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The Christmas spirit is at an all-time high, with the holiday being a mere two days away. Mariah Carey has been fully awakened from her slumber, and we can almost taste the delicious meals that will be waiting for us at the festive dinner table. Your stomach has growled at you even at the thought of it, hasn’t it?

A juicy turkey, delicious sides, sweet pecan pies, and freshly baked gingerbread cookies—these are the foods that we usually save for Christmas and get to savor during the holidays.

But if you haven’t planned your meals or you might feel overwhelmed wondering what to serve this year, don’t worry; Bored Panda is here to help!

We’ve compiled a list of some of the most stunning Christmas dishes that creative cooks have whipped up in their kitchens. So kick back and feast your eyes on the mouth-watering meals below that might give you some inspiration for your own festive table.

#1

Here's The Completed Snow Globe Cake. A White Chocolate Chiffon Fresh Cream Drip Cake, Butter Cookie Decorations, And A Crystal Sugar Dome That Took Years Off My Life. Merry Christmas

Here's The Completed Snow Globe Cake. A White Chocolate Chiffon Fresh Cream Drip Cake, Butter Cookie Decorations, And A Crystal Sugar Dome That Took Years Off My Life. Merry Christmas

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#2

Gingerbread Imperial Star Destroyer

Gingerbread Imperial Star Destroyer

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#3

This Christmas Focaccia Was Definitely, Not A Waste Of Thyme, Sage Or Rosemary

This Christmas Focaccia Was Definitely, Not A Waste Of Thyme, Sage Or Rosemary

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Usually, our Christmas table is full of meals that we enjoy the most, making each one of them unique. But the festive dinner isn’t the same without traditional staples like a roasted bird, Brussels sprouts, mash with gravy, or gingerbread cookies.

For example, in the UK, people eat over ten million turkeys at Christmas, and even though there’s always someone complaining about the meat being dry or bland, it’s a fan favorite across the country.

#4

My Attempt At A Cupcake Wreath For My Son's Preschool Staff

My Attempt At A Cupcake Wreath For My Son's Preschool Staff

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Jude Kay
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your "attempt"???!! You have a WINNER!! Looks like ribbons. Exquisite!

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#5

I Made A Van Gogh Gingerbread House

I Made A Van Gogh Gingerbread House

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#6

First Attempt Ever At Royal Icing And Flooding. Not Perfect, So I Think The Melted Snowman Cookies Were The Right Choice For A First Project. They’re Authentic Looking

First Attempt Ever At Royal Icing And Flooding. Not Perfect, So I Think The Melted Snowman Cookies Were The Right Choice For A First Project. They’re Authentic Looking

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But have we ever stopped to think about the origins of the dishes we put on our tables every year? The turkey, for example, initially started as a goose. People avoided slaughtering cows for meat, as they produced milk all year round, while chickens produced eggs, which were quite expensive. Geese only lay eggs seasonally, which makes them the perfect candidates for the Christmas table.

This holiday dish quickly became a staple in many households. However, the bird wasn’t enough to feed bigger families, and eventually, imported turkeys replaced them by the mid-twentieth century.

#7

I Baked This Book Stack Chocolate Christmas Cake. It Is 100% Edible

I Baked This Book Stack Chocolate Christmas Cake. It Is 100% Edible

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#8

I Also Made An Apple Pie For Christmas. And Wanted Someone To See It

I Also Made An Apple Pie For Christmas. And Wanted Someone To See It

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#9

Snowy Chocolate Pinecones

Snowy Chocolate Pinecones

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Nikolka
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holy f*ck I wouldn't have patience for this, big applause for you

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Gingerbread is also a classic during the holidays, but did you know that the tradition of building and decorating it as a house began in Germany? Food historians say that this activity started with the Brothers Grimm publishing their book of fairy tales in the 1800s. The story of Hansel and Gretel, two children who found a house made of bread and sugar decorations, circulated throughout the country and inspired German bakers to create their own versions.

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Today, the edible structures have become vastly bigger and more intricate, like this Downton Abbey one.

#10

I Made A Gingerbread House From Scratch. All Edible

I Made A Gingerbread House From Scratch. All Edible

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#11

Christmas Tree Canapés. I'm So Ready For All Things Festive

Christmas Tree Canapés. I'm So Ready For All Things Festive

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Me
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's the only thing on this list I might be able to finish myself

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#12

Vanilla Cupcake Wreaths With Chocolate Peppermint Ganache

Vanilla Cupcake Wreaths With Chocolate Peppermint Ganache

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Besides, we also have to thank Germany for coming up with our beloved candy canes. The popular legend says that they date back to 1670 when the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral handed out sugar sticks to the younger singers to quiet them down during the Living Creche ceremony. People complained that sweets weren’t appropriate at church, so he bent them into shepherd's hooks in honor of Christmas.

