Don’t Embarrass Yourself And Bring These Dishes to a Black Christmas Party

Fruitcake, gingerbread cookies and figgy pudding are a few of the food items you shouldn’t bring to our Christmas party.

Christmas parties aren’t like other get-togethers. You have to offer delicious food, while also providing holiday flavors. Typically, there’s a lot more desserts involved, as well as seasonal fruits and pastries that you don’t see at other parties. However, don’t let the nice holiday vibes fool you, there are still plenty of rules when you’re attending a Christmas pary, especially a Black Christmas party. To help you avoid any major mishaps, check out our roundup of the worst foods to bring to a Black Christmas party.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Bakari Sellers Names the Most Effective Ways for Black Americans to Organize and Make a Change

Fruitcake

If you bring fruitcake to someone’s party, you’re basically telling them that you don’t care about the enjoyment of them or their guests.

Panettone

Photo: Getty Images Richard Lautens/Toronto Star

Panettone is a sweet bread with dried fruits, mostly raisins, that pops up in markets and bakeries this time of year. We’re not here to disparage any particular brand, but it doesn’t have a great shelf life, so if you like it, pick it up early in the season. By mid-December, it’s dry and inedible.

Decorative Christmas Cookies

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai/WireImage

We’re not trying to land on the naughty list. We don’t have anything against Christmas cookies. However, the ones you often find at the supermarket sometimes taste like they’ve been made for show. The last thing you want to do is bring tasteless, dry cookies to the party.

Gingerbread Cookies

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai/WireImage

Let’s be honest Gingerbread people are creepy nightmare fuel and should not be on anyone’s table.

Gingerbread House

Just so it’s clear, gingerbread houses are a decoration. They are not for eating. Have you ever in your life had a gingerbread house that tasted good.

Peppermint Desserts

@therosetable

*NEW RECIPE* This Chocolate Peppermint Cake Roll is the perfect Christmas dessert.😍 Get the recipe now on my website. 🎄 #cakeroll #peppermint #peppermintcake #christmascake #christmasdessert #fyp #holidaytiktok

♬ My Kind Of Present – Meghan Trainor

When done properly, peppermint desserts are actually quite good. The issue is that most people don’t know how to use the right amount of peppermint and the dessert becomes more like mouthwash than a sweet treat.

The Wrong Fried Chicken

Screenshot: America’s Test Kitchen

If you buy fried chicken from a market or restaurant, it’s not a big deal. But make sure it’s the market or restaurant the host prefers. Even if it’s your favorite and you know it’s better, you should always defer to the host.

Weird Charcuterie

Photo: Getty Images Gado

Everyone loves a charcuterie board, so don’t be that person who gets the whole party excited, then brings weird meats and cheeses that no one’s ever heard of, or wants to try.

Christmas/Figgy Pudding

Photo: Getty Images Chris Lee/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/Tribune News Service

Steamed Christmas cake is something out of an old-fashioned Dickens-style celebration. It features raisins, figs and other dried fruit, as well as brandy or rum to set it on fire. If you bring this nonsense to our party, you will immediately be asked to leave.

Mac & Cheese

Photo: Getty Images Smith Collection

Obviously, we love mac and cheese. However, unless specifically asked by the host, you don’t bring mac and cheese to a Black gathering. Doing so without permission is seen as a declaration of war.

Turkey, Ham or Roast

Photo: Getty Images Smith Collection

Once again, unless the host specifically requests your help with the main protein, you are doing way too much and will get side-eyed by the other guests.

‘Special’ Deviled Eggs

Photo: Getty Images Linda Davidson / The Washington Post

Black folks love our deviled eggs and we do not appreciate someone messing them up with their “special” additions like relish, raisins or nuts. The only acceptable toppings are bacon or shrimp.

Mulled Wine

@skylinemilia

Mulled wine = christmas in a cup 🎄 and such a good drink to make for large groups of people! There are so many different ways to make it but this has been my go to recipe lately. More seasonal recipes coming soon!!! #mulledwine #seasonalrecipes #holidaydrinks #holidayrecipe #holidayrecipes #wine #christmasdrinks #christmasrecipe #christmasrecipes

♬ Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love

It is totally OK for you to bring a nice bottle of wine or two to the party. Literally no one wants you to warm it up and add cinnamon sticks to it.

