History and Tradition of Christmas Candy Dishes
Candy dishes have been an essential part of Christmas traditions and festivities for years. These dishes are often used to display a variety of candies, sweets, and chocolates during the holiday season. The history and tradition of Christmas candy dishes are fascinating, with various materials and designs used in different cultures.
Origins of the Tradition
The tradition of using candy dishes during Christmas has been around for many years. It is believed to have started in Europe and became widespread in North America during the late 1800s. Initially, candy dishes were made of crystal, glass, or silver and used by wealthy families to display sweets for their guests. However, with technological advancements and mass production, candy dishes became affordable for everyone, and their popularity increased.
Types of Candy Dishes and Designs
Today, a variety of candy dishes are available in the market, ranging from traditional to contemporary designs. Some are made of glass or crystal, while others are ceramic or metal. The designs range from simple to ornate, and some even have Christmas motifs, such as reindeer, snowflakes, and Christmas trees.
A popular type of candy dish used during Christmas is the candy jar, which is a transparent container with a lid. It is ideal for displaying a variety of wrapped candies, chocolates, and small treats. Another popular type is the candy dish with a handle, which is often used for serving candies to guests.
Materials Used
Over the years, the material used to make candy dishes has evolved. In the past, candy dishes were made of expensive materials like crystal and glass, but with advancements in technology, other affordable materials have become popular. Ceramic candy dishes are durable and come in a wide range of designs. Metal candy dishes are also available and provide a vintage look to any festive display.
Christmas Candy Dishes Around the World
In different parts of the world, Christmas candy dishes are a part of their holiday traditions. In Germany, nutcrackers were used to crack open walnuts and other nuts, which were then placed in candy dishes. In Finland and Sweden, they use woven straw baskets to display candies, while in the United Kingdom, they have glass bonbon dishes.
The use of candy dishes for Christmas has a long and rich history. Today, they are an essential part of Christmas festivities and are available in different materials, designs, and styles. A candy dish is an excellent way to showcase your favorite candies and sweets for your guests. Whatever type of candy dish you choose to use, it will undoubtedly enhance your Christmas decorations and add a touch of sweetness to your festivities.
Top 5 Christmas Candy Dishes to Consider Buying
While every household prepares its own delicacies during the festive season, it’s also important to have a proper display to elevate the ambiance. Candy dishes are a great way to make sweets accessible to guests, family, and friends, and can also be a design feature in your home’s festive decor. In this section, we explore some of the top 5 Christmas candy dishes that you might want to consider for your home.
1. Glass Candy Jars
Glass Candy Jars are an attractive option when it comes to candy dishes. They are transparent, which allows the vibrant colors of candies to show through and make an eye-catching display. Additionally, they come in all shapes and sizes, from round to square, and everything in between. Glass candy jars are versatile options as they can be used long after the festive season has ended as storage containers.
2. Ceramic Candy Bowls
Another popular option for a Christmas candy dish is ceramic candy bowls. These bowls come in an array of designs, from traditional Christmas patterns that portray Santa Claus to winter scenery that depicts snowflakes falling gently. Ceramic candy bowls are perfect for Christmas candies and can also hold nuts and other snack items to be served to guests.
3. Santa Hat Candy Bowl
The Santa Hat Candy Bowl is a fun and festive option to showcase candies during the holiday season. The bowl resembles a hat worn by Santa Claus, with a deep and wide interior that can hold a substantial amount of candies. The Santa Hat Candy Bowl is colorful and lively, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests of all ages.
4. Holiday Decorated Tin Canisters
Tin canisters are cheap but functional candy dishes that are perfect for Christmas decorations. They come in a wide array of designs, including Christmas tree, Santa Claus, and snowman designs. With their tight-fitting lids, it’s easy to keep candies fresh and protected from moisture and other environmental conditions. These tin canisters are available in multiple sizes and make for a beautiful holiday gift.
5. Porcelain Candy Dishes
Porcelain candy dishes are elegant and make for an upscale candy display. They come in various patterns, shapes, and sizes, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer minimalist or classic styles. They are perfect for formal occasions and can also be used to hold other snacks, such as nuts and dried fruits.
Regardless of the type of candy dish you prefer, there’s no doubt it’s an excellent addition to the festive table. Not only do they provide a visual treat to the guests, but they also make candies easily accessible and protected from external environmental factors. Choose the candy dish based on your preference for design, style, and usage, and the options above are great starting points.
DIY Christmas Candy Dishes
Creating your own Christmas candy dishes is not only affordable, but also allows for a touch of personalization and creativity. Here are some ideas on how to make your own candy dishes that are both functional and visually appealing.
