Festive and easy Christmas appetizers perfect for holiday gatherings. These wreath-shaped bites look beautiful and taste even better. If you’re hosting a Christmas brunch or a holiday party, these simple appetizers are crowd-pleasers and can be prepared ahead of time.
When guests arrive, it’s always nice to have a selection of appetizers and finger foods ready—people often get hungry as soon as they walk in. I developed a few straightforward Christmas appetizer ideas that assemble quickly and present as charming wreaths for a seasonal touch.
The holiday season calls for festive food and easy entertaining. I prefer to keep party menus simple so hosts can spend time with family and friends instead of being stuck in the kitchen. These wreath appetizers are one of my favorites because they’re quick to assemble and versatile—serve them with a creamy dip or alongside cookies for a fuller spread.
Gather a few round platters (they don’t need to match, though matching platters look nice). I used olive wood chargers as a rustic backdrop for the wreaths. Below are quick instructions for three wreath-style appetizers that are easy, seasonal, and made from store-bought ingredients when you want to save time.
Easy Christmas Appetizers
These are some of the best Christmas appetizers for entertaining: festive, simple, and ideal for a party. All ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores and the assembly is straightforward.
Serving Supplies
To serve these appetizer wreaths you will need:
- Round platters – ideal for creating an easy wreath shape.
- Bamboo cocktail picks or skewers – for assembling antipasto bites.
- Small bowls – for dips placed in the center of the wreaths.
Vegetable Wreath Platter
A vegetable wreath platter is a healthy, colorful appetizer that fits right into holiday menus. Arrange fresh greens and crisp vegetables in a ring and use cherry tomatoes as bright “berries.”
Start by layering kale across the platter as a base, then build rings of broccoli, sugar snap peas or green beans, and Brussels sprouts. Leave the center open for a dip or simply to maintain the wreath silhouette.
Tips for Making a Veggie Wreath
- Wash and dry vegetables thoroughly for the best texture and presentation.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- A prepared vegetable platter will stay fresh about two days refrigerated; wrap or seal to extend crispness.
Antipasto Skewer Wreath
Antipasto skewers are one of my favorite holiday appetizers. They’re no-cook, full of savory flavor, and easy to assemble into a wreath around the platter’s edge. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or a simple dip.
How to Make Antipasto Skewers
Use sturdy bamboo skewers and thread a mix of savory ingredients. A suggested combination:
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Pitted olives (black or green)
- Small mozzarella balls
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme for garnish
- Salami or spicy pepperoni
Vary the order and number of items for a rustic look; the variety adds texture and visual interest along the wreath.
Tips for Making Antipasto Skewer Wreath
- Antipasto skewers are best within two days; meats and cheeses can dry out after that.
- Choose strong skewers or toothpicks to support heavier ingredients.
Super Simple Bread Wreath
A bread wreath is warm, comforting, and simple to prepare using store-bought dough. Form small dough balls into rings, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with chopped rosemary and sea salt, and bake. After baking, serve with your favorite dip—ranch, nacho cheese, or a yogurt-based dip are all good choices.
How to Make a Bread Wreath
- Line a wooden charger or platter with parchment paper to use as a template; you won’t bake on the charger.
- Roll small dough balls and arrange them in a circle, pressing rings together so the wreath holds its shape.
- Transfer the parchment with dough to a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and rosemary, then bake according to package directions.
- Bake about 10 minutes before guests arrive so the bread is warm when served.
Tips for Making a Bread Wreath
- A fresh bread wreath keeps well for about two days; to store longer, freeze tightly wrapped for up to six months.
- Homemade dough works fine if you prefer to make it from scratch.
Easy Appetizer Dips for Christmas
These wreaths pair well with a variety of dips. Consider savory options like cilantro veggie dip, blue cheese dip, whipped goat cheese, yogurt-tahini dip, beet dip, or a garlic dip. Choose one or offer several for guests to sample.
More Appetizers for Christmas
If you want additional party ideas, consider mini cocktail meatballs, marinated olives, baked brie, stuffed mini peppers, spinach-artichoke dip, jalapeño poppers, spinach puffs, or a festive cheeseball shaped like a snowman.
When to Serve Easy Christmas Appetizers
These appetizers fit many holiday occasions, including:
- Holiday dinners
- Christmas Day gatherings
- Cocktail parties
- Cookie exchanges
- Dessert or gingerbread house parties
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan on about four to six appetizer pieces per person. If you’re also serving a main meal, reduce the number accordingly.
Wreath-style appetizers are a festive option. They’re easy to prepare and pair well with dips and holiday cookies.
Appetizers are small, bite-sized dishes served before or alongside a meal. They can be hot or cold, savory or sweet, and often come with dips or sauces to start the gathering on a delicious note.
Common categories include hors d’oeuvres (small skewered bites), soups, salads, dips, and finger foods—each suited to different party styles and menus.
More Christmas Ideas You’ll Love
- A hot chocolate station
- Kids’ appetizer platters
- A simple Christmas brunch menu
- Chocolate peppermint panna cotta
- Gingerbread cookies
- Festive table décor
- Peanut butter blossoms cookies
- Eggnog panna cotta
Tell us what you think of these holiday wreath appetizers in the comments. Follow along on social media to discover more recipes, cocktails, desserts, and party ideas.
Easy Christmas Appetizers
Ingredients
Vegetable Wreath
- 4 ounces green beans or sugar snap peas
- 2 heads broccoli
- 9 whole cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces kale
Antipasto Skewer Wreaths
- 12 ounces marinated artichoke hearts
- 8 ounces small fresh mozzarella (cherry size)
- 3 ounces salami
- 15 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 ounces pitted olives (kalamata or similar)
- Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage
Christmas Bread Wreath
- 16 ounces store-bought bread dough (or pizza dough/biscuits)
- 8 cranberries (for decoration)
- Fresh rosemary
- Sea salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Vegetable Wreath
- Layer kale across the platter as a base.
- Arrange broccoli, green beans or sugar snap peas, and Brussels sprouts around the edge.
- Leave the center open for a dip or simply for the wreath shape.
Antipasto Skewer Wreaths
- Thread ingredients onto skewers, mixing items for variety.
- Arrange skewers around the platter edge to form a wreath.
Bread Wreath
- Line a charger or platter with parchment paper to use as a template.
- Place small dough balls around the inner edge, then a second ring inside that; press together.
- Transfer the parchment with dough to a baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and chopped rosemary, and bake according to package directions.
Notes
Use these ideas as a guide—substitute seasonal produce or favorite ingredients to create your own festive wreath appetizers.
Nutrition
Calories: 228 kcal, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 10 g, Fat: 11 g. Nutrition information is an approximation.