Candy Canes

Screenshot: Science Channel

Have you ever seen anyone over the age of eight eat candy canes? No, you haven’t. These are garnishes and decorations, not delicacies. Bringing them to a party tells everyone you were too lazy to even try. You’re better off bringing napkins and cups.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Story of How Atlanta Became 'Black Hollywood'

The Story of How Atlanta Became ‘Black Hollywood’

You know about Hollywood, but how much do you really know about the city of Atlanta and its reputation as “Black Hollywood?” …
Afrika Bambaataa and Other Black Stars We Lost in 2026

Afrika Bambaataa and Other Black Stars We Lost in 2026

We are honoring all of the Black stars who left us in 2026 …
New Report Shows Less Support for Black Nonprofits Since 2020 Racial Reckoning

New Report Shows Less Support for Black Nonprofits Since 2020 Racial Reckoning

According to a new report, promised funding for Black-led nonprofits ended sooner than expected, and the consequences are alarming …
Black Pastor Charged With Manslaughter After Deadly Backyard Baptism

Black Pastor Charged With Manslaughter After Deadly Backyard Baptism

British Pastor Cheryl Bartley was charged Wednesday after 61-year-old Robert Smith drowned during a backyard baptism …
EXCLUSIVE: Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page Just Said the Quiet Part Out Loud About Love

EXCLUSIVE: Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page Just Said the Quiet Part Out Loud About Love

The Root spoke with Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page ahead of the release of their new romcom, ‘You, Me & Tuscany,’ which is out in theaters on April 10! …
Chick-fil-A Worker Finds $10K ... And Then This Happened

Chick-fil-A Worker Finds $10K … And Then This Happened

A Chick-fil-A employee in North Carolina returned nearly $10,000 he found on Good Friday, saying his faith and values made keeping the money unthinkable …
How Dr. Dre Finally Became a Billionaire

How Dr. Dre Finally Became a Billionaire

Dr. Dre has officially reached billionaire status. Here’s exactly how he did it! …
How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

Fifty years prior to rumors of fascism circling President Trump, activist and philosopher Angela Davis made a spooky prediction about dictatorship in the U.S …
New Black Bridgerton Cast Has the Internet Shook In the Best Way!

New Black Bridgerton Cast Has the Internet Shook In the Best Way!

There’s about to be a whole lot of Black excellence in ‘Bridgerton’ season 5 thanks to a handful of new faces. And folks online can’t get enough! …
New Developments in the Tiger Woods DUI Case

New Developments in the Tiger Woods DUI Case

The gold legend is facing two misdemeanor charges in Florida following a single-rollover car crash in March …
A VA Black Mega Church Donated $1 Million to Keep Local Residents in Their Homes

A VA Black Mega Church Donated $1 Million to Keep Local Residents in Their Homes

In a stunning partnership with the mayor of Alexandria, Alfred Street Baptist Church has stepped up and paid off debts for hundreds of public housing residents …
How Economics is Pushing Some Black Celebrities to Take Refuge in the MAGA Movement

How Economics is Pushing Some Black Celebrities to Take Refuge in the MAGA Movement

A growing number of Black celebrities are aligning themselves with the MAGA movement, but it’s more about economics and staying relevant than politics …
Folks Online Are Losing Their Minds Seeing Blue Ivy and Tina Knowles At The New Cécred Launch

Folks Online Are Losing Their Minds Seeing Blue Ivy and Tina Knowles At The New Cécred Launch

Fans online are going crazy after seeing Blue Ivy at Cécred’s latest launch event …
K. Michelle Makes Shocking Revelation About Her Relationship With R. Kelly

K. Michelle Makes Shocking Revelation About Her Relationship With R. Kelly

K. Michelle is sharing new details about the nature of her relationship with disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly, and what she has to say might surprise you! …
Could Trump Be Removed Under the 25th Amendment?  5 Things You Should Know

Could Trump Be Removed Under the 25th Amendment? 5 Things You Should Know

With questions swirling about President Trump’s recent behavior, people are wondering if the 25th Amendment could play a role in addressing concerns about presidential fitness and stability …
Lil' Rel Reacts to Katt Williams Calling Him Out in Netflix Special, His Clapback Has Fans Crying

Lil’ Rel Reacts to Katt Williams Calling Him Out in Netflix Special, His Clapback Has Fans Crying

Lil’ Rel addresses being called out in Katt Williams’ ‘The Last Report’ comedy special and delivers a hilarious, viral clapback on stage …
Why Marvin Sapp's New Wife's Comments About Their Wedding Are Sparking Internet Backlash

Why Marvin Sapp’s New Wife’s Comments About Their Wedding Are Sparking Internet Backlash

While gospel singer Marvin Sapp may be in good spirits about his recent marriage, folks online aren’t feeling the love, thanks to his new wife’s latest comments! …
Professor: Black Man, Before You Sip That White Wine in Public, Know You Annoy Us

Professor: Black Man, Before You Sip That White Wine in Public, Know You Annoy Us

This Black professor has sparked a spirited debate with a theory about a specific—and, in his view, irritating —social phenomenon: the Black man who exclusively or prominently opts for white wine …
These Black Leaders Call for Trump’s Removal Amid US-Iran Ceasefire Backlash

These Black Leaders Call for Trump’s Removal Amid US-Iran Ceasefire Backlash

Black political leaders are responding to Trump’s abrupt Iran ceasefire with sharp criticism and urgent calls for his removal, including invoking the 25th Amendment …
New Development in Gucci Mane, Pooh Shiesty Kidnapping Case

New Development in Gucci Mane, Pooh Shiesty Kidnapping Case

Lawyers for Pooh Shiesty and the other alleged suspects in the Gucci Mane kidnapping and robbery are now speaking out about what transpired right before the rapper’s arrest …