Okay friends, let's talk about the holidays for a second. I love hosting, but the idea of running around my kitchen while everyone else sips cider? Not my favorite. So I rounded up 12 make ahead appetizers that let you do all the work a day or two early, then actually enjoy your own party. It's the only way I do things now.

1. Cranberry Meatballs

Bright, sweetly tart, and crazy tender, cranberry meatballs are an absolute must. The slow cooker is your best friend here. Let them hang out in the crockpot for about 6 hours while you handle everything else on your list.

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2. Candied Bacon

Listen, I don't care how committed you are to your healthy eating goals. Unless you can't have it, you are going to splurge on candied bacon. It's just too ridiculously good to resist. Your heart and waistline might not send you a thank you card, but your tastebuds and your stomach absolutely will.

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3. Hummus Wreath

This hummus wreath is one of those appetizers that looks way fancier than it is. It's gluten free, totally vegetarian friendly, and you can pull it together in 30 minutes flat. Honestly, the wreath part is so much easier than you'd think. Store bought hummus works beautifully here, so don't stress about making your own.

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4. Cheese Ball Wreath

How fun is this cheese ball wreath? Instead of one giant cheese ball, you make a bunch of smaller ones. Use the recipe here or grab your own favorite cheese ball recipe. Arrange them in a circle on a bed of rosemary and you've got a whole festive situation.

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5. Cranberry Brie Bites

You're going to spot cranberry brie bites on basically every holiday table this year, and honestly, they deserve the hype. They're sneaky easy to make, incredibly tasty, and they look like you spent way more time on them than you did. If cranberries aren't your thing, swap in some brie with caramelized onions instead.

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6. Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno poppers don't usually make my list of easy holiday appetizers because getting them right takes a few steps. But oh my goodness, they are so worth it. You can handle all the prep the day before, so when the party rolls around, all that's left is the cooking.

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7. Blue Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

Here's the beauty of bacon wrapped dates. They're just as delicious hot as they are cold. You can get them prepped and bake them right before the party, or bake them ahead and serve them chilled. Either way, they'll fly off the plate before you know it.

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8. Christmas Tree Appetizer-Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pinwheel Wraps

And finally, a Christmas tree pinwheel tray! This one is a tangy, savory mix of cream cheese, ranch, cheddar, bacon, and more. Definitely reach for the spinach wraps so you get that pretty green color. These little pinwheels are so addictive you might have a hard time saving room for the actual meal.

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9. Antipasto Skewers Christmas Wreath

I know antipasto skewers don't scream Christmas on their own. But arrange them into a wreath shape and suddenly they're the cutest thing on the table! Keep your ingredients in the same order and tuck a little rosemary sprig at the end. I'm partial to red peppers and cherry tomatoes for that festive color, but any colors will give you that fun, cheerful look.

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10. Christmas Charcuterie Board

Is it really Christmas without a cheese board? I truly don't think so. Since it's mostly cold meats and cheese, you can absolutely assemble this ahead of your holiday get together. Keep the crackers away from anything damp, cover it up, and it'll be perfectly happy in the fridge for a day or so.

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11. Marinated Cheese

Marinated cheese just gets better and better the longer it hangs out in the fridge, which makes it the perfect make ahead party bite. Overnight is the absolute minimum I'd let it sit. If you really want peak flavor, make it a full day before everyone shows up. Pile some crackers next to it and watch it disappear.

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12. Roasted Carrot Hummus

Traditional chickpea hummus is wonderful, but this carrot version? You're going to love it. It's got that same silky smooth texture as the classic, just with a much prettier orange color. The flavor is rich and earthy, with plenty of garlic and tahini doing the heavy lifting.

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