The holiday season has long been associated with enchantment, and few literary figures embody the spirit of whimsy quite like Lewis Carroll. Best known for his fantastical tales Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, Carroll’s imagination lends itself perfectly to a Christmas celebration that feels both magical and delightfully nonsensical. Imagine a Lewis Carroll-inspired Christmas filled with quirky decorations, puzzling word games, and a feast of whimsical dishes and desserts fit for a Wonderland tea party.
The Wonderland Christmas Atmosphere
To set the scene for a Lewis Carroll Christmas, think vibrant colors, mismatched patterns, and an overall sense of playful chaos. Tables can be adorned with teapots spilling over with flowers, oversized playing cards, clocks stopped at tea time, and mini “Drink Me” potion bottles. Fairy lights can drape from the ceiling like a starry canopy, while festive decor like gingerbread houses can be made to resemble the Mad Hatter’s tea table or the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden.
Carroll’s world also thrives on wordplay, so include handwritten riddles, limericks, or rhymes as part of your decor or party invitations. It’s a time for guests to embrace their inner Alice, Mad Hatter, or White Rabbit, dressed in eclectic and eccentric holiday finery.
The Christmas Feast: A Wonderland Banquet
A Lewis Carroll-inspired Christmas feast combines the traditional warmth of Victorian Christmas with the eccentricity of Wonderland. Here are some dishes that would feel right at home on your table:
Savory Delights
• White Rabbit’s Rarebit: A playful take on Welsh rarebit, this dish features melted cheese spiced with mustard and ale, served on toasted bread.
• Mad Hatter’s Mushroom Tartlets: Bite-sized pastry shells filled with wild mushrooms, cream, and herbs, inspired by the talking fungi in Wonderland.
• The Caterpillar’s Hookah-Smoked Salmon: A nod to the famous hookah-smoking caterpillar, this dish pairs smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese on rye crackers.
• Queen of Hearts’ Beetroot Soup: A rich, crimson beet soup served with heart-shaped croutons to pay homage to the Queen herself.
Side Dishes
• Tweedle Dumplings: Soft potato dumplings served with butter and sage.
• Cheshire Cheese Platter: An array of Cheshire cheeses with crackers and fruit, evoking the famous grin of the Cheshire Cat.
Desserts: Sweet Whimsy on the Table
No Lewis Carroll Christmas would be complete without an extravagant array of desserts. Wonderland is, after all, a place where indulgence knows no bounds.
Signature Desserts
• “Eat Me” Cakes: Mini sponge cakes decorated with icing and labeled “Eat Me,” just like the magical treats in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. For a festive twist, use Christmas flavors like spiced gingerbread or eggnog.
• Jam Tarts: A nod to the Queen of Hearts’ infamous stolen tarts, these can be filled with strawberry, raspberry, or even holiday cranberry jam.
• The Mad Hatter’s Christmas Tea Cakes: Layered sponge cakes infused with peppermint or orange zest, topped with colorful frosting and edible flowers.
• Cheshire Cat Grinning Cookies: Sugar cookies shaped and decorated to resemble the Cheshire Cat’s mischievous grin, complete with striped patterns in pink and purple icing.
Drinks and Sweet Sips
• “Drink Me” Cordials: Mini bottles of spiced mulled wine or non-alcoholic cider, served warm with cinnamon sticks.
• The Dormouse’s Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate with a hint of peppermint, topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
• The Red Queen’s Berry Punch: A festive cranberry and pomegranate punch served with floating raspberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Activities and Entertainment
To fully embrace a Lewis Carroll Christmas, engage your guests in whimsical activities:
• A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Game: Encourage guests to switch seats mid-meal, just like the Mad Hatter and March Hare.
• Riddle Exchange: Ask everyone to bring a riddle or pun to share, in honor of Carroll’s love of wordplay.
• Caucus Race: A nonsensical race where everyone wins, perfect for children and adults alike.
The Magic of a Lewis Carroll Christmas
A Lewis Carroll Christmas invites us to escape into a world of imagination and delight. With its mix of Victorian traditions and Wonderland-inspired whimsy, it’s a celebration that embraces joy, creativity, and just a hint of nonsense. Whether it’s through heart-shaped jam tarts or a teapot brimming with flowers, this holiday theme reminds us that the season is truly about wonder, laughter, and sharing enchanting moments with those we hold dear.
So this Christmas, step through the looking glass and into a holiday that’s as curious and curiouser as Wonderland itself.
