5 Ways You Can Still Make the Holidays Extra-Festive

Sometimes the best holiday upgrades are the easiest ones.

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Food Network Kitchen's Cherry Mitten Hand Pies holiday recipe

Food Network Kitchen's Cherry Mitten Hand Pies holiday recipe

Photo by: Lucy Schaeffer

Lucy Schaeffer

It might feel like you're running out of time as the 2017 train rapidly pulls into the station. But even though we love an over-the-top the cake or an impressive holiday bread, we also totally prescribe to the notion that sometimes the best festive upgrades are the easiest ones. You still have time to tackle these this year, and make it the best holiday season ever.

Cherry Mitten Hand Pies
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Store-bought pie dough makes these sweet treats a cinch – but it's worth it to quickly make your own cherry filling. These hand pies are great for a holiday brunch, and you'll love to make them again on the first snowy day of the season.

Chances are you're already planning an antipasto platter or big salad for Christmas dinner. Instead of dumping all the components in a bowl, lay ingredients out on a large cutting board and shape into a Christmas Tree. You can follow our recipe, or tweak it with the items you already have — extra cheer without a trip to the store!

Cornflake Christmas Wreaths
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This retro twist on cereal treats is fun to make with kids. All you need is a microwave to melt the marshmallows — the rest of the work is all stirring, shaping and decorating.

Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Spoons
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Whether you need a last-minute hostess gift, or want an easy way to make your own cocoa break extra-special, these spoons are the answer. After a super-quick trip to the oven, candy canes are flexible enough to mold into spoons. Dress them with your favorite chocolate and any other cocoa mix-ins you like (yay, marshmallows!). 

Snowman Punch
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This party drink is more than a cutesy centerpiece; it's got all the flavor of Ramos gin fizz, so it's quite the classy cocktail too. Pour in the bubbly and Frosty looks like he's enjoying a dip in the hot tub — and then, sure enough, he'll topple over to great fanfare, melting into an indulgent, creamy punch.

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