There’s also another version, a less fun one, that says that it’s possible that Germans angled candy canes to hang them from trees alongside other decorations like cookies and fruits.

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#13

Happy December Everyone. I Made This Charcuterie Wreath

Happy December Everyone. I Made This Charcuterie Wreath

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Additionally, it’s common that during the holidays, most avid bakers and cooks pull out spices like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger from their cupboards. Afterward, they appear in all sorts of dishes, and it’s all because of some soldiers who fought in the Crusades (a religious war). They were the ones who brought back the spices and the style of combining them with dried fruit and meat. At first, they were so valuable that they were saved for the most important celebrations, particularly Christmas. Now they are easily accessible and can be found in pies, cookies, and chicken dishes.

#16

Ordered Some Sprinkles On Etsy And Made These Door Cookies With Wreaths

Ordered Some Sprinkles On Etsy And Made These Door Cookies With Wreaths

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#17

Christmas Cake With Something Cute

Christmas Cake With Something Cute

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Ms.GB
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's really cute. I would learn to do fondant but I like buttercream so much better. Fondant always looks immaculate though....

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#19

I Used Pomegranate Arils To Make Christmas Trees On The Side Of This White Chocolate Pomegranate Cake, And It Turned Out So Cute

I Used Pomegranate Arils To Make Christmas Trees On The Side Of This White Chocolate Pomegranate Cake, And It Turned Out So Cute

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The famous Yule log, or rolled chocolate sponge, goes all the way back to Scandinavian paganism when the ancient Norse burned round firewood to celebrate the sun's return at the winter solstice. After Christianity swept the UK, the tradition continued by scorching them in fireplaces. But as homes got smaller, it became harder to fit large logs in them. Instead, someone decided to bake a cake as a reminder of it, and the Yule log was born. In the 19th century, it became popular across Europe when Parisian bakeries started making and embellishing them to place on their displays.

#20

My Grandma's Christmas Cookies

My Grandma's Christmas Cookies

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#21

Christmas-Themed Macarons. Hope Santa Likes It

Christmas-Themed Macarons. Hope Santa Likes It

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Patricia Smith
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Macarons are time consuming and difficult to bake. And to have so many colors and flavors. . . I'll bet there's a huge, delicious macaron feast at your house at Christmas time!

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Eggnog, as we know it today, is a concoction of eggs, milk, and sugar spiked with rum or bourbon. While its lineage can’t be accurately traced back, most historians agree that it originated from the medieval British drink “posset.” It was made with hot milk that was curdled with wine or ale and flavored with spices. The ingredients were the food of the wealthy, so eggnog was often used in toasts for prosperity and good health. It was tied to the holiday when the drink reached America. In fact, George Washington shared his own eggnog recipe that was very alcohol-heavy, with four different types of booze included in it. What a fun guy!

#24

A Cheese & Olive Christmas Tree

A Cheese & Olive Christmas Tree

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#25

I've Been Thinking What To Cook For Christmas This Year

I've Been Thinking What To Cook For Christmas This Year

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k1ddkanuck
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You forgot the sauerkraut sandwich... with or without... arsenic saaaauuuuuuuce!!!

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#26

I Made Santa Macarons Today. Filled With Nutella Buttercream

I Made Santa Macarons Today. Filled With Nutella Buttercream

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Kel_how
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For the life of me, I cannot make good macarons! These are adorable 🥰

#27

We Have A Running Joke With My Friends That I Only Cook Hotdogs. I Hope They Enjoy Their Christmas Cookies

We Have A Running Joke With My Friends That I Only Cook Hotdogs. I Hope They Enjoy Their Christmas Cookies

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As we can see, we've come a long way before we ended up with unique dishes like the ones on the list. If you lack the confidence to try the creative Christmas foods you see in the pictures, maybe you can try returning to the traditional ones; no one will judge you for it!

And those of you who have planned your Christmas menu in advance, let us know in the comments what whimsical treats you’ll be surprising your loved ones with.

For more holiday-inspired foods, make sure to check out our earlier publications here and here.

Lastly, we wish you delicious upcoming holidays and happy cooking!