Materials Needed
Before starting your candy dish project, here are some materials that you may need:
- Glass or ceramic bowl
- Candies or chocolates
- Hot glue gun
- Paintbrushes
- Paints
- Decorative materials such as ribbons, bows, or beads
Candy Filled Christmas Bowl
One simple and easy-to-make candy dish idea is to fill a clear glass or ceramic bowl with a variety of colorful candies and chocolates. This not only makes for a sweet display, but also provides easy access to treats for guests.
Painted Christmas Bottle
Another DIY candy dish idea is to repurpose an old glass bottle. First, clean and dry the bottle thoroughly. Then, use paintbrushes and paints to create a festive Christmas design on the outside of the bottle. Once the paint has dried, fill the bottle with an assortment of candies and chocolates.
Christmas Tree Candy Dish
To create a unique and festive candy dish, consider making a Christmas tree-shaped dish. To make this, start with a small ceramic or glass bowl as the base, then glue additional smaller bowls on top at varying angles to form the shape of a Christmas tree. Once the glue is dry, paint the bowls with green paint and decorate with colorful ornaments or beads. Fill the bowls with chocolates and candies and enjoy your sweet and festive creation.
Snowman Candy Jar
A snowman-shaped candy jar is another fun and creative candy dish idea. To make this, start with an empty glass jar with a lid. Paint the lid and jar with white paint and let it dry completely. Using a hot glue gun, attach black buttons for eyes and mouth and a carrot-shaped nose cut out of orange foam paper. Finally, add a ribbon scarf and a hat to complete the look. Fill the jar with your favorite candies or chocolates and enjoy your adorable snowman candy jar.
Creating your own Christmas candy dishes not only allows for personalization and creativity, but also brings a touch of festive cheer to your home. No matter what project you choose to undertake, remember to have fun and enjoy the sweet results.
How to Choose the Right Christmas Candy Dish
When it comes to Christmas, there are a few essential items that every household needs, and one of them is a candy dish. A candy dish is not only a functional item to hold your sweet treats but can add to your festive décor. But with so many options available in the market today, it can be challenging to pick the right one. No need to worry, though. In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to choose the right Christmas candy dish.
Consider the Size
Before you choose a candy dish, consider how many people will be using it. If you are thinking of a candy dish to be a central piece during that time of the year, then go for the bigger ones. However, if you want one to just add to your Christmas decor, a small one will do just fine. Also, think about how much candy you’ll be keeping in the dish at one time.
Look for a Unique Design
When purchasing a candy dish, look for one with a unique design that captures the essence of Christmas, such as Santa Claus, snowflakes, reindeer, or a Christmas tree. You can also look for ones with traditional colors like red, green, and gold that are associated with Christmas. You want your dish to be visually appealing to your guests and to match your Christmas décor.
Functionality Matters
When it comes to choosing a candy dish, functionality is vital. You want to choose a dish that is easy to clean, and the candy is easy to access. A dish that is hard to clean can make keeping it clean a tedious process. If you plan to store it away after the holiday season, make sure the design can fit within your storage space.
Know Your Budget
Like all items, candy dishes come in varying prices. Determine the budget you want to allocate for this item beforehand. It will also narrow down your options, making it easier to choose the right one. If you are on a tight budget, there are affordable options available that are just as stunning as the expensive ones.
Match the Theme
If you have a specific theme for your Christmas décor, then make sure the candy dish blends with everything else. The goal is to have your candy dish stand out while enhancing the overall look of your Christmas decorations.
Personalization
Personalized items are becoming more popular by the day. If you want to go the extra mile, why not have your candy dish personalized too? There are suppliers that you can approach to have your family name, witty Christmas quote, or even your family picture printed on the dish.
When selecting a candy dish for your home or for gifting, consider the size, design, functionality, budget, theme, and personalization. A well-chosen candy dish can add to the ambiance of any room during the Christmas season.
Creative Ways to Use Christmas Candy Dishes
Christmas candy dishes are not just for holding candy or cookies. There are several creative ways to use candy dishes in your holiday decor. Here are a few ideas.
As a Centerpiece
Candy dishes can make beautiful centerpieces for your table. Fill a large, clear glass candy dish with an assortment of colorful Christmas candies, such as red and green M&M’s, candy canes, and peppermint twists. Add a few sprigs of holly or some small pine cones for a festive touch. Alternatively, you can fill a candy dish with ornaments in coordinating colors and add festive ribbon or garland for a unique and eye-catching centerpiece.
As a Party Favor
Candy dishes can be used as party favors for your holiday gathering. Fill small candy dishes with treats such as chocolate-covered pretzels, truffles, or homemade cookies. Tie a festive ribbon around the dish and place them at each table setting for guests to enjoy or take home as a thank you gift.
As a Christmas Tree Decoration
Candy dishes can also be used as ornaments for your Christmas tree. Fill small dishes with miniature ornaments in a variety of colors and patterns. Tie a ribbon or piece of twine around the dish and attach it to a tree branch. You can also add a few sprigs of greenery, such as small pine branches, to add extra texture and interest.
