Antipasto Cheese Ball Christmas Tree is a showstopper! Move over antipasto platters…this Christmas tree is even better!
The ultimate holiday cheese ball recipe! Full of sun dried tomatoes, red bell peppers, chives and seasonings on the inside. It’s the OUTSIDE is where it gets serious with antipasto Christmas tree decorations! Serve it on a platter with cold meats such as salami and prosciutto, PLUS crackers!
CHRISTMAS TREE
What better way to kick off your festivities than with an edible Christmas tree? A fully loaded cheese ball tree filled with your favourite antipasti ingredients.
WHAT CHEESE IS BEST FOR CHEESE BALLS?
Packaged cream cheese will work here, as in full fat or low fat. I don’t suggest using spreadable cream cheese as it may collapse before serving, while packaged cream cheese hardens back up in the refrigerator after shaping.
Make sure your cream cheese is easy to work with and softened to help mix the other ingredients through it properly. Take it out of the refrigerator at least half an hour before starting the dip for easier mixing.
The dip part is extremely versatile. If you want to add different ingredients to suit your tastes, go for it!
How To Make Cheese Ball Christmas Tree
- To mould the tree out of your cream cheese dip, you’ll need to place a piece of plastic wrap down on your bench top first, then scoop out the prepared dip onto the plastic wrap.
- Place another piece of plastic wrap over it to cover it and mould it with your hands until it forms a tree. Depending on the width of your plastic wrap, you may need a second piece to completely cover it so you don’t get dip all over your hands.
- The cream cheese is more stable in a wider tree shape rather than a tall, thin tree. The taller tree folds over and collapses.
- If you find your cream cheese has softened too much and won’t hold its shape, refrigerate it until it thickens again.
If you need a visual, watch the video at the bottom of this post!
CHRISTMAS TREE CHEESE BALL
After you’ve moulded it, use a cake spatula or knife to smooth it out.
Then cover it completely wth antipasto ingredients! I used mixed olives and sun dried tomatoes for mine, and used a yellow bell pepper (capsicum) to cut out a star for the top! THEN, for added flavour, brush over the olives with some sun dried tomato oil from the jar! YUM!
The BEST holiday cheese ball!
How long can a cheese ball keep in the refrigerator?
Cheese balls will usually last for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator.
Creamy deliciousness on the inside of this Antipasto Cheese Ball Christmas Tree!
Looking for more Christmas Showstoppers?
Caprese Christmas Wreath
Bloomin’ Onion Garlic Bread (Pull Apart Bread)
Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe
ANTIPASTO CHEESE BALL CHRISTMAS TREE ON VIDEO!
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED DECEMBER 12, 2017.
Antipasto Cheese Ball Christmas Tree
Ingredients
For The Dip:
- 4 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell peppers (or capsicum ), diced
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, finely diced
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt, to taste (if desired)
For The Decorations:
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups pitted mixed olives (I use a variety of black, green and Kalamata olives) -- dried with paper towel
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (dried with paper towel)
- Rosemary leaves/sprigs to decorate
- Ritz, water crackers or pretzels for serving
- Salami slices, for serving
- Prosciutto slices, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl combine all the ingredients for the dip and mix until the ingredients are well combined.
- Place a piece of non-stick plastic wrap on a clean bench top or work surface. Scoop the cream cheese mixture out onto the plastic wrap and completely cover with another piece of wrap (you may need two pieces to cover it).
- Use your hands to mould the cream cheese into a tree shape. Then, carefully pick up the tree with one hand and peel off the plastic wrap on the bottom of the tree with your other hand. Place the tree straight onto a serving plate.
- Use a cake spatula to smooth the edges. Decorate with olives, sun-dried tomatoes and rosemary leaves/sprigs, lightly pressing each element into the cream cheese to ensure they stay on. Brush with some sun dried tomato oil from the jar (optional but adds even more flavour)!
- Top with a star cut out of a yellow or orange bell pepper OR a thick slice of cheese.
- Serve with crackers of your choice, salami and prosciutto slices rolled up!ENJOY!
Notes
- The cream cheese is more stable in a wider tree shape rather than a tall, thin tree. The taller tree folds over and collapses.
- If you find your cream cheese has softened too much and won't hold its shape, refrigerate it until it thickens again (about 20 minutes).
- Pat dry each olive and sun dried tomato on a sheet of paper towel before decorating your tree to make sure they stay on, or they may slide off if covered in oil from the jar.
Cdunn says
We are going to make this for our super bowl party- only shaped like a football! Thanks for the recipe:)
Sandy Baker says
I spent my Christmas with my sister and her family for the first time in many years. It was a laid back time with lots of games, laughter, love, good food, good drinks and best of all, great company!! It is the best Christmas I have had in quite a few years! My Mom, Dad and Brother have all passed on and she and I are the only ones left. It was wonderful to feel like a family again.
Patricia L Brewer says
With family, old friends and new ones we made this holiday. Made this deliciously BEAUTIFUL cheese tree along with your rich Fudgy chocolate crinkles to share with everyone. Merry Merry Christmas.
Andee says
Came out great, thanks for the inspiration! I used a bunch of pickled garlic cloves as well. I wish I could post a picture of how great it looks!
Karina says
That sounds great I hope you enjoy the rest of your holidays! I apologise for there is no feature to post images in the comments but we would always love to see your recreations of these recipes, you can send them through to [email protected]
Randee Downey says
Christmas we cuddle up in new robe, play games and eat yummy food all day
Karina says
Sounds great!
Heather says
We are traveling to Wisconsin to spend the day with family. I’m in charge of bringing the desserts so I’m bringing kolaczki, candied nuts, lemon squares, chocolate peanut butter bars, and decorated sugar cookies..
Karina says
Sounds good!
Kim Marshall says
I’ll be making this tasty tree (love all your recipes) and spending Christmas day with my mom & sis. Lost my granny a little over a year ago, so we try to make the holiday special for mom…there is no way to replace her so we all celebrate her memory. We are going to put on some Christmas tunes to shake a tail feather, lay out a spread of yummies for all to share, and celebrate with our bffs for life….family! You only have one so enjoy! Spike the punch and pull out cell phones, it’s going to be photo graphic fun time!!!! Merry Christmas everyone!!
Karina says
That’s really good to hear, I am so sorry about your grandmother so it’s good to know you are staying strong for your mother. Have lots of fun as you are right there is only one life! Thank you for sharing your story with us it is very much appreciated, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your family!
Cindy ML says
I am in love with this Antipast Christmas Tree!!
Emily says
Aaah the antipasto Xmas tree as I call it – greatest centrepiece as we celebrate Xmas gathered around the family table and eating so much that our pants split….
Karina says
That’s really good to hear, Going to need more pants! Happy holidays!
Donna Vaughn says
I’ll be spending time with my husband and our children. We love to cook together and I’ll be baking and sharing goodies with friends and neighbors.
Karina says
Sounds good hope you enjoy!
Mary Ellen Wojtowicz says
Spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with family and great recipes. Thanks, Karina for making our lives so much easier… and tastier!
Karina says
Hi Mary, I am flattered to hear that you and your family are enjoying these recipes! Happy holidays!
Donna says
Been baking and enjoying some of your awesome recipes. Can’t wait to share them with friends and family.
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Karina says
Merry Christmas to you too Donna! We hope your family and friends enjoy these recipes!
Susan Moreland says
CANNOT WAIT to spend time cooking and eating and laughing with my AWESOME FamilY ❤️❤️❤️
A very Merry Christmas to you 🎄
ENJOY!
BTW can’t wait to try this recipe with my bestie next week!
Karina says
Hi Susan, that sounds awesome! Hope you enjoy your time making it and eating it with your friends and family! Merry Christmas to you too!
Kimberly says
Very low key. Just my Hubz and I. This cheese ball is so pretty and tasty I’m sure…I love olives. happy holidays!
Dd says
Merry Christmas I’ve been baking all week and delivered trays of cookies today. I will be cooking Christmas dinner at my house and of course making the antipasto cheese ball love this recipe
Karina says
Hi Dd, we are flattered to hear that you all loved this recipe as much as we do! Merry Christmas!
Brandy says
Our family of 5 celebrated December 22, 2018 with my husband’s family and then celebrated with my family on December 23,2018. I am working December 24 & 25 with an amazing group of 3 individuals with intellectual disabilities and making sure they enjoy the holidays with their families at their group home. God bless and merry Christmas to each and everyone!
Karina says
Hi Brandy! It is wonderful to hear that your Christmas is full of happiness with your family! We hope work isn’t too stressful for you around this time and we are praying for those you are helping with their disabilities. We hope you enjoy the rest of your holidays and the new year!
William Vargas says
Hi Karina! This Christmas I will spend in company with my wife and my two babies, twins of 11 months that have me crazy.
Karina says
Hi William! That sounds like a good Christmas with your family, we hope you enjoy your holidays!
Nakyria says
This year my husband, myself our 3 year old son and my sister came to Cape Town, South Africa to spend Christmas with our aunt. She lives in South Africa now because she is on a 3 year long work assignment. This is really a non-traditional Christmas for us but we thought it was important to spend time work family who can’t be home in the U.S. with us. On Christmas Day we will all go down to the beach to swim, look at penguins and eat gelato.
