Food blogger and nutrition and health coach Ciara Turley tells us that this year, more and more Christmas recipes seem to be tailored for air fryers and slow cookers. "Air fryer turkey and baked cheese with hot honey have become popular choices," she says. "Slow cookers are being used for everything from Christmas hams to festive hot chocolates and mulled wine."

"Cheese continues to be a major feature," she adds. "Fabulous creations like cranberry and nut-crumbed soft cheese logs or cheese shaped into Christmas trees create stunning centerpieces for cheeseboards and charcuterie platters."

When it comes to desserts, they're getting modern makeovers this year, too. "Baileys and chocolate trifles, pavlova wreaths, and pavlova Christmas trees are reinventing classics with a touch of festive creativity," Turley says.

Holiday snacks and bakes not only have to be delicious, but they have to look the part, too. We asked Ciara how home bakers and home cooks can balance this task to create visually stunning but practical dishes and snacks. "I focus on easy-to-follow recipes that aren't overly complicated, using bright garnishes to enhance visual appeal," she says in short. "For desserts, vibrant berries and fresh mint leaves add a festive touch, while sprigs of rosemary or thyme work beautifully for savoury dishes," Ciara adds. 

"I also love adding my own spin to Christmas classics. For example, air fryer parmesan roasted parsnips with a drizzle of honey or pan-fried Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple pecans are simple and flavourful options. They're easy to prepare, delicious, and bring a festive flair to the table."

In November, Ciara launched her Christmas ebook where you can find 30 easy-to-follow, delicious Christmas-inspired recipes to take the hassle out of Christmas entertaining. "From tasty festive nibbles, delicious desserts and cocktails, and, of course, the full Christmas dinner, each recipe is designed to be both easy and tasty, with lots of air fryer options!" Ciara says. Be sure to check it out here, Pandas!

The one goodie that Ciara can't imagine her Christmas dinner table without is her signature Christmas Pavlova Wreath. She makes it every year and it's always a hit. "I love experimenting with different toppings, but my Baileys and Raspberry Meringue Wreath with a chocolate drizzle is a consistent crowd-pleaser," she adds. 

"It's also practical for the busy Christmas season as you can prepare the meringue days in advance and simply add the toppings on the day you serve it," Ciara explains. Scroll a little further down to see the full recipe, or find it on Ciara's Instagram page!

Recipe:

Baileys and Raspberry Meringue Wreath

Ingredients:

6 large egg whites

300g sugar or sweetener

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cornflour

1 tsp white vinegar

Topping:

Fresh or frozen raspberries

30g melted chocolate

A handful mint leaves

500ml cream whipped

35ml baileys

Preheat oven to 140c (fan oven). Beat the eggs until they are stiff white peaks then gradually add in the sweetener and vanilla until shiny and glossy. 

Mix together the cornflour and vinegar and fold into the meringue.

Line a large tray with baking paper and draw a 12-inch circle and then a 6-inch inner circle, then turn the paper over and dollop on the meringue in the wreath outline.

Using a knife to dig a slight trench through the centre top of the wreath for the cream to go into when cooked.

Place in the oven and turn it down to 130c and cook for around an hour and 15 and leave in the oven to fully cook, I left it overnight!

Then whip the cream add in the baileys, dollop onto the wreath and top with the raspberries, and drizzle the melted chocolate! Then add a few mint leaves, divine!!

We might think that homemade Christmas dinners are a thing of the past. "Only our grandparents used to spend two weeks before Christmas to prepare for the big family dinner, this is not for us!" the young generation might say. Yet statistics paint quite a different picture.

According to one poll, 61% of Americans say they will prepare a Christmas dinner at home themselves. 33% will also be hosting other people, like family and friends. Still, some people plan to either order or dine out for the holidays. According to Statista, 2% of Americans will be ordering their Christmas meal, and another 2% plan to go out to eat.

If you're reading this list, you're probably looking for some ideas for your Christmas dinner table. The centerpiece of a Christmas dinner, at least in the U.S., is often a turkey or a ham. And since many American families have just had turkey on Thanksgiving, many opt for a roast ham. In the UK, people also go for a turkey. 

Australians and New Zealanders, since they enjoy hot and sunny weather during the holidays, usually go for a hearty Christmas barbecue. They do grilled meats, burgers, chicken, or barbecue prawns. Cold beer is a staple that goes together with the meal really well, and the staple dessert for the holiday season is a Pavlova topped with fluffy whipped cream and seasonal fruit and berries.

Japan has a really interesting tradition when it comes to Christmas dinners. Due to a very successful marketing campaign in the 1970s, many Japanese people get a bucket of KFC chicken. The holiday chicken party bucket includes drumsticks, a shrimp gratin, and a chocolate cake. People start ordering the holiday special as early as November, as it can often sell out on Christmas day.

Christmas food trends in America are changing as well, but it's not KFC that Americans want. Whereas in the past, turkey was the staple of the American Christmas dinner, this generation would rather skip the long hassle and just have burgers on Christmas day. According to one poll, out of the 60% of Americans who have eaten something non-traditional on Christmas, 37% had pizza, 31% ate pasta, and 28% opted for burgers.

Christmas cookies are not safe either. According to Google Trends' 2024 Christmas Cookie Map, the Italian Christmas cookie was the most searched this year. Also called Angletti (mini angels), the little treats are made with ricotta and topped with an almond-flavored glaze. 

What are your plans to cook or bake for Christmas this year? I'll be bringing my signature tiramisu to the Christmas party, but we'd love to hear about the treats and snacks you'll be preparing, Pandas. Let us know in the comments! And while you're at it, be sure to check out our Christmas treat listicles from previous years here and here!