As a Gift Container
Candy dishes can also be used as unique gift containers for your friends and loved ones. Fill a large candy dish with small gifts such as socks, gift cards, or small toys. Tie a ribbon or bow around the dish and add a gift tag for a fun and festive presentation. Alternatively, you can fill a candy dish with homemade treats such as fudge or peppermint bark and give it as a gift on its own.
As a Holiday Wreath
Candy dishes can be used to create a unique and festive holiday wreath. Purchase a foam wreath form from a craft store and attach small, clear glass candy dishes to the form in a circular pattern. Fill each dish with a different Christmas candy or treat. Add a few sprigs of greenery, berries, or pine cones to complete the look.
There are many creative ways to use Christmas candy dishes in your holiday decor. Whether you’re looking for a unique centerpiece, tree ornament, or gift container, candy dishes can add a fun and festive touch to your holiday celebrations.
Best Christmas Candy Recipes to Fill Your Dish
Christmas is a time for indulging in sweet treats and relishing the festive season. What could be a better way to celebrate than filling your candy dish with homemade Christmas candy? Here are some easy and delectable candy recipes to impress your friends and family and to make sure that your candy dish is always filled with deliciousness.
Classic English Toffee (h3)
This classic toffee recipe is easy and quick to make, and perfect for filling up your candy dishes. Here is a simple recipe that yields about one pound of toffee.
Ingredients (h4)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds (for topping)
Method (h4)
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add sugar, water, corn syrup, chopped almonds, and salt. Stir well until it starts to boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir occasionally with a spatula until the mixture turns golden brown. It should take around 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the toffee onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it with a spatula in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped chocolate over the hot toffee and let it sit for two minutes, or until it starts to melt.
- Spread the melted chocolate with a spatula, sprinkle with chopped toasted almonds, and let it cool completely.
- Break into small pieces and store it in an airtight container.
Peppermint Bark (h3)
This simple and addictive recipe is perfect for Christmas. Peppermint bark is not only scrumptious, but it also looks stunning on your candy dish. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients (h4)
- 16 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candy canes or candy pieces
Method (h4)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, melt the white chocolate chips according to package instructions.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candy.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking sheet and spread with a spatula in an even layer.
- Let it cool for 2 hours, or until it hardens.
- Break it into small bite-sized pieces and serve.
Chocolate Truffles (h3)
Indulge this festive season with these rich, creamy, and luscious chocolate truffles. They are a perfect treat for filling up your candy dish or for gifting.
Ingredients (h4)
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Method (h4)
- In a bowl, add finely chopped chocolate.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter over medium heat, until the butter melts.
- Pour the hot cream mixture over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Stir gently with a spatula until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and let it cool.
- Once it’s set, scoop out teaspoon-sized balls using a melon baller or a spoon.
- Roll each ball in cocoa powder.
- Store the truffles in an airtight container in a cool place.
Christmas Candy Cane Fudge (h3)
This fudge is perfect for Christmas and will be a hit to fill up your candy dish. It’s easy, delicious, and will surely impress everyone.
Ingredients (h4)
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Method (h4)
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, stirring occasionally until smooth.
- Remove from heat, stir in crushed candy canes, and peppermint extract.
- Pour mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until firm.
- Remove from pan and cut into small pieces.
These are some of the simple and delicious Christmas candy recipes you can make at home. Fill up your candy dishes with these sweet and indulgent treats to keep your holiday spirits up and everyone’s sweet tooth satisfied.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christmas candy dishes are not only functional but also festive pieces that help to create that special Christmas atmosphere. From their rich history to different materials used in making them, candy dishes have been an essential part of Christmas celebrations across cultures. With a wide variety of designs and sizes to choose from, it can be overwhelming for one to choose the best candy dish. However, by considering factors such as size, design, functionality, and budget, one can select the right candy dish for their needs.
Apart from the traditional use of candy dishes, there are creative and playful ways to use them. They can be used as centerpieces, party favors, or even tree decorations, bringing joy and festive spirit into any room. These dishes also serve as an excellent gift item, and there are different options available from DIY candy dishes to the top 5 candy dishes to consider buying.
For candy enthusiasts, there are various recipes that one can try during the Christmas season to create a collection of treats that will leave everyone wanting more. Making homemade candies not only give you an opportunity to display them in your new candy dish but also helps create a bond with family and friends as you invite them to unbox your Christmas treats.
Incorporating Christmas candy dishes into your celebrations is a great way to add charm and delight while providing something sweet to snack on. Whether you make your candy dish, buy one, or receive one as a gift, it is an item that will elicit warm memories of the Christmas season.