Karina says
Hi Nakyria, These holidays sound good! It’s always good to travel and spend some time with family members! We hope you all enjoy your Christmas and the rest of your holidays!
Shandra says
We are taking it easy this year. Yesterday was spent with my dad’s family and all of the cousins had a blast playing together. They only see each other a few times a year so it is always fun to get them together. Tonight we are having my mother in law over for dinner, one of your lovely salmon recipes…I am still deciding which one, then attending church with her. We have a tradition of driving around to look at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve, so we will do that tonight as well. Tomorrow morning, the kiddos wake up and open gifts, then we are having cinnamon rolls with breakfast and just hanging out at home together. We will play some games and probably do some crafts. I love the coziness of this time of year. You always inspire me to stay out of a cooking rut and try new things. Merry Christmas!
Karina says
Hi Shandra, I hope you enjoy Christmas and the rest of the holidays with your family! Sounds good enjoy your new year!
Dee Rhodes says
Our two sons will be coming home with their significant others and hubby and I tag team to make all the foods. We have a nice beef tenderloin and using your recipe, also making your Mac and Cheese, as well as your string beans! I’ve baked 2 almond butter stuffed braided pastry’s,…with a Maple glaze, and toasted almonds on one of them, but not on the other(1 son loves nuts, the other hates nuts;)) We listen to Christmas Music until beginning a late lunch, then we each share what Christmas means to each of us. After lunch, Hubby passes out a gift to each person with a card and written letter as to how we see their growth over the past year. We hope they will keep the cards/letters and go back and read them later in life and see if they have grown in the way we were able to discern at that time. After this, Hubby and I have 6 Mac and Cheese dishes we made that we’re going to carry to people we know may not have a Christmas meal. The only tweak we added to your Mac and Cheese for these were adding Chorizo Sausage.
I love your web and recipes! Your photography is AMAZING! Another great recipe, tasty ingredients, fancy appearance:)
Karina says
Hi Dee! Thank you so much for your supportiveness of this website it is very much appreciated! We are happy to hear that you will be enjoying your Christmas this year and hope you and your family all have a wonderful rest of the holidays and the new year! Best of luck!
Linda Gilpin says
I will be making this antipasto Christmas Tree between Christmas and New Years. On Christmas morning we will visit the “Children of the Dump” here in Puerto Vallarta to distribute gifts to all the poor children that were bought with money donated by the expat community here. Freda Is the person responsible for the buying and distribution but many others helped in this huge endeavour.We are so fortunate to be able to give back as we are very blessed.
Karina says
Hi Linda, it is great to hear that you will be spending your Christmas helping the children in need! We hope you have a wonderful rest of the year and for the new year coming!
Allison Senkarik says
This post and recipe has some seriously perfect timing! I’m 5 months pregnant so we will be enjoying a low key Christmas this year with a charcuterie assortment in lieu of me cooking all day! Love love your content and sending lots of happy Christmas wishes your way!
Karina says
Hi Allison, congratulations on your pregnancy! We hope you and your family enjoy this recipe! We hope you all enjoy your Christmas and spend the holidays full of happiness!
Martina Lively says
We will be enjoying Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with our three young grandchildren and our two daughters at home. Merry Christmas!
Karina says
Hi Martina! That sounds awesome, we hope you enjoy your time! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
Cari L Bryant says
Spending time with family. Dinner, games, and gifts!
Firdsus rahman says
Cooking beef joint for the family using your recipe .
Playing board games after and then just dozing in front of the TV!!!😊
Karina says
Hi Firdsus, sounds like a plan! We hope you enjoy our recipe and that you enjoy your Christmas holidays!
Tiffany says
We’ll be spending a quiet, peaceful Christmas at home this year with family. This antipasto recipe will definitely be on our New Years Eve menu!
Karina says
Hi Tiffany, this sounds good! Happy holidays!
Jane Lenner says
We flew out from N.J. to L.A. to spend Christmas with our kids.. So glad we were finally able to be able to do this. Early this morning my daughter and I made this Xmas tree olive spread. It wasn’t that hard. Getting the right shape was a bit difficult but we wet our hands first and the process got easier. Can’t wait to serve it tomorrow at the party. Happy Holiday to all of you!
Karina says
Hi Jane, I am so glad to hear that you and your family will have a wonderful Christmas! We hope you all enjoy this Cheese Ball Christmas Tree recipe! Happy holidays to you too and we hope you enjoy your new year!
Terrylee says
Merry Christmas! All our children and their families will be home for Christmas. The four grandchildren will be together for the first time since Delaney was born last January. We are having low key brunch and buffet dinner later to let the little ones just be together….4 grandchildren 5 and under let the chaos begin!
Karina says
Hi Terrylee! Merry Christmas to you too! We hope you spend the day full of happiness with your family! Happy holidays!
Stevie Burns says
Christmas Eve we are volunteering to serve at a community Christmas dinner to serve the people who lost their homes in the Northern Ca. Campfire. Christmas Day we have invited neighbors who have lost everything into our home to share a meal and a few gifts.
Karina says
Hi Stevie, what you are doing this Christmas is beyond amazing! Thank you for sharing we hope you have a great rest of your holidays!
Stephanie Raef says
Merry Christmas Cafe Delites! Today is my sisters birthday and all my family gathers at my moms house to celebrate and eat menudo. THIS Year will be extra special because my brother whom I met for the first time last year will be joining us and meeting ALL my family. It’s so exciting- God is Good 🙂
Karina says
Thank you Stephanie! We hope you enjoy your Christmas with your brother and the rest of your family! Happy holidays.
Sarah says
I will spend the holidays with all my loved ones! Christmas is at my moms with the family and we all bring our speciality and then we go all around the family for the days to come! My party is for New Year Eve! All my family and friends are coming to party with us and to enjoy a nice buffet made by myself! Can’t wait 😊
Happy holidays everyone!! 🎉
Ellen Moore says
The Cheese and olives looks great. We are busier than usual this year. Tonight, Christmas Eve, my husband and I will go to our son’s and his wife’s house. They like to cook and we always enjoy their company. I have a few games for us to play, one is having guests unwrap a large round mess of Saran wrap. Each person gets a few minutes to unwrap. There are small gifts along the way, and in the middle the directions say to put in a $50. bill, but I think I will use a $20. Then tomorrow we are having friends here for breakfast and other friends for dinner. Great fun!
Angela Horton says
First off I would like to say Thank you Karina for all the wonderful recipes. I made this recipe for A Christmas gathering of friends, was beautiful ans everyone loved it. I get to have Christmas at my Mom’s place this year with my Brothers family coming over as well. Christmas to me is Family.
Laura T says
Can’t wait to share this fun appetizer with my friends! We will spending Christmas with my husband’s family and my sister. It is great to see everyone laughing and having fun – as we are not together very often throughout the year. Happy Holidays to you!
Jean Cherep says
I will be spending my Christmas in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua with fellow expats. Yesterday we had a cookie party where I made Chocolate Crinkle and Christmas Crack cookies. Tomorrow I will be making your egg casserole for breakfast. Being here shows how small the world is, I have met people from the world over. Just being here makes a fellow expat a friend. And your recipes help with great food ideas. I look forward to your emails every day. Thanks for all of your posts!! They are very much appreciated here.
Feliz Navidad!!!
Margaret Knoll says
Spending the holidays with loads of relatives in Tucson. Christmas Eve will be celebrated with a candlelight service at church, then Christmas Day will be low key with just my husband and daughter. Thank you for the amazing recipe inspiration!
(Hope I didn’t post this twice. My phone stopped cooperating just after I hit submit…:-()
Gail mikulski says
This antipasto cheese ball looks very interesting…I will have time to get all the necessary ingredients for my family Christmas next weekend!! Thank you..I have tried many other recipes that you have posted…ALWAYS DELISH!!!
Merry Christmas
Bekah says
I love your recipes! My boyfriend and I have made several of them and they are delicious!
We are spending Christmas Eve having dinner at my boyfriend’s parents’ home. On Christmas Day we are having a Christmas Lunch at his aunt’s and uncle’s and then I am flying to Nebraska to spend the next week with my cousin/brother and his girlfriend.
Alice Jordan says
This looks perfect for a New Years Party we are going to! Christmas Eve we are driving
2 1/2 hours to my son’s and his wife’s to see my two grandkids and new grandstep-kids!
Looking forward to seeing how big the kids have gotten this year!
Sylvia says
I am spending Christmas with my daughter, son in law and two precious granddaughters.
Margaret Knoll says
We are celebrating with loads of family members in Tucson, followed by a Christmas Eve service in church today, Christmas Day will be quiet and low key at home with my husband and daughter.
I love your recipe inspiration!
Tina Whitney says
This looks fantastic! We are spending the day with family and cooking dinner. Merry Christmas to all
Anne says
We will be celebrating at home on Christmas Day and then traveling to family during the following week. I made this recipe as the cheese ball last weekend and it was delicious!
Diana L Varnadore says
I will be spending Christmas with my children and grandchildren enjoying delicious recipes from ” Karina’s” fabulous posts! Karina’s recipes are the Best and She Rocks it. No other website outdoes her. Thank you so much Karina for being out there for us!
Reba Self says
Christmas Eve at my house today is early morning snow and the anticipation of dinner (glazed ham, Corn Pudding, Sweet Potatoes and Christmas Cookies) before our church’s candelight Christmas Eve Service. Snow–Family–Food–a joyous evening!
Kris G. says
I’m spending Christmas Eve with my sister and brother-in-law and my niece and her partner and toddler son. We’ll have a yummy dinner of ham with all the trimmings, catch up on the family news, and watch my great – nephew open presents. I’m looking forward to it!
I’m going to save this recipe for New Year’s Eve; can’t wait to try it.
Have a wonderful holiday season, everyone!
Joani Youger says
Spending Christmas watching movies and making this delicious Cheese Ball!
Iris Pomroy says
This looks so very good! We are spending the day with my Mom whom is going to be 91. I’m so so happy that we still have her to celebrate Christmas.
I love all of your recipes they are amazing.
Holly says
Every one of your recipes are wonderful! I’ve tried several. We are spending Christmas at my mother-in-laws retirement home, spreading cheer😊🎄
Lynn says
This antipasto cheese ball Christmas tree is awesome!
Greg Pietrowski says
It looks too good to eat but I would be the first to dig in….Merci
Deborah says
I’ve tried many recipes on this site and have been very pleased with the results. I made this cheese ball recipe a few months back and it was Devine!!! Will be making it as the tree for our RV Park potluck dinner tomorrow.
SERENA A SPOSATO says
My husband and I will be alone, lest a few friends come by for a visit, this Christmas. Our choice though, as when we retired a few years ago we could not stand the cold and snowy winters of New England and we became official “snow birds” in Venice Florida. The weather is something to get used to for thew holidays, but not bad. Our families live too far, work and/or cannot easily afford the cost of travel. Gives me a chance to cook new things and not really have to worry how they come out! Last year I made the “Nutella” Christmas Tree for a small party and what a hit! This year we are going to try your Star Christmas bread- Which reminds me I better go as I have a few errands to run before I get started and with all the time it needs to rise……..
Happy Holidays to everyone! (Please don’t feel too bad for us, our families do visit and we are together a lot in New England.)
Tom Lewis says
Thank you so much for posting these wonderful recipes for us. I have had so much fun making a variety of dinners, lunches and breakfasts for my family. They think I enrolled at a culenary school.
Marie-Michèle says
Looks so yummy! I’m alone at home for Xmas. I hate Xmas!!! Hahaha! I’m a Grinch!
Katharina Hüls says
Yesterday we started the holiday season with a big brunch at my bf‘s parents‘ house. I brought the Christmastree cheeseball. Tonight is Christmas Eve dinner with my parents. Tomorrow we‘ll visit the grandmas for coffee and snacks. On the 26th we‘ll have a Christmas Party with Soup at my neighbors‘. Merry Christmas!!!!
SUE and JOHN GREGOIRE says
I like the appearance of this tree and for us, as vegetarians, the only choice of the three. We will as usual be spending Christmas on our wildlife sanctuary which is for the exclusive use and protection of wild animals -no people allowed. Were we to win this offer, the money/Amazon products would go to benefit the sanctuary 100% as our personal needs are irrelevant.
Kasey Bailey says
Christmas Eve with my parents and family who are all in town. It’s nice seeing my sister and brother and all the nieces and nephews for the holidays. Christmas morning is at our house with just us and the kids for a less stressful morning. Then Christmas dinner with our in-laws.
Michelle says
Spending Christmas eve watching Christmas movies with my kids and drinking Eggnog or Hot Chocolate (I might have to sneak some coffee for the long night ahead). For Christmas we’ll go to my mom’s house where my brother and sister, and their kids, al cine to open presents at Grandma’s house. We all have breakfast there while kids play, and this year my sister-in-law & husband will be joining us. Spending it with family (or good friends if family’s not there) is what it’s all about. Happy Holidays to everyone, how ever you may celebrate! ❣️
Debs says
Absolutely so yummy! Looking forward to sharing with family and friends.
Pamela says
Spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with family, eating great food and watching classic Christmas movies. I already bought a cheese ball and wish I hadn’t so I could make the Antipasto Cheese Ball. I’ll have to keep this in my recipe file and just mold into a different shape to use for an occasion other than Christmas.
Colleen A Murtaugh says
I’ll be spending a quiet Christmas with my two children. This will be the first year that Santa will not be coming. Has really changed the dynamic of Christmas. I’m much sadder than I would have anticipated.
Ashley says
This looks so good! This Christmas I’m baking a sopapilla cheesecake to bring to my in-laws (my go-to) and making a swedish apple pie for my mom. That was my nana’s go to, and then my mom’s, and now mine. I am honored to be able to carry on tradition through baking!! Happy holidays to all!!
Sharon Pilat says
Christmas is all about giving love to others. I’ll be spending the day with the most wonderful family ever – my family. I will be sharing this antipasto with them. I love this website as it’s all about foods we love and share with others.
Merry Christmas to all!
Sandi Smith says
We will spend Christmas at home with family coming over for lunch and fellowship! I’m going to try to make your antipasto cheese appetizer featured here. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Diane Lewis says
Will be running tomorrow daughter 1 for breakfast then out to the farm for a family roast lamb .home grown. Then back into town to my grandsons for the rest of the day. Boxing Day recovery !!! Have a great and safe Xmas everyone.
Catherine Agius says
I’m spending Christmas with this antipasto cheese ball Christmas tree! I love that this recipe will work well in a warmer climate. In Australia, my family and I will celebrate Christmas with dinner eaten outside. Cold meats and salads, followed by semifreddo al caffe and summer fruit salad. Perfect for a sunny Christmas Day in Sydney that will be 33 degrees Celsius (about 91 degrees Fahrenheit)!
Jan Isaacs-Wade says
Greetings and Merry Christmas from Seattle! This year we will be having a quiet family Christmas together. My husband, son, 85 year-old mom and myself will be watching our favorite classic holiday films drinking eggnog, and cooking a leg of lamb dinner! I hadn’t done baking this year so I’m hoping to feel well enough to make my favorite macaroons. I spent all day Friday in the hospital with a lung infection so for the past two weeks I’ve been dreaming of a Christmas Day feeling well and doing all of the things we traditionally take part of every year. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Anyway, the time will be spent with loved ones because that is what it’s all about, right?? 🎄🎄🎄
Robert Griner says
I spend my Christmas day in a quiet setting remembering past happy days I spent with all of my past friends who went back to god. Some are happy thoughts, some sad. I will be back with them some day and we will never be in pain again, but will enjoy our friendships forever.
Kodi says
We are not getting to go home this Christmas. Only the second time in my 54 year life that i won’t spendbitveith my parents. I hate it. It’s always filled with food, laughter, and love.
Fern says
I am spending christmas at home with mycaregiver boyfriend and my gradson his soon to be wife. Dinner will be a holiday meal from the VG’s grocery. It is easy,tasty,quick, affordable. I will add sides and desert. This cheese tree will be great.
Annette Hansen says
My family and I will be spending Christmas with my sister and her family as well as my parents, so it will be a full house. We are having roast duck and roast turkey, and for dessert risalamande (literally rice with almond), a traditional Danish Christmas dessert of cold rice pudding. We put an almond in the pudding and whoever finds it gets an extra gift. We exchange gifts on Christmas Eve.
Diamond says
Christmas at my house is a time for family time and for us to just exist without interruptions. We open gifts whilst drinking tea or coco, then we sit down to eat breakfast together with the radio playing in the background. As we let out food digest we might go play a game together or watch a movie/TV show. As the day goes on we stay close just enjoying the each ohers company whilst being thankful to have seen the year go by and watched each other grow.
Colleen Volcjak says
Merry Christmas! It will be quiet here in my house since there are no children. My son has a co worker who will be spending the day alone so he is trying to get her to come to our home for Christmas dinner which this year will be Chicken Parmesan with pasta and garlic bread. Praying she comes over. I also have a present set aside for her so she will have something to open. After all, this is the for giving (but I try to do this all year). Wishing all the best New Year!
Lyn says
I will spend Christmas with my Labrador puppy Raffi, my children & my fur grand baby, Quade. We will try a vegetarian dinner this year and this tree will certainly take pride of place at table. Thank you so much for all the great recipes this year – love the emails. Peanut clusters have gone down a treat
Wendy says
Our tradition is to spend Christmas Eve at my son’s for dinner then we gather at my house for dinner on Vhristmas day and exchange gifts.
Bankie Shealy says
Time with family & friends makes Christmasmoe special, especially when the time revolves around food that tastes great & looks beautiful This antipasto Christmas tree was the perfect centerpiece for my cheeseboard for a friends gathering. We enjoyed it so much I’m doing another one when family comes. It was delightful to behold & everyone loved it. Years ago my husband made me a stand for a pineapple-shaped cheeseball that had a real pineapple top so I needed a way to support it – a square board with a tinkertoy circle mounted to it and a dowel inserted in the middle was a perfect base. I used it to support my tree & star and was able to make it taller. Thanks for a creative way to incorporate a delicious recipe into our Christmas theme.!
Justin Berkmor says
Running between two houses, spreading holiday cheer, gifting the fruits of our labor; some of which arose from this website. Enjoying family, friend, and great food. Thank you for gifting us with your insite. We truly appreciate it. 🥰😘
Justine says
A quiet day with my parents this year for Christmas. I’m trying to teach my kids about the gift of giving rather than receiving. It’s tough, all I hear is I want this, I want that! Merry Christmas.
Kenneth Myers says
I’ll be spending my day of Christmas Eve making homemade vanilla extract and maple syrup in my Instant Pot to give as gifts over the next 12 days of Christmas. Then opening gifts with grandchildren and going to Midnight Mass at church. Merry Christmas! LOVE your website!
Lisa Van Havermaat says
I will spend a quiet Christmas together with my son & husband. We will hike in the desert with our dogs. Along with traditional Christmas food, we will be experimenting with an Irish dessert we’ve never had before.
ElAine Beard says
I will be spending time at home this Christmas.My husband is in care as he has dementia.This has been a hard year this year for the family.So hoping 2019 will be better.Theredoes seem to be many heartaches this year in families.For me it has been financially hard,having a family member in careis very draining financially.
Margaret Hardy says
Our family will gather on christmas eve here at my home for gift exchange. This would be a perfect compliment to the menu
J says
As with every year, my son and i will be spending xmas with just the two of us.
We have no other family.
We keep to ourselves and have no -one else to share the season with except each other.
I could wish for no better person to spend any day with !
Kristina Chavez says
Hi, this recipe does look really good and I look forward to trying it someday. This Christmas, I’m not planning on doing much at all. My mom is taking me out to dinner tonight, but I’m not much in the mood. My husband, after being together for 21 years, died unexpectedly this past April, so this is my first Christmas in 21 years I’m without him. We never had any kids, so it’s just me, my two dogs and two cats. I also just had my 16th spine surgery, so I’m still healing, plus it was my first surgery, ever, I didn’t have my husband here to help me. I’m hoping 2019 brings a little more sunshine than 2018.
Chris Diaz says
I plan to attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve to kick off Christmas Day which is also my 67th birthday. Needless to say, I’ll probably sleep most of Christmas Day – LOL. Not to worry, I’ll get up in time to make this impressive Antipasta Christmas Tree to take to my neighbor’s house on Christmas evening to share with her family. I feel blessed to have such loving neighbors willing to include me in the family Christmas dinner (and this little cheese & olive Christmas Tree should garner me an invitation to next year’s dinner.)
Yessenia says
Every year I look forward to making tamales with my mom and spending the holidays with my family. It’s very special to me because we bond and it’s a tradition we keep going year after year. We wake up early in the morning and I put her favorite station on Pandora (Juan Gabriel) and we sing our favorite songs while we make tamales. She tells me all her favorite childhood memories and takes me back to Mexico and the days when she met my dad. Along with the tamales we also make buñuelos I love coating mine with an extra touch of love, because you can never have too much cinnamon and sugar in your buñuelo. It’s a tradition in my family to do white elephant, so it’s always something I look forward to. The amount of excitement and laughter is what makes it so special. Most importantly it’s having my family come together and enjoy each other’s company.
We end the night playing board games together as a family. Our all time favorite is Lotería, 5 second rule, and Heads Up. After all love, tamales and buñuelos is what brings my family together on Christmas.
Adele says
Hi Karina! I saw your antipasto Christmas tree on Facebook last year and I saved it. I remembered it and actually made it today for Christmas Day tomorrow!! I tried some before moulding and it was delicious!! It was so easy! It’s going to look spectacular in the middle of my cheese platter for the huge family get together tomorrow! Thank you for sharing. I’m looking foward to trying more of your recipes xx
Serena says
Christmas will be spent at my house with my mom and brother and my daughter and son, not much of family left, But I will be definitely making this Antipasto Cheese Ball Christmas Tree, it looks sooo delicious. Thank you so much for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and yours 😊
Viktoria loves Dogs says
This is lovely, and looks a lot more impressive than anything I have ever come up with. 🙂 I am bringing the side dishes this year (as always I and my dogs will be over at my dad’s house, not much of a family left, to speak of, so Christmas is always quiet and simple,) and if I weren’t already done with all of them, I would certainly try my luck at this “tree.” 🙂 Maybe next year.
Thank you for always sharing delicious, yet not-too-complicated recipes with us, Karina, and may you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!
Lisa R. says
Thanks. This recipe looks great. We will be spending Christmas with family. Will be cooking, relaxing, and enjoying the day.
Lia Ducedre says
Love all your wonderful recipes and ideas throughout the year. Thank you
Kim F. says
This looks like a delicious pre-dinner snack. Looking forward to prime rib for Christmas Eve with family. Breakfast on Christmas morning with presents and then a day of movies, games and easy dinner to finish the holiday because it’s back to work the following day.
Pamela says
What a lovely presentation of “nibblies” for Christmas! Definitely going on my “must-make” list, as I am a huge fan of finger food.
That said, Christmas day — turkey, ham, scalloped potatoes, veg, Christmas pudding with rum and butter sauce… all by my lonesome! However, I’ll also be delivering plates throughout the neighbourhood to seniors who are also spending the day alone and doing my best to spread some Christmas cheer — seeing their faces and getting to chat with them a bit when I drop off the plates I’ve fixed for them is really everything I love about Christmas.
Eleonora says
Family time eating lots and playing Italian Christmas games! Merry Christmas!
Vincenza Azzopardi says
We have a daughter that lives overseas in Malta they are visiting for Christmas after her husband had a rough ordeal being sick now thank God, they were able to come spend Christmas with us, so now that I have so many recipes from you we can enjoy making them and sharing them with them we can enjoy Christmas this way together.
Darii says
Spending it with family and friends with an emphasis on great food! Thanks for the wonderful recipes. We want to try them all but am planning prime rib for Christmas Day and will be trying your recipe out. Can’t wait!! Cheers!!!!
Lois says
We just moved into a new home, so we’ll be relaxing somewhat over the holidays; however, we are participating in church programs (behind the scenes), and have been invited to distant relatives for a “cousin” Christmas dinner. To the dinner we’re taking artisan bread (which my husband will bake), appetisers, and dessert.
Shannon Rowley says
Christmas ! Well, my husband and I are hosting dinner with the friends from around the area who don’t have families to share holidays with . We all get together every year . This year is our turn to host. Really they are all our second family by now. Happy Holidays to all .
Denisha says
Spending Christmas at my moms house with my family and friends. Also relaxing with days off from work.
Sherry Bradley says
Cooking for family and friends for three days then taking decorations down on the 27 and heading to Florida for 2 months! I hope I win!
Lisette Dell'Apa says
Karina, I’m always inspired by your recipes and have shared them with more friends than I can count! I loved this one since my husband is Italian and it’s right up his alley! Tomorrow we will host a bunch of friends for our annual Christmas Eve and we do a charity gift tree for First Harvest and all the guests bring a donation of non-perishable food for families in need. I also did your breakfast casserole with hollandaise sauce for a work function and it was amazing!! Thank you!
Tanya Clark says
Love love love these recipes!
Our oldest daughter is coming down to spend christmas with us!
Rhonda K Countryman says
Spending Christmas at home, not traveling until afterward.
Astrid Goldberg says
Christmas Eve breakfast with friends and then the rest of the day with my family, enjoying a meal and fellowship. Wake up Christmas morning with my family and enjoying a big breakfast, gifts and laughter. Thank you for the amazing recipes!
Barb Reardon says
I made this antipasto cheeseball for our office party. It was so good I made it for our family gathering. Our Christmas was paused as my Mother’s dog took her last breaths. We had known she was near the end of her life and I’m thankful it came at a time when we were all there with Mom. Christmas Day will be quiet for me but I will get some much needed rest.
Ashanta Mitchell says
We are spending our first Christmas with our new baby with my parents. I will be trying this recipe very soon.
Charlotte Jorgensen says
I will be working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is my gift to co-workers so they can be with their family’s.
IcePonyGirl says
What a fun way to serve an cheese ball!
Debra Soudipour says
Christmas is also my daughters birthday (my greatest gift ever) 🙂 During the day we celebrate the morning with a big breakfast, gifts and then go to the movies. At 5:00pm Christmas ends and it becomes her birthday. She gets to pick the dinner and this year she wants Persian food, so Persian food it is.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
Maxine Reisenleiter says
We are staying home for Christmas Day, but the next day, we’ll be heading south to visit my in-laws. It will be fun.
Rose says
Looks delicious. Will be perfect for new years eve party, only it will be round or star shaped.
Will be spending Christmas with family at Moms eating and hanging out.
Christine Faithful says
My mom volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, and one year while she was doing a women’s build she met a mother and daughter who’s house she was help building. She invited them over for Thanksgiving that year and they said okay as long as they could invite her over for Christmas. Our families have spending the holidays together ever since. I’m just hoping I can do the same this year since I’ve been sick the last few days.
Sarah says
Spending time with family for Christmas. Plus we have a surprise announcement to make.
Beth says
This is such a festive appetizer, I just love it!
We will be spending a quiet Christmas at home this year. We just lost my father in law and times are extremely sad right now. So a quiet dinner with family is in order this year. Hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family. Enjoy!
Deanna Skinner says
What a festive treat this Antipasto Cheese Ball will be at Christmas as a between meals snack for everyone. My sisters, our husbands and all our children from ages 11 to 26 gather at Nana and Papas house by 10 am every Christmas morning for our tradition of having a huge breakfast buffet with way to much food, hugs and a little mimosa. Presents are shared and family spends time together until a standing rib roast is prepared for 4 o’clock dinner time. We skip any kind of lunch and we don’t want to fill up before dinner time so a little cheese treat is the perfect food to snack on. Thank you for sharing and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.
Deborah says
Looking forward to quiet day with friends
Cheyenne Ramsden says
This looks amazing! It definitely wouldn’t last the time it’s supposed to be in the fridge – It’d be as good as gone! Lol. Thankfully, I’ll be getting to spend my Christmas with both my boyfriend’s family & my family. We make it work wonderfully together for Christmas, including the commute. So glad we can spend Christmas together & with all the families. Have a Merry Christmas!
Donna Denson says
First of all, I made this awesome cheese tree last Christmas and everyone went nuts for it. They loved the presentationion and could not get enough. Almost ruined their appetites for dinner. It was fabulous!
My family gathers for dinner on Christmas Eve every year at my home. We have been doing that for over 45 years. It is wonderful bonding time full of food, drinks, fun and laughs. This year will be tough because we lost our Mom and a sister recently. My 98 year old father is struggling but will be with us. Emotions may run high but I am certain God will bless us with another memorable night with all our family traditions. Christmas Day we will all be together for brunch and gifts! A very “family” holiday!
Merry Christmas to you and your family. My family loves your recipes and I always feel confident when I try them. You have given us much enjoyment! Thank you and may God bless you!
Nancy Pohl says
I will go to my daughter’s house and spend Christmas Eve with the family. I will stay overnight so I can see the great grandchildren open their gifts on Christmas morning. Am looking forward to it!!!
Paul Motley says
Looking forward to spending the holiday with family & friends!!!
Linda Baudoin says
Part of my family and I are having dinner at a restaurant this year. We did Thanksgiving at a local restaurant last year (2017) and loved it, so we decided to do it for Christmas this year.
Regina says
We always do the Italian fish feast for christmas eve. This year I’m changing a few dishes to an oriental style like smoked salmon tartar, coconut shrimp with sweet chile sauce,calamari Thai style and clam ragoons .I’ll have some of my usual dishes like octopus salad and macaroni and clams with a champagne sauce..looking forward to eating and being eith family this Christmas
Julie H says
We are spending the holidays with family- lots of driving and visiting as many family members as possible. The kids are young, so we’ll spend Christmas morning opening gifts and taking lots of pictures!
Barbara says
We’re spending Christmas at home with family coming over to share a meal. Live your recipes.
Ramah says
Thank you fir all your delicious recipes Karina. I am looking forward to making this Antipasto cheese call this Christmas. I will be spending Christmas Eve with my husband and two boys and all the rest of our family (about 35). We all make different appetizers and eat them throughout the day and then do a gift exchange. It is such a special time. This Cheeseball will be an impressive addition to our get together. Merry Christmas!
Sue Thomad says
Hi I’m spending Christmas at my daughters place with her hubby and 3 sons
My son and his partner are joining us for Christmas lunch which I am cooking turkey,pork and all the trimmings
Christmas night will be a lovely antipasto tree that you gave me the recipe for and a nice glass of wine
Thanks
Sue
Linda says
I will definitely be making this beautiful tree and taking it over to share with the family on Christmas Eve! They will be expecting my cheesecake….may have to let them sweat it out and tell them I decided to make a cheese tree instead!! Thank you for bringing new and delicious meals to our table….I love this site!
Charlene says
Amazing antipasto Christmas tree♥️
I will be spending Christmas with my daughter,her hubby & my beautiful grandson in Ca My daughter is doing the cooking Ham & some delicious sides including her famous green bean casserole 🥘. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all🎄🎉🎁♥️
Walle Earles says
We are bringing an antipasto but a classic one with tuna and sardines and anchovies, along with genoa salami, provalone, gorgonzola, 4 types of olives and choke hearts.
Holly says
As we are 8 months pregnant, my in-laws are visiting this weekend until the day after Christmas. Staying home with family is the best!
Mary Jane Harvey says
I just love this and can’t wait to try it. It’s beautiful! We celebrated with my husband’s grown children last night and will celebrate with my oldest son and his family on the 29th. Everyone lives about 3 hours away and we couldn’t all be together for the actual holiday. We’re spending Christmas with some friends. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Melissa says
Thank you for the recipe, Karina! I will spend Christmas with my family, having some turkey with apple and sweet potato purees. I’ll try this antipasto tree! Merry Christmas 🙂
April Thompson says
I will be making lasagna and your amazing cheesy garlic bread for Christmas dinner. I’ve never done Italian for Christmas but I’m really looking forward to it! Happy Holidays and looking forward to trying new recipes in the new year. 😁
Val says
What a very festive imaginative way to serve antipasto ” Happy Holidays” from Melbourne where it’s 32C and this is perfect for the occasion…. Cheers!!!!
Kathy says
Spending Christmas morning with just my kids and husband then making the afternoon trek to the chaos that is the in-laws. 🙂
Susan says
This Christmas will be the first since my kids moved out. My daughter moved to New Zealand a year and a half ago and my son moved to the city. My son will be travelling up on Christmas Day for lunch and to hang out. I just got a Christmas present from my daughter, she will be flying in for a five day visit in January! It’s been a very tough year, my mum passed away, a friends 18 year old daughter died suddenly from an undiagnosed condition and my beautiful dog had a seizure and died on Friday. But I also look at the wonderful things that happened, the new people I met, the deepening of old friendships and the help I was able to give to others. With all the ups and downs of life it’s always important to remember there is wonder and beauty in every day.
Jean Skomra says
No family, no presents, no special occasions, but having fun with friends my age…71. Totally different this year. This would be great for our pot luck Christmas Dinner.
Lisa says
This is cute. We’ve got dinner for 20 on Tuesday and I’m very behind but it’ll all work out. It always does.
Lonzine Lee says
Hi Karina,
I’m not normally a cheese ball person, but I must say. This looks really good.
Thanks for all the fun and yummy recipes. Merry Christmas!
Ruthie Robinson says
This Christmas will be spent with family enjoying some of the recipes shared on this site!
Kim says
I am spending Christmas with my husband and two daughters. I am so excited!
Andrea Morgan says
The recipe looks delicious and easy to make. Spending December in Florida with visits from friends and relatives.
Valerie LeMasters says
I will be spending Christmas Eve with my sister and our families. Since our parents passed, I host Thanksgiving and she has Christmas. There will be about 23 of us at her house including children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We have supper and then sing Christmas carols and since none of us can remember all the verses, we laugh a lot!
Joey L Sundvall says
Appetizers and cocktails and lounging about with my family. Very low key.
sam stuart snyder says
I will not be going out this holiday period, as I injured myself, so I will be spending my time celebrating Christmas and New Year at home with my two kitties and a recipe from Cafedelites, that I had my housekeeper whip up for me before she left. I will count my blessings and thank the Lord for the great food I am about to partake, and thanks to Cafedelites for the recipes!
Rebecca says
Thank you for all the fantastic recipes! I host Christmas Eve for family. Christmas day I stay home and do nothing.
Denise V Cox says
This is going to be yummy in my tummy! Well, I was going to be spending Christmas alone, but my friend’s daughter changed her plans, so I will now be spending the day with my friend. That’s what friends are all about…
Karen Qualls says
We wanted to do something different this year, so we decided to take our travel trailer down to our local beach for the day. We will cook breakfast and Christmas dinner in the trailer and enjoy the ocean scenery and head back home in the evening. Really looking forward to the day.
Ellen Lasky says
Super cute idea! Christmas for me means movies and Chinese food…we are Jewish and look forward to honoring the only 2 retailers open!
Mindy Jarreau says
We will be spending Christmas with my in-laws in Louisiana and I’m bringing this cheese ball with me! Can’t wait to make it!
Amber Berger says
Confession. I have never made a cheese ball. Its super intidmidating to me. Even though I know its not!
I love going to Christmas parties and finding a cheese ball! They are so good.
This christmas, I plan to spend time with family and we have a christmas eve service planned with pur church.
Turner says
Visiting family! Can’t wait to see them tomorrow. Thank you for all the great recipes.
Tracy Whiteman says
This looks like a great idea! Christmas Eve at my house with the grandkids!
Christina says
I will be spending Christmas with just my husband and kids! Looking forward to some good family time!
Vicki says
We are blessed to spend time with our family!
The antipasto tree cheese ball was a hit, I served it for a Christmas open house.
Lindsay Bedwell says
Love your recipes! I’ll be spending Christmas with my family at home in Phoenix!
Pam says
This idea LHS Awesome & a marvelous new way to serve these ingredients.
Donna Hawkes says
I’m spending this Christmas season with my husband in our new home in Arizona. I have to say, I have never downloaded so many recipes as I have from you Katrina. For that, I thank you and my husband thanks you. We are having your prime rib and a few of your sides.
Rose says
We have 1 daughter that will come next weekend and we will have Christmas dinner Sunday evening then. Otherwise, quiet ,but of course, plan to go to church. Appetizer looks delish.
Lori says
I will be staying home with my husband and son this year. This was a last minute decision, so I had to step up and decide upon a menu. Many thanks for your wonderful recipes!
Stan Dorsey says
Spending Christmas with my wife,daughter and 7 week old grandson
mp says
Looks lovely! This year, unfortunately, I will be on the couch and getting around with crutches…..not fun but Merry Christmas!
Vicki says
Blessed to be spending Christmas with family.❤️
I made the Antipasto cheese ball tree for a Christmas Open House. It was a hit!
Juanita Sirois says
Our family members are scattered across the country and I am not able to travel do to recent surgery. For the same reason I cannot handle having them come here. However, if they were coming I would use all of these recipes. I will print them for a future get together. My husband and I will be alone and we are dining out this year. I love your recipe contributions. Have a “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year”.
Nicole O'Brien says
This year I hosted all my teacher colleagues for a Christmas BBQ. I made this Antipasto Cheese Ball as the centre piece of my table – it was a hit (especially for my low carb eating friends)! What a way to finish off the school term with good friends and good food.
Leah Driscoll says
Having an Italian Christmas at my parents and this is a great recipe to try!
Carolyn Wood says
In bed with dislocated ribs
Gretchen Lyn Driscoll says
Perfect Keto treat ❤️❤️❤️
Michelle says
I am spending the holidays with my family in a Peru, Brazil and Argentina. We traveled to visit the people and places my son served with while he volunteered for two years as a missionary for our church. Our travels have provided us with great memories of delicious cultural food, amazing sights and dear people who have become our friends. Merry Christmas and thank you for providing me interest and motivation to feed my family delicious meals.
Paz says
Will be spending Christmas with family family family! Say a prayer, bless each one, bless the food and celebrate the real gifts of Christmas: people!
Laura L. says
The colors are stunning! Looks perfect for my family over Christmas.
Denise Olsen says
I am going to be bringing the antipasti Christmas tree to my sister-in-laws. It will be so much better than the usual fruit salad that they ask me to bring. Happy Holidays!
Tammie N. says
I’ll be cooking dinner for my family tomorrow. On Christmas day we’ll have a yummy brunch. The next day, I’ll be driving to South Carolina to stay with my parents for a few days. It’s a little hectic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Chuck Mencke says
Your site is one of my most favorite food blogs. This year for the holidays, we’ll be spending it at home here in Ft. Worth. Christmas Day we’ll be sharing a meal with my sister and her family. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Darlene Miller says
Absolutely love love your website. The recipes are delicious and made with ingredients that are easily accessible. We are having a quiet Christmas this year, just my husband, myself and our lab puppy. It may be quiet but it will be filled with all of our favorite things to eat. Time to sleep, reflect, rest and embrace all that we have. Sometimes just taking a walk through the woods can recharge the soul. Wishing everyone the peace and comfort from deep within.
Kathy Bowman says
I am having my daughter and husband and my 9 year old granddaughter over for Christmas dinner and presents.
This will be the first year that my 87 year old mom won’t be with us. We have her stocking hung on the inside of the front door. And a special snow globe hanging on the tree with my moms picture.
She will me missed.
I have a lot of your recipes saved on my Pinterest account.
Barb says
That Christmas Tree looks fabulous – perhaps for next year. We are going to Portland to spend Christmas with our oldest daughter and those great grandchildren.
Angela says
We will be spending Christmas at my sisters, eating, relaxing, swimming and eating some more. I have a line of recipes to work through this afternoon. I have chosen to make a side dish of honey garlic carrots and I’ve promised my boys a cup of Nutella hot chocolate tonight. I also can’t wait to decorate our own cheese ball tree. I went a little crazy buying loads of different things to add to the tree and all around it! So much fun just making it! I’m sure it will taste just as good as I’m imagining. This is my most trusted recipe site so I’m not worried at all. Merry Christmas everyone!
Debra Harrison says
Karina,
Happy holidays to you and your family. Christmas Eve my husband, son, daughter and her husband with my 2 beautiful grandchildren who are 2 and 9 months, will be having appetizers and drinks at our home around dinner time. The little ones will need to be home by 7 to get ready for bed. My daughter will be preparing Christmas dinner this year ( thank you, lol) at her home so we will go there and exchange all the gifts and have a fun time playing with the kids!!
Eleanor Moore says
I love this antipasto recipe. I plan to go to my friend’s house for Christmas love and I will bring this cheese ball along. Her family is Italian and loves antipasto so I believe this will be a winner!! For me and them. Thanks.
Cathy Hardy says
we have no family near by so will be talking to all. but seeing no one./ still we have each other so we will make some chinese food and watch some classic tv movies and be happy. we wish all of you the best
Stephanie Schiltz says
Love this recipe! Beautiful! Can’t wait to try it! Great for New Years!
Lyn Gillam says
We had our direct family celebration on Saturday night, going to my sisters for the WHOLE family tomorrow and then another gathering with family and friends – and your awesome olive christmas tree – on boxing day. Can’t wait for everyone to see the tree!
Jakes says
After losing both our dads, my wife’s godfather and my sister in the last 2 years, we have spend the last 2 Christmas’s with family. This year we have decided to spend it at home with our two beautiful puppies Jimmy Choo and Mui Mui. The idea is to find some time alone ahead of our 21st wedding anniversary in January.
Michelle M. says
Just me and my man this Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve with our besties.
Crystal johnson says
I love your website, I think you are an amazing chef , you have taught me a lot. I am a stay at home mom, my husband is going to be working for christmas, so I am going to be home with my kids making christmas cookies and celebrating my 5 year old birthday . I am not working right now so , I cant take her anywhere. I love to cook so , I am going to make her birthday cake and make sure she has a special birthday.
Rachel says
How are we spending Christmas? First of all I love your recipes. This year is a bit different. Grandma ( my husbands mother) passed away just after our thanksgiving time. The funeral was the following week. The kids were so grieved. She was a servant all her life. She was always there for the kids and they adored her. With an alcoholic mother, grandma was a steadfast light in their lives. This Christmas is the first one where we will have grandpa at out dinner table instead of all of us at hers. Our plan? We will have a farm raised turkey from the next town over with butternut squash grown In our garden. We grow enough onions and potatoes for the year as well as pumpkin. The pie is ready. Our Cranberries are from Cape Cod. Of course we can go beyond New England considering all the wonderful food options that there is. However this year we feel a need to be close, locally produced and wholesome yet prepared always to warm the heart. Your recipes compliment this goal so well Katrina. Thank you.
Tammy M says
This appetizer is super cute for Christmas! I will be celebrating with my family here in Florida. Love all your recipes!
Tanishe Wade-Megghross says
I would be spending Christmas with my family and friends this year.
Lisa Houdek says
The best fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies, apple crumble and chocolate peanut clusters were a huge hit at my family Christmas dinner today!
Annette Denby says
My extended family’s Christmas party was on Saturday. We had a great night full of “dirty santa” gift exchange, candy cane pick up contests, wonderful food, and everlasting memories!
I will enjoy watching my granddaughter open her gifts on Christmas morning, as this is the first year she is so far away from me.
There’s nothing like family and Jesus! God bless everyone this Christmas!
Asher E. Siegal says
This will be my first Christmas alone since my dog died so I’ll be with friends I haven’t seen in awhile. I think I’ll take the cream cheese tree to take over with me!
Jan McElroy says
Love, love, love your recipes! Never made one that wasn’t delicious and there are too many to name here!
My best Christmas activity is having my grown children home. Empty nest is overrated!
Thank you for making our time together more fun as we try new recipes! 🎄
Debbie says
It will just be my hubby, two cats and I this year so it will be quiet and cozy.
Divina Williams says
These recipes are amazing especially for holiday gatherings. I have a pretty busy holiday. My 3 daughters and I will travel to my cousins home where we dine and exchange our secret Santa gifts. When we leave there , we will travel to my mother – in law’s home to have desert and exchange gifts there. We are all super stoked about the holidays!!!
Nicole says
I can’t wait to try this one! I’ll be spending Christmas Day with family in Lancaster, CA this year.
Judith Costa says
I’ll be spending Christmas with the lights off my life, my 4 grandkids!
Linda Medina says
Love this! I’m making it for our family Christmas get-together this year. It’s casual, with lots of great food and the whole family. Merry Christmas to everyome at Cafe Delites. Thanks for another year of great recipes!
Betsyros says
This is a beautiful appetizer that I definitely will make. I am having friends in for coffee and Amish cinnamon rolls in the morning. later in the day I am having dinner out with good friends.
Lori says
Will be spending Christmas by myself this year. Doesn’t feel like christmas with no family around.
Jenny says
I love your recipes! We use them frequently! We will be spending Christmas with my family at my parents house, as long as my mother gets well. This is my nephews first Christmas so we are all praying she gets better! Merry Christmas!
Margaret Green says
This Cheese Tree looks so good that I am thinking of having a party just so I can serve this. Merry Holidays to all.
Jean Collier says
This looks amazing!
Going to friend’s house for dinner on Christmas day 😊
Kristy says
This was so good! Every recipe of yours I’ve tried has been amazing.
Our family spends Christmas eve eating snacks, binging on Christmas movies and opening gifts. The next day the whole family comes out and we have chicken and dressing with all the fixins… not sure why we don’t have turkey but we always have chicken.
Danice R says
Love this!!
Making it for dinner with friends!
Jackie Pearson says
We are having dinner here with our daughter and her husband who live in Teno. They will be arriving soon.
Lisa says
I’m planning to make this for a anew Years eve party! I am so excited to put it together! This Christmas we’re spending time with the family – trying all sorts of new recipes.
Inna says
Dear Karina.. 🙌💖First of all I really wanna say Thank you for your amazing receipies! You have no idea…hoooooow much for love your ideas. And what is the most amazing …I always think how come you now all thoose secrets..My Grandomother, who was an Absolutly Magic in cooking…always teached me cooking…and only she knew some thing’s that I never hear anywhere else..And of course you know about those amazing little magic secrets. So, this is incredible…You are the most inspirational person..and what I love the most…I can 1000000 percent trust your recepie! This is so important..Because sometimes everything looks sooo great on a picture, but then after what you make and was soppoist to be is totally different…But with your advises and recepies- is always great!!!!
Always- easy to understand, everything “make sence”, and soooooooooo delicious!
The only one thing really “bazer” me, is that …we cant live now without your “CAFE DELIGIHT “recepies 🙈🙊😂Our day starts from checking email, and then ….crazy time begins! We running for groceries …buying..and then cooking..and then laughing.. and can t breath after!!! Always sooooooo good and delicious!!!! Thank you!!!! We looooove you!!!🙌💖🎅
.
Katie Villani says
Might make this to bring to the nurses at the hospital where my dad is in ICU. They are wonderful nurses!
Barbara Pugsley says
Merry Christmas to all of you at Cafe Delites ! My hubby and I will be traveling to see our youngest son, amazing daughter in law and wonderful grandsons. We will be with our daughter in laws family -28 of us. We laugh, eat delicious food and while sitting at the dinner table sing festive Christmas carols.
Nancy says
My husband and I will be spending Christmas morning with our son, daughter-in-law and two of our six grandchildren. There will be good food, many presents, and lots of laughs and memories made. We are very blessed!
Greg Tovrea says
I put together a Christmas Open House for all my friends and co-workers! Over 4 hours there were about 50 people that cycled through my home. I made sweet n sour meatballs, potato soup, and bbq lil smokies as well as a cheese ball, cookies,and egg nog.
Brandi says
This is such a great idea. I’m going to make it for my son’s birthday celebration in 2 weeks. I’m sure that family will love it too.
Linda says
Will make this for a family get together Christmas Eve,thanks.
Karen Anderson says
My SIL and her husband will be coming for Christmas Morning Brunch. My son is visiting from No. Calif. so this year the whole family will be here. I’m going to make this Christmas Tree Cheese Ball for a centerpiece. Thanks for the great idea! Merry Christmas to everyone!
Sabra [email protected] says
Love the look of the tree, so original! Read your site almost every day!
Michele MacKenzie says
Love this recipe. I make it every Christmas since I found it. Will be sharing this tree Christmas day this year, as well. Thank you!!!!
Anne F says
So excited to add this appetizer to our Christmas Eve rotation!
Sharon Smukowski says
I will be spending Christmas home making this antipasto cheese tr3e, I love antipastto salads & seeeing as my kids are grown & out of town this tree will be my present from me to me, love the recipe s have tried a lot of them Merry Christmas
Mary says
This looks so yummy, I can’t wait to try it!
Five years ago I moved from the US to Ecuador, having never been here and not knowing a soul. Now I have a whole host of amazing friends who have become my family. Since we are 1 degree south of the equator and on the beach, we just began our summer weather. So we will be having our Christmas Eve and Day gatherings around the swimming pool! 🙂 Most of the ex-pats here are from places that traditionally have a cold (and even snowy Christmas), so we like to go swimming at Christmas, just because we can. 😉
Aya says
I am spending my Christmas with my roommate since we both have to be away from our families this time! We will be making dinner with probably using one of your recipes (as always) and chilling at our cute little apartment!
Kristi Sciacchetano says
This looks beautiful!
I’m spending my holidays hanging with the family and eating way too much!
Sovi says
This year I’m making home made tamales with my kids just as I did with my mom as a kid! This is a beautiful and delicious idea!
Sonna Lea Hunsley says
I love the antipasto cheese Christmas tree. It is very creative and festive!!
Debbie says
So pretty! I am spending Christmas at our home celebrating with our children and friends. We play a fun gift exchange game called the Dice Game on Christmas night with 3 other families. Makes the day extra special to be with friends and family laughing and enjoying each other.
Dani H says
What a stunning presentation! Perfect for Christmas Eve as well as Christmas day. I can’t wait to try this.
Teresa Steadman says
I am entering the sweepstakes for an Amazon gift card. I lost my mom after caring for her for seven years. She had Alzheimer’s and it was painful to watch her lose herself. I am spending Christmas with my family. We are very blessed to be with each other this year. Thank you for your blog and wonderful recipes. Merry Christmas! 🎄
SBH says
This is to enter for the amazon gift card. Spending it with family and seeing friends. It will be nice. I made the Churro nutella tree and it came out AWESOME! Thanks!
Cynthia Bolsmann says
Happy Holidays everyone! Love this idea and meanwhile, our family enjoys a traditional baked ham at Christmas.
Sara Landon says
Merry Christmas! For the holidays, my family and I will be enjoying your recipe, the world’s fudgiest brownies and the lemon blueberry cheesecake recipe you just posted! I have already made the brownies three times and tomorrow will be my first attempt at making any type of cheesecake and I’m very much looking forward to it! This morning we enjoyed your recipe of the fluffiest pancakes. I added in blueberries and they were amazing! Looking to have a wonderful time on Christmas spending it with my family and eating so many of your delicious recipes! You make me look like I know what I’m doing in the kitchen! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Lee Ann says
Thanks for the recipes. We will be spending Christmas at home with the family. Merry Christmas!!
Sharon Brackins says
These Christmas recipes look awesome. Due to the schedules of our adult children and their in-laws, we celebrated last evening. Our tradition is my son being in charge of the prime rib and my son in law being in second command. My job is to close my eyes to the mess!! The meal was delicious accompanied by stuffed potatoes, salad and my husband’s Secret Recipe Junk Bread.
We exchanged family presents and that was fun too. We started a new tradition of making a secret donation to charity and finding the charity, amount and in whose honor info hidden in the note on the tree.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year blessings to all!
Judi Moseley says
Our family will gather on Christmas Eve at my daughter’s house in the mountains of Arizona – all five generations of us! We’ll have a Mexican Fiesta featuring tamales (of course), then open gifts, drink hot chocolate, spiked for some of us, and sing carols. I imagine there will be games played at some point during the evening, because we’re a rather competitive bunch! Then the young’uns will go home, we’ll collapse, and have a quiet breakfast on Christmas morning.
P.S. The cheese Christmas Tree ball will figure prominently on the hors d’oeuvre table. Can’t wait to try it – it has all my favorite things in it.
Kathie says
I saw this antipasto cheese tree a few months ago and have been waiting to do it for Christmas for my family. It’s so great looking and the reviews are so positive, that I’m going to make one for my coworkers, too. In fact, it’s amazing how hungry operating room nurses get so I might make 2 for work!! Thank you for always having great recipes. I always get raves on dinner when I use your ideas!! Merry Christmas!!
Melanie Geiger says
This looks amazing! I’m definitely going to try this! I’ll be spending the holidays baking and surrounded by family!
Tricia says
Wonderful recipe!
Christmas Eve we have a come and go lunch for 30-40’friends and family before our church services begin. Oyster stew, oysters, seafood stew for those who don’t like oysters, shrimp, caviar pie, smoked salmon , tamales for the Texas touch ambrosia and lots of other foods and desserts. Great way to kick off the season
Scott Jacobs says
I don’t know if this is where we post about Christmas Mas plans to enter to drawing, but I plan on cooking the prime rib on your site and web camming with my girlfriend and kids in Missouri. Unfortunately we are unable to be together this year.
Debbie Jeffery says
This is going to be delicious when we are sipping martinis before our Christmas dinner!
Christi says
We spend Christmas Eve at my Grandma’s eating appetizers and play Dirty Santa. I am actually making a cheese ball and brownies for that night. Christmas Day is basically a Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, ham and all of the sides. We travel on Thanksgiving so we make up for it on Christmas. My job every year is the mashed potatoes. Usually football and basketball viewing after the meal, and people inevitably fall asleep on the couches. Love it every year.
Kerri Atkins says
Absolutely LOVE this recipe … it was a huge success at our Christmas gathering enjoying a lovely glass of champagne with the antipasto cheese ball enjoying the Australian summer x
Susan Broughton says
What a pretty appetizer! I will be spending Christmas with my family at my home!
Patty says
This has everything I want in a cheesy dip. We are spending Christmas here in our home…quietly recovering from my third chemo experience. We are cooking and relaxing and resting. Life is very precious to us right now!
Happy Holidays!
Alissa Zingaro Meyer says
This will be a wonderful addition to our Italian family Christmas buffet. I’m sure it will put a smile on our entire family’s faces, couldn’t be more perfect & festive. Merry Christmas to you!
Karen Koval says
Since our family has become so small over the last few years we are in the process of redeveloping our Christmas traditions. We have gone from traditional to more laid back and more about being together and the food than about the stuff. I am loving it. I am going to be making your garlic butter herb prime rib roast this year.
Sharon Stoyell says
I’m spend the holiday season trying out some of the wonderful recipes I’ve seen on Cafe Delites web site
Pam says
My granddaughters and I are making this wonderful Christmas tree cheeseball for Christmas. Thank you!
Mikea Smith says
Hello! I’ll be spending Christmas with my family this year. We have a tradition where we sit around and exchange Christmas gifts, laughter, and love.
Amy says
This is one of those things that, if I saw it on someone’s table, I would be concerned that the first olive I plucked off the tree would cause the entire thing to go rolling onto the floor. To see that the olives cover a cheese ball is fabulous! I’m spending the holidays eating, napping, eating, napping, etc., etc. 🙂
Tim Pigott says
Looking forward to making this and spending time with my family at Christmas eating it. Christmas is about family and food. Merry Christmas.
Kieu Nguyen says
I love this! My family and friends also love it. Looks beautiful andtastes divine. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Tom Wright says
For Christmas Eve, I’m making surf and turf and finally making the rest of my cookies. Christmas Day is going to my parents house.
Cheryl Seaman says
My husband died 3 years ago and this is the first Christmas since that I have felt ok with celebrating the season. Budget is a bit tight and my family is spread out, too far to visit this year. Knowing this, I bought myself a few presents over the past few months – by now I have no idea what is in the packages so will hopefully be pleasantly surprised. Have a nice little meal planned – Cornish hen, bread stuffing etc. Will listen to carols and work on a dress for my great-niece in Seattle. Quiet but comfortable.
Shelli Scott says
Spending my Christmas with my fur babies. They love Santa also 🙂
Merry Merry Christmas to all !!!
Sondra says
I’ll be spending Christmas cooking and enjoying quality time with family.
Love your recipes!
Mary says
Made this for our office party. It was a huge hit! I’m so glad there were so many people who liked it : otherwise, I would have eaten it all myself. I LOVE olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Making one for the family for Christmas. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. Oh, and using your prime rib recipe for 25th as well.
Lee Russell says
I will be spending Christmas Eve at my sister’s house where we will be celebrating with the Italian Seven Fishes repast. I am the appetizer cook, because I have an indoor turkey deep fryer, and my job is to cook up the smelts and lobster fritters and fried zucchini strips. Also deep fried ravioli. Loads of fun and always too much food. But isn’t that how it should be,
Merry Christmas to yinz all. OK, I’m in Pittsburgh/ LOL
Lynda Kelly says
Definitely going to bookmark this for next year! Looks delicious! We’re having a Christmas brunch for the family followed by present opening chaos by the little ones!!
Jennifer Hortillano says
Wow, that is impressive! I’m going to have to come up with a substitute for olives as only one person in the family likes them. This year for Christmas we are cooking a spatchcocked turkey since my family tends to show up hours early! We are also making your apple crumble which was a hit at Thanksgiving and the only desert my mom has ever liked. I’m going to try the garlic cheese brussel sprout recipe with asparagus this time. Thanks for the great recipes!
Bill Hampton says
This looks amazing! We are spending the holidays celebrating with family–and hopefully will find time to make this 🙂
Barbara Collins says
This looks great but is likely to fancy for my causal family and friends.
Lexi G says
Family. That’s how I’ll be spending my Christmas. My mom has come home after moving away to Arizona, my baby sister is home from college, and my husband and I will be hosting my family Christmas morning in our new home purchased earlier this year.
And in typical fashion, we’ll divide our time and finish our Christmas with my husband’s family, who I love dearly. My sister in law is expecting her second next month so we’re looking forward to sharing our family traditions with a growing family.
Leon says
Spending Christmas with my lovely daughter. Every year we cook together and try a new “project” recipe. Looks like I just found this years!
Julie says
I’m going to make this for New Years Eve – looks beautiful and I bet it tasted even better! Our family is in Indiana and we are staying home in Tennessee for Christmas and traveling north for New Year’s.
Lynda Kalemba says
This would look great on my Christmas table. We have an open house and always have a huge spread.
Dana Fulwider says
Making this on Christmas Eve with family!!! All your recipes are amazing, I’m sure this won’t disappoint!!❤️
Paula Baile says
Our son and daughter will not be home this year for Christmas so my husband and I will be alone for the first time since we had children 26 years ago. We will miss them but we have so many blessings! Cheers and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Lisa Spencer says
Staying home for Christmas!!
Anne says
This was a hit at our Christmas party. I see the recipe says it serves 14 people
But what is the actual serving size p/person?
Donna says
Just made this and can’t wait to have it tonight! The “ tree “ itself didn’t quite come out looking as good but that’s ok. I got an assorted tub of olives from my local grocery store, some marinated mushrooms and hot and sweet peppers to add so I filled it in with an assortment of things and not just olives
Rachel says
I first saw this in the summer, and bookmarked it to make this holiday season. I made it for an annual holiday party last night. It was delicious, and a huge hit. The little kids loved eating the olives off the tree, and the grown-ups loved the cheeseball itself. I did make a few changes: (1) I didn’t have dill pickles, but I did have pickled asparagus, so I chopped up the stalks for the cheeseball. I then used the tips to create branches for the tree. (2) I used two types of green olives (purchased from a local Italian shop), plus a few black and kalamata olives for the decorations. I also added a few pickled onions for white decorations, and some strips of roasted red pepper (hanging from the asparagus branches). In addition, I used capers to fill in any small spaces where the cheese showed through. I also used sun dried tomatoes, as the recipe suggested. (3) I added 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese to the cheeseball itself.
This recipe was amazing! Thanks so much for sharing!
Karina says
Whoa Rachel I LOVE your substitutions! I’m so happy you tried it and it turned out. It’s stunning isn’t it?
Sue Flynn says
I have a son who will be married tomorrow, Christmas Eve. We have been planning this small gathering for months. This Antipasto Cheese Tree looks so good and festive – I ran out and bought the ingredients that I did not have in my pantry-fridge and take it to the buffet reception at the Inn. I am gaining a daughter – a lovely woman who is a good mother and is good to and for my son… Merry Christmas all!
Tanya Crook says
That tree cheese ball looks yummy. I am working today and off Christmas eve and day. Not doing anything but catching up on house cleaning
Carolyn says
This is suck a freaking fantastic idea! I’m about to make my second one for another holiday party, and it’s so much fun to make. People are in awe of it when I show up with it! Tip: the olives stick better when they are cut in half.
Emily says
Did you get black and green movies from a jar? Any brand you like best? Also sun-dried tomatoes out of a jar with the oil in it? Is that what you do ?
Karina says
I like any brand really. Yes, I did get them in a jar/plastic tub. Hope that helps! XO
Carmen says
Recipe says 4 cups of cream cheese. Does that mean 4 blocks?
Karina says
It is 4 cups. The blocks work great too! Thanks for following along with me! XO
Cristy says
Made this for a party this Thanksgiving, and it was a hit! I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes, so I used cherry peppers on the outside, and pepperoncini on the inside. Cost saver and more punch in the cream cheese is to use green onion instead of chives. Definitely going to make again!
Jody says
So beautiful, not to mention delicious! A genius idea, which I will use this holiday season. Thank you so much for sharing. I am sure it will knock the socks off my guests.
Marisa says
Could you use a sharp cheddar spread like pub cheese or merks port wine?
Karina says
Yes, that should work great! Let me know how it turns out. Enjoy!
KF says
How do the items STICK to the tree? Do you use toothpicks?
Karina says
You can use toothpicks if that is easier but the ingredients will just stick to the cheeseball as it is sticky. Hope you enjoy! XO
Paula Gockel says
If you cut the olives in half they stick to the cream cheese better.
Barry Cramer says
I send very high compliments to you and anybody else who came up with these amazing
receipes I am totally blown away with these unique ideas and will refer to them often. Thank You
all or just you Karina .
Sharlene says
I loved this so much but saw it after Christmas so I did my own version was very popular. Thanks
Theresa says
This ‘Antipasto cream cheese tree,’ is DELICIOUS!! Not only is it very pleasing to the eye, but the taste is delightful with the combination of ingredients!! Adorned by crackers, prosciutto, salami, etc, @ the base; ‘Eye-Candy,’ as well. I think creating it 2 days prior to serving, would be fine. We all found it tasted even better w each day that passed & actually ‘craved’ the taste.
*****
An Aussie says
So yummy and looks gorgeous! Thank you ?
Leanne Batchelor says
Hey Donna, I used roasted red peppers as well as the sun dried tomato. Works well!!
Tina says
Would like to know too how far in advance this can be made too.
Donna Lombardo says
Hi Karina,
I love this idea for Christmas!
Not to mess with your recipe but have a question-
Do you think roasted red peppers could be substituted for the sun dried tomatoes?
*As well as the oil in the jar used to brush on?
Just curious, my family LOVES roasted red peppers.
They usually do not care for the sun dried tomatoes……….
Please let me know your thoughts.
Lynn says
Did you used sun dried tomatoes packed in oil?
Karina says
Hi Lynn. Yes I did.
Lissa says
How far in advance can this be made?
Karina says
Hi Lissa. We made this a day before and it was still good. Just don’t brush with oil until you’re about to serve.
Betty Williams says
The antipasto cheese ball looks great, making it for a family party on Dec 23rd, theme is Italian.