#29

When Your Santa Sugar Cookies Come Out Looking Like Southpark

When Your Santa Sugar Cookies Come Out Looking Like Southpark

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#30

Since You Guys Loved The Wreaths, Here's Another Simple Royal Icing Technique

Since You Guys Loved The Wreaths, Here's Another Simple Royal Icing Technique

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#31

Got A Mandolin For Christmas So I Made Ratatouille

Got A Mandolin For Christmas So I Made Ratatouille

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Cé Vi
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not Ratatouille, this is Tian provençal, nom d'un chien !

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#32

Speculaas Is A Biscuit Full Of Herbs And Spices. Traditionally Baked On Or Just Before St Nicholas' Day In The Nederlands (5th December) And Around Christmas In Germany And Austria

Speculaas Is A Biscuit Full Of Herbs And Spices. Traditionally Baked On Or Just Before St Nicholas' Day In The Nederlands (5th December) And Around Christmas In Germany And Austria

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Timbob
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bravo ! Finally, someone who completely and intelligently explains what’s pictured in a Bored Panda post! Dank U wel.

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#33

Couldn't Make My Pumpkin Pie For Thanksgiving So I Gave It A Christmas Glow Up

Couldn't Make My Pumpkin Pie For Thanksgiving So I Gave It A Christmas Glow Up

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#34

Homemade Chocolate And Raspberry Christmas Trunk Cake

Homemade Chocolate And Raspberry Christmas Trunk Cake

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#35

Christmas Strawberry Santas

Christmas Strawberry Santas

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#37

Christmas Recipes: Rabanada (Brazilian French Toast) Stuffed With Salted Caramel

Christmas Recipes: Rabanada (Brazilian French Toast) Stuffed With Salted Caramel

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#38

Cinnamon Rolls, Made By My Brother For Christmas

Cinnamon Rolls, Made By My Brother For Christmas

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#39

Some Santa Hat Whipped Cream Cupcakes I Made Today

Some Santa Hat Whipped Cream Cupcakes I Made Today

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Lady Gypsy Rain
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh dear. You are going to wreck all of that work just by removing them from the pan.

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#40

Christmas Tree Snack Board

Christmas Tree Snack Board

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#41

Homemade Christmas Beef Wellington

Homemade Christmas Beef Wellington

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#42

If You're Anything Like Me, The Lead-Up To Christmas Is Already Too Busy, But As A Parent, You Want To Add As Much Magic To The Season As You Can, Am I Right?

If You're Anything Like Me, The Lead-Up To Christmas Is Already Too Busy, But As A Parent, You Want To Add As Much Magic To The Season As You Can, Am I Right?

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#43

Get Ready To Be The Talk Of The Party When You Bring This Board To Your Grinchmas Celebrations. If It Weren't Filled With So Many Delicious Treats You Might Feel Naughty Eating It

Get Ready To Be The Talk Of The Party When You Bring This Board To Your Grinchmas Celebrations. If It Weren't Filled With So Many Delicious Treats You Might Feel Naughty Eating It

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#44

Vegetable Quiche With Chestnut Mushrooms, Spinach And Cheese. Isn't This A Really Nice Christmas Dish?

Vegetable Quiche With Chestnut Mushrooms, Spinach And Cheese. Isn't This A Really Nice Christmas Dish?

You can use it as a vegetable course with a good piece of meat, but it is also super delicious as a main meal.

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#45

Every Christmas Eve, I Make Julia Child's Queen Of Sheba Cake With Chocolate Almond Pine Cones

Every Christmas Eve, I Make Julia Child's Queen Of Sheba Cake With Chocolate Almond Pine Cones

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Deborah B
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a sudden urge to make a hedgehog instead of pinecones.

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#46

Who's Doing A Ham On Christmas Day? Here's My Jam And Whiskey Glazed Ham

Who's Doing A Ham On Christmas Day? Here's My Jam And Whiskey Glazed Ham

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Ingrid Mackay
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

two children, one likes ham, one likes turkey, so yes, both are being roasted lol

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#49

Here Are 2 Festive Edible Tips To Make For Christmas. I Made The Sausage Tray A Few Years Ago For The Sit-In Night And The Fruit Tray As A Snack For The Kids

Here Are 2 Festive Edible Tips To Make For Christmas. I Made The Sausage Tray A Few Years Ago For The Sit-In Night And The Fruit Tray As A Snack For The Kids

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Auntriarch
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is anyone else starting at the bottom singing "12 rolls of ham, 11 cheeses smoking, 10 grapes a-bunching," etc. ok just me...

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#50

Reindeer Bento Stuffed With Green Pepper Meat It's Great For Christmas, And It's Fun To Make

Reindeer Bento Stuffed With Green Pepper Meat It's Great For Christmas, And It's Fun To Make

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Note: this post originally had 91 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.