies make this recipe a delightful addition to your last-minute Christmas spread. It’s so quick and easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Chocolate Bark

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Juicy pineapple wrapped in crispy bacon creates the perfect sweet-and-savory combo. These bite-sized delights aren’t just a hit at any gathering—they’re also the quickest way to add a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer to your last-minute Christmas spread. With just two ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s simple yet unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Christmas Tree Oreos

These no-bake Christmas tree Oreos are as festive as they are simple to make. Candy melts and sprinkles transform basic cookies into adorable holiday treats, ensuring your last-minute Christmas spread looks complete without added effort. They’re a kid-friendly favorite and perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Oreos

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

This warm, spiced mulled wine fills your home with the most amazing holiday aromas. It’s a stress-free addition to your last-minute Christmas spread, letting you relax while the slow cooker does all the work. With its cozy blend of red wine, citrus, and spices, it’s the perfect drink to share with guests.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

Cheese and bacon cob loaf is a creamy, indulgent appetizer that doubles as a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. Hollowed out and filled with cheesy, bacon-loaded goodness, it’s impossible to resist. Add this to your last-minute Christmas spread, and you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like you planned for weeks.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

Eggnog Martini

Creamy and spiked with holiday cheer, this eggnog martini is a cocktail you’ll want to sip all night. It’s not just a drink; it’s the perfect way to bring some festive flair to your last-minute Christmas spread. Ready in five minutes, this cocktail will have everyone toasting to your effortless hosting skills.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Martini

3-Ingredient Shortbread

These buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies prove that simplicity can be delicious. They’re quick to make, perfect for filling out your dessert table, and an easy way to ensure your last-minute Christmas spread feels complete. Pair them with a hot drink or enjoy them on their own—they’re irresistible either way.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Shortbread

Pineapple Cheese Ball

A creamy, sweet-and-savory pineapple cheese ball is always a crowd favorite. With its unique flavor and fun presentation, it’s an appetizer that’s guaranteed to stand out on your last-minute Christmas spread. Serve it with crackers, and you’ve got an effortless showstopper.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball

Eggnog Creamer

Eggnog creamer adds a festive touch to your coffee or tea, making it a simple but thoughtful addition to your last-minute Christmas spread. Sweet, creamy, and perfectly spiced, it’s an easy way to bring holiday flavors into every cup. Make a batch, and let everyone customize their drink for an extra cozy experience.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Creamer

Cranberry Brie Bites

These cranberry brie bites are elegant, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Buttery puff pastry filled with creamy brie and tart cranberry is the kind of appetizer that takes your last-minute Christmas spread to the next level. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Chocolate Chai Latte

Rich chocolate meets warm chai spices in this cozy, indulgent drink. It’s a must-have for your last-minute Christmas spread, bringing comforting holiday vibes to every sip. Whip this up, and let your guests enjoy a drink that’s as festive as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chai Latte

Boiled Custard

Smooth, creamy, and full of nostalgic flavor, boiled custard is a dessert that feels right at home on your last-minute Christmas spread. Serve it warm or chilled—it’s versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether as a drink or dessert, it’s a classic holiday favorite that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Boiled Custard

Almond Crescent Cookies

Delicate and dusted with powdered sugar, almond crescent cookies add a touch of elegance to your last-minute Christmas spread. These buttery treats melt in your mouth and are perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. Easy to make and always a hit, they’re a holiday classic that’s impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Almond Crescent Cookies