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
‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Dish on What It Takes to be True Bad Boys

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

Tammi Terrell: The Ivy League Scholar Who Deserved Better than Motown’s Saddest Ending

Tammi Terrell: The Ivy League Scholar Who Deserved Better than Motown’s Saddest Ending

Tammi Terrell deserved so much more than the tragic life she lived, marked by abuse from James Brown and a fatal illness that ultimately took her. This Women’s History Month, and on the 56th anniversary of her passing, we share her heartbreaking story …
The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

From Jay-Z and Jill Scott—a lot our music faves are hitting the road for some amazing tours. Let’s check out who and when! …
All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

Nene Leakes in finally heading back to Bravo! And now, the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is sharing her feelings about it …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Chadwick Boseman's Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor's Cancer Journey

Chadwick Boseman’s Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor’s Cancer Journey

Simone Ledward Boseman is getting candid in a new interview about the late, beloved actor Chadwick Boseman and his health journey …
Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court's Backing

Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court’s Backing

For Cherise Doyley and Brianna Bennett, the battle for bodily autonomy played out at their hospital bedsides, where virtual court hearings allowed judges to prioritize the perceived health of their unborn children over their right to refuse C-sections …
New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
News of Chuck Norris' Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

News of Chuck Norris’ Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris’ shocking death is sparking some interesting responses from Black folks online. We’ll tell you why! …
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 …
Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson sued the city of Fresno after she became the subject of horrific discrimination from her supervisor …
Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Millions of Americans depend on USPS to receive medicines, cast mail in ballots and even pay bills. Now, that’s all at risk …
New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

Clips of a Tuskegee University coach handcuffed at Morehouse shocked the sports world; now, he’s making a move that could change everything …
5 Things You Didn't Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington's Films Over the Years

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington’s Films Over the Years

In honor of Spike Lee’s birthday, let’s take a look at a few fun facts about him and frequent collaborator Denzel Washington that you may not have heard about! …
New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

Gabrielle Henry, knowns as Miss Jamaica, suffered a frightening fall at the Miss Universe pageant in November 2025. And now we have major news on her condition …
Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is letting it be known she’s not here for Nicki Minaj’s alleged spread of misinformation. Now, the Barbz are responding! …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …