Holiday Recipes and Menus

The Latest From Sunset

From Candy to Ceramics, Here Are Our Go-to Last-Minute Gifts

Sometimes we put off shopping too long, too. Here are Sunset staffers’ favorite DIY and locally purchased gift-giving solutions.

December 17, 2021

December 30, 2021

Recipes

How the First Family of Fish Sauce Does a Holiday Feast

Cuong Pham, Apple engineer turned food legend, celebrates the holidays with seasonal recipes from The Red Boat Fish Sauce Cookbook. Read on for celebratory recipes—and the stories behind them—from the Pham repertoire.

December 6, 2021

December 27, 2021

Recipes

Easy, Last-Minute Cookie Recipes to Make This Holiday Season

These three cookie recipes require only a few ingredients and can be easily customized with simple swaps.

December 1, 2021

March 4, 2022

Parties & Menus

New Year’s Eve Wine Pairings: Bubbles and Dishes to Impress Your Friends

When these Western sparkling wines are paired with these dishes, they bring out the best in each other and are sure to enhance not just your New Year's meal but your New Year as a whole.

November 30, 2021

February 5, 2022

Menu Planning

Food & Drink

How to Make Better Eggnog at Home—And No, You Don’t Need Eggs or Milk

Whether you're looking for a dairy-free eggnog recipe or want to go full-fat, we've got tips and tricks to make your best eggnog yet.

December 10, 2021

January 19, 2022

Recipes

These Classic Mexican Desserts Are Ideal for the Holidays (and Just Happen to Be Vegan)

Gluten-free, plant-based, and just sweet enough, desserts from Edgar Castrejón’s new vegan Mexican cookbook, Provecho: 100 Vegan Mexican Recipes to Celebrate Culture and Community, are sure to please.

November 9, 2021

December 1, 2021

Wine & Drinks

Creative Holiday Cocktail Ideas, for Boozy Brunch and Nonalcoholic Treats

Whether you're looking to get boozy or stay dry, these drinks and cocktails are the perfect companions to your Christmas brunch.

November 8, 2021

December 22, 2021

Food & Drink

Mexican Hot Chocolate Bombs: Try This Recipe for the Warm Winter Drink

Kathy Cano-Murillo of The Crafty Chica has added a Latino twist to a fun Christmas treat.

November 9, 2021

December 23, 2021

Holidays

Not a Fan of Turkey? Serve One of These Alternatives at Your Holiday Feast Instead

Your meal doesn't have to revolve around a massive turkey that needs hours of tending to; instead center it on a baked ham, garlic shrimp, or roast goose.

October 27, 2021

December 1, 2021

Recipes

Thanksgiving Pie Recipes That Aren’t All Pumpkin

We love a classic pumpkin pie, too, but there are other fall flavors to tuck into a crust. (Don't worry; we didn't neglect the big squash entirely!)

November 3, 2020

November 9, 2021

Holidays

The Holiday Cookie You Should Bake According to Your Astrological Sign

Preheat the oven and read your cookie-scope! Let the zodiac be your holiday baking guide.

December 10, 2019

November 19, 2021

Food & Drink

Our All-Time Favorite Christmas Morning Recipes

With a full agenda of gathering around the tree to unwrap gifts, you'll want to add these easy, hearty, and warming dishes to your Christmas brunch menu

August 30, 2017

November 12, 2021

brussels sprouts roasted in maple syrup and white miso paste

Recipes

Don’t Overcomplicate: Tips and Dishes for Serving Vegans at the Holidays

These tips and recipes will give you all you to need to know to make a classic meal for everyone, whether they eat animal products or not.

October 28, 2021

December 1, 2021

Food & Drink

When a Big Box Arrives, And It’s Mail Order Pie, That’s Amore

If you can't be with your family and friends for the holidays, send them love (and dessert, which is kind of the same thing) by shipping a pie from one of the West's favorite bakeries.

October 20, 2021

October 22, 2021

Food & Drink

Simple Swaps to Make Your Holiday Favorites Vegan- and Vegetarian-Friendly

Simple ideas to make meals everyone can enjoy, without sacrificing flavor and texture.

October 15, 2021

December 22, 2021

Food & Drink

Ditch the Turkey, Smoke the Legs: Matt Horn’s Holiday Recipe if You’re Ready for a Change

Pitmaster Matt Horn has some ideas to add a fresh take to your classic holiday turkey.

November 12, 2021

Decor and Delights

Miniature wreath by Deanna Kizis - close up with hands

DIY Projects

The Teeny, Tiny DIY Botanical Wreath That Will Impress Your #Minfluencer Friends

So you’ve got a holiday wreath, but do you have a miniature holiday wreath? If not, you need to make this cute little hoop of holiday cheer, which can go, well, anywhere!

November 17, 2021

December 3, 2021

Home & Garden

Pops of Color: Neon, Pastels, and Jewel Tones Are Taking Over Holiday Decor

“Unexpected color palettes” and “playful decor” are on trend this holiday season, according to an Etsy report.

October 27, 2021

December 1, 2021

personalized white stockings hanging from mantle

Decorating & Design

Not Just Dreaming: Bring a White Christmas to Your Home With These Decorations

Bring the classic Christmas song to life in your home with these elegant garlands, wreaths, stockings, and more.

November 2, 2021

December 1, 2021

Gifts & Shopping

Garlands, Trees, and Stockings: Check Out These Etsy Shops for Unique Holiday Decor

Support independent artists across the West by checking out these Etsy stores with wreaths, trees, even gnomes for your holiday season decor collection.

October 5, 2021

Holidays

Advent Calendars That Offer Much More Than a Square of Chocolate Per Day

From specialty candies to mini candles and baby bottles of wine, we've got the calendars that will put a piece of milk chocolate to shame.

November 6, 2021

December 1, 2021

Decorating & Design

This Holiday Season, Decorate Your Mantel According to Your Favorite Design Trend

Are you feeling cottagecore, rustic, or modern?

November 9, 2021

December 1, 2021

Gifts & Shopping

Candles That Bring the Holidays Home

Get inspired with our guide to candles that smell like the holidays.

October 12, 2021

December 1, 2021

Decorating & Design

3 Quick and Cheerful Ways to Decorate for the Holidays with French Flair

Jean-Pascal Lemire, a French-Canadian floral designer, shares a few easy-to-replicate, budget-friendly ideas to deck the halls like a pro.

December 3, 2021

January 19, 2022

Setting the Table

Annie Campbell and Heather Taylor's Families

Holidays

From Dried Citrus Garlands to Group Cocktails, These Entertaining Pros Share Their Holiday Secrets

Designer Heather Taylor, caterer Annie Campbell, and floral designer Whit McClure share how to turn your home into a holiday haven for family and friends.

November 10, 2021

December 7, 2021

Home & Garden

Stunning Ways to Set Your Thanksgiving Table

Upgrade your typical Thanksgiving spread with these seasonal beauties and classic pieces.

July 26, 2017

November 19, 2021

Decorating & Design

Freshen up Your Holiday Table with a DIY Spread That’s Stylish and Sustainable

Brighten up your winter table with a DIY tablescape that's both fun and sophisticated.

October 12, 2021

November 2, 2021

DIY-cheese-charcuterie-centerpiece-simple-life-things-trader-joes

Decorating & Design

DIY This Gorgeous, Edible Centerpiece with a Bag Full of Groceries from Trader Joe’s

Check out this simple step-by-step tutorial, made with $100 worth of goodies from TJ's (shopping list included), by L.A.'s favorite party snack maker, Kori Jones.

October 26, 2021

December 22, 2021

You Deserve a Staycation

Home & Garden

Give Your Tender Garden Plants an Indoor Winter Staycation

Be a houseplant foster home by overwintering plants indoors.

October 21, 2019

January 14, 2021

Lifestyle

Easy Ideas for the Ultimate Hygge Staycation at Home

If you’re homebound, make it special with these easy, oh-so-cozy touches

November 7, 2018

October 20, 2020

Holidays

Skip the Sweets and Build a Savory Gingerbread House

Don't have a sweet tooth? Try making a gingerbread house out of meats, cheeses, and more savory goodies

December 20, 2019

December 1, 2020

Leftovers?

Food & Drink

What to Do With All That Leftover Halloween Candy

Because just eating it by itself is boring!

October 11, 2021

October 29, 2021

Food & Drink

All About Pepitas: What to Do with Your Pumpkin Seeds This Season

Roast them, blend them, sprinkle them as a garnish, there are so many ways to use pumpkin seeds this season.

October 6, 2021

October 11, 2021

Food & Drink

Give Your Thanksgiving Leftovers a Creative Twist, from Noodle Soup to Empanadas

Here are proactive (and delicious!) ways to avoid tossing the leftover turkey and its trimmings.

September 2, 2010

November 10, 2021

Food & Drink

Here’s What to Do with All That Leftover Turkey

Gravy-covered sandwiches and easy turkey soup are the real Thanksgiving MVPs.

November 29, 2019

November 9, 2021

Gifts for Anyone and Everyone

Gifts & Shopping

11 Perfect Houseplant Gifts That Will Help You Win the Holidays

If you need to buy a gift for a person who considers themselves the next Hilton Carter, we've got everything your favorite plant parent's green little heart desires, from baubles to make their own mini holiday tree, to a seriously chic leather hanging holder.

October 29, 2021

December 3, 2021

Gifts & Shopping

Get Stirring and Shaking: Gifts for the at-Home Mixologists in Your Life

The gifts that keep the drinks coming and the glasses full!

October 19, 2021

December 6, 2021

Gifts & Shopping

All of the Foodie Gifts You Need to Buy for Friends, Family (and Maybe Even Yourself)

From pots and oils to unique gadgets and kitchen tools, we've got everything for the foodies in your life.

October 28, 2021

December 3, 2021

Gifts & Shopping

The Best Gifts to Get the Coffee Lovers in Your Life for the Holidays and Beyond

Give the gift they're really craving: coffee and coffee accessories!

October 14, 2021

December 6, 2021

Gifts & Shopping

Gifts to Give the Outdoor Adventurer in Your Life

Items for that person in your life who's looking to take the next step outside, or to venture, as Samwise Gamgee would say, "the farthest from home I've ever been."

October 18, 2021

January 20, 2022