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
Could the New Pope Be Black?

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

How Journalism Saved Black Lives, Protected Freedom Over the Years

How Journalism Saved Black Lives, Protected Freedom Over the Years

Take a look at the investigative work that has and continues to shape the Black experience in this country …
Black Stars Who Slayed at 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' New York Red Carpet Premiere

Black Stars Who Slayed at ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ New York Red Carpet Premiere

The Devil Wears Prada sequel is about to make its way into theaters soon, but before it does—the New York premiere gave us a good glimpse at some serious looks. Let’s get into it! …
Black Woman Changes Her Race on Hinge and the Results Reveal a Startling Truth

Black Woman Changes Her Race on Hinge and the Results Reveal a Startling Truth

If you’re a Black woman failing to get matches on dating apps, it might be because the apps algorithm is hiding your profile …
Solange Debuts New Shaved Hairstyle, But You'll Never Guess How Mom Tina Knowles Responds

Solange Debuts New Shaved Hairstyle, But You’ll Never Guess How Mom Tina Knowles Responds

Solange has never shied away from trying new styles and new looks. And this time around, her mother Tina is sharing some interesting insight about her latest choice! …
Expert: Abuse Rarely Starts With Bruises—Here’s How to Recognize It and Leave Safely

Expert: Abuse Rarely Starts With Bruises—Here’s How to Recognize It and Leave Safely

We spoke with a gender-based violence prevention expert about how abuse starts long before violence becomes visible. She outlines early warning signs and steps for safely leaving …
New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect—And Things Aren't Looking Good

New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect—And Things Aren’t Looking Good

Things are steadily going on a downward spiral for Ivana Ortiz, the woman accused of shooting Rihanna’s LA home in March. Here’s the latest …
Exclusive: Scott Evans Breaks Down How He Created a Safe Space For Black Stars on His Viral YouTube Series

Exclusive: Scott Evans Breaks Down How He Created a Safe Space For Black Stars on His Viral YouTube Series

In an exclusive interview, Scott Evans details his journey as an influential Black media figure and his ultimate duty to the Black community …
Why You Should Not Listen To The Critics Of Michael

Why You Should Not Listen To The Critics Of Michael

Critics are arguing with a movie that was never trying to be what they wanted …
Black Woman Chased by Zara Employees Speaks Out After Viral Mall Incident

Black Woman Chased by Zara Employees Speaks Out After Viral Mall Incident

“Shopping while Black” strikes again after a Black woman went viral being chased out of a Zara store for alleged theft, which police later determined was baseless …
Janet Jackson Responds to Teyana Taylor's Recreation of One of Her Iconic '90s Looks

Janet Jackson Responds to Teyana Taylor’s Recreation of One of Her Iconic ’90s Looks

Teyana Taylor has paid homage to Janet Jackson before, but this time around she’s recreating yet another iconic look! And now Janet herself and fans all over are speaking out about it …
How Trump’s Budget Cuts Are Directly Linked to Hundreds of Thousands of Preventable Deaths

How Trump’s Budget Cuts Are Directly Linked to Hundreds of Thousands of Preventable Deaths

16.5 million uninsured. Toxic air. Global famine. The high price of Trump’s 2026 budget is paid in American lives— and its only getting worse …
Popular Civil Rights Nonprofit’s Shocking Connections to the Ku Klux Klan Alleged in DOJ Indictment

Popular Civil Rights Nonprofit’s Shocking Connections to the Ku Klux Klan Alleged in DOJ Indictment

After the FBI severed ties with Southern Poverty Law Center in October, an 11-count indictment against the civil rights nonprofit is now raising serious alarms …
No, Janet Jackson Isn't In the New Michael Movie and Here's Why

No, Janet Jackson Isn’t In the New Michael Movie and Here’s Why

Michael and Janet Jackson shared a close relationship, but she won’t be featured in his highly-anticipated biopic. We’re breaking down why! …
Exclusive: Scott Evans Spills the Tea on His Viral Interview with Mary J. Blige and That Infamous Burger King Ad

Exclusive: Scott Evans Spills the Tea on His Viral Interview with Mary J. Blige and That Infamous Burger King Ad

Scott Evans spoke with The Root about his viral interview with Mary J. Blige and why that infamous Burger King commercial is not a laughing matter …
Amid Recent Deaths of Black Women, Expert Details How to Support a Friend in a Harmful Relationship

Amid Recent Deaths of Black Women, Expert Details How to Support a Friend in a Harmful Relationship

In the wake of a number of devastating tragedies, Dr. LaNail Plummer, a mental health expert, breaks down how to safely help loved ones facing domestic violence—and how to support them when they need it most …
The Real Meaning of 'Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It' Song Was Just Revealed, and Some Black Folks are Not OK

The Real Meaning of ‘Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It’ Song Was Just Revealed, and Some Black Folks are Not OK

The real meaning of a popular dance song has finally been revealed, and Black people online are too stunned to accept it. Let’s get into it! …
Why Gerrymandering Efforts From Both Parties Are Targeting Black Voting Districts

Why Gerrymandering Efforts From Both Parties Are Targeting Black Voting Districts

On the surface, redrawing the maps– although unprecedented– seems like a purely political scheme. In truth, however, redrawing urban district lines has already led to consequences for Black folks …
Floetry's Long Awaited Reunion Tour Has Fans Emotional

Floetry’s Long Awaited Reunion Tour Has Fans Emotional

Fans of Floetry got more than they paid for when the concert turned into an unexpected yet moving moment between the two lead singers! …
Top 10 2026 NFL Draft Picks You Should Know

Top 10 2026 NFL Draft Picks You Should Know

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to transform the “Steel City” of Pittsburgh into the epicenter of the football world as the city hosts the event for the first time since 1948. Scheduled for April 23–25 at the iconic Acrisure Stadium and the scenic Point State Park, this year’s event …
Tracee Ellis Ross Reacts to Vogue's 'Cloud Bob' Controversy

Tracee Ellis Ross Reacts to Vogue’s ‘Cloud Bob’ Controversy

After a Vogue photo that described the Afro as a “cloud bob” sparked outrage online, the subject of the now-viral pic has entered the chat …