“Eat Me” Cakes Recipe
These whimsical mini sponge cakes, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, are easy to make and perfect for a magical tea party. They’re labeled “Eat Me” to evoke the enchanting treats that lead Alice to her adventures. For a festive twist, they’re flavored with vanilla and a hint of almond.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cakes:
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (choose whimsical colors like pink, blue, or purple)
For Decoration:
• Edible gold or silver glitter (optional)
• Edible ink pens or pre-made “Eat Me” toppers
• Small piping bag with a fine tip
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sponge Cakes:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using).
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
2. Make the Buttercream Frosting:
1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Add more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, pipeable consistency.
4. Divide the frosting into bowls and tint each portion with gel food coloring to create vibrant hues.
3. Decorate the Cakes:
1. Using a piping bag fitted with a fine tip, frost each cake with swirls or designs in your chosen colors.
2. Add a touch of edible glitter for extra magic.
3. Use edible ink pens to write “Eat Me” on the frosting, or place pre-made toppers on each cake.
Serving Suggestions
These “Eat Me” cakes pair perfectly with tea or sparkling lemonade. Serve them on an eclectic platter surrounded by teapots, mismatched cups, and other Wonderland-inspired decorations for an authentic touch.
Enjoy, and don’t be surprised if you feel just a bit taller after eating one!
Mad Hatter-Inspired Christmas Tree Cakes
These whimsical Christmas Tree cakes are inspired by the Mad Hatter’s eccentric style and are perfect for a holiday tea party. They feature layers of fluffy sponge cake, colorful frosting, and playful decorations that bring Wonderland’s quirky charm to the Christmas season.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• Green gel food coloring
For the Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (green, red, yellow, or any Mad Hatter-inspired colors)
For Decoration:
• Star-shaped sugar decorations
• Colorful sprinkles or edible glitter
• Mini candy canes or peppermint candies
• Piping bags with star and round tips
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a sheet cake pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
6. Add green gel food coloring a little at a time until the batter reaches your desired tree-like shade.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before decorating.
2. Cut Out Tree Shapes:
1. Once the cake has cooled, use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out tree shapes from the sheet cake. Gently transfer them to a plate or tray.
3. Make the Buttercream Frosting:
1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. Divide the frosting into bowls and tint each portion with gel food coloring to create festive colors.
4. Decorate the Christmas Trees:
1. Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe green frosting onto the tree-shaped cakes to mimic the look of pine branches.
2. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini candy ornaments to decorate the trees.
3. Use a round tip to pipe colorful frosting dots for additional Mad Hatter whimsy.
4. Place a star-shaped sugar decoration at the top of each tree.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful Christmas Tree cakes on a tiered stand or a platter surrounded by teapots and mismatched cups. Pair them with peppermint tea or hot cocoa for a festive Wonderland tea party experience.
Let the Mad Hatter spirit inspire you—don’t be afraid to mix colors, patterns, and decorations for a look that’s as playful as it is magical!
“Drink Me” Cordials
These enchanting “Drink Me” cordials are inspired by Alice in Wonderland and are perfect for adding a magical touch to your party. They’re sweet, fruity, and can be served as mocktails or spiked for an adult twist. Presented in mini bottles or glasses, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to drink.
Ingredients
For the Cordial Base:
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (240ml) fresh fruit juice (e.g., raspberry, blackberry, or pomegranate for a rich color)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for brightness)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a hint of Wonderland whimsy)
For Mocktail Version:
• Sparkling water or lemonade
For Cocktail Version:
• Champagne, prosecco, or a splash of vodka or gin
For Decoration:
• Mini glass bottles with “Drink Me” tags (handmade or pre-purchased)
• Straws, edible glitter, or sugared rims
Instructions
1. Make the Cordial Syrup:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved completely.
2. Add the fruit juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or seeds for a smooth consistency.
2. Prepare the Drinks:
• For Mocktails: Add 2-3 tablespoons of the cordial syrup to a glass. Top with sparkling water or lemonade, and stir gently.
• For Cocktails: Add 2-3 tablespoons of the cordial syrup to a flute or glass, then top with champagne, prosecco, or a splash of vodka/gin and sparkling water.
3. Serve the Cordials:
1. Pour the prepared drinks into small glass bottles or mini flasks for an authentic Alice in Wonderland vibe. Attach “Drink Me” tags to each bottle.
2. Add a touch of edible glitter for a magical sparkle, or rim the bottles or glasses with sugar for extra flair.
3. Serve with colorful straws or tiny spoons for stirring.
Serving Suggestions
Place the bottles or glasses on a tray surrounded by teapots, playing cards, and whimsical decor to complete the Wonderland theme. These cordials make for delightful party favors or a playful addition to your tea party table.
Enjoy the curious flavors, but be warned—you never know what might happen when you drink one!
Not Your Grams Kitchen 