What should you bring to Christmas dinner as a guest?

Plenty to drink and some Christmas treats. Debrett's names a Stilton, a box of truffles, a Christmas pudding, mince pies and a Christmas cake, on top of presents for the family. If you ask what to bring and the host says nothing, Debrett's says to ignore them: most guests feel better for contributing. For hosts who already over-provide, it suggests flowers or a plant in a good pot instead.

Debrett's also advises against bringing drinks only for yourself, such as a soft drink you prefer. Bring what the table will share.

Christmas pudding, then mince pies, then cheese. In YouGov’s survey of 4,243 Britons, carried out from 19 to 24 November 2025, 41% have Christmas pudding after the main meal, 31% mince pies and 24% a cheeseboard. 14% have no dessert at all, so ask before you bake.

We would offer a dish first, and ask which the host would rather have. In a NatWest poll of 2,000 Britons in December 2024, 27% said they would be comfortable asking guests to contribute to the cost of the meal, and Britons expected to charge under £20 a head on average. Separately, 38% were planning a potluck-style dinner, and 53% of them said it cut the cost.

Write and say thank you. Debrett’s says a Christmas guest should follow up with a proper thank-you letter that mentions something particular about the day, and that lavish hospitality calls for a letter written by hand: it calls an email second-best.