5 Different Ways to Use Christmas Crackers Beyond the Dinner Table

Date Posted:4 September 2025 

Everyone loves getting ready for Christmas. The decorations go up, the menus are planned, and excitement builds all year. But when the day arrives, celebrations can feel a bit same-old. You might try a new game or different snacks, but there’s so much more you can do.

What if you could take your favourite bonbons crackers and use them in ways that go far beyond the dinner table?

The great thing is you absolutely can. In this blog, we will share amazing ways to use Christmas crackers that will make this year’s celebrations stand out and feel more memorable than ever.

Personalised Place Cards

Instead of simply placing crackers by each plate, why not use them as personalised place cards for any holiday gathering? Write your guests’ names in metallic pen along the side, or tie on a name tag with ribbon that matches your table setting. Guests get their cracker and know exactly where to sit. It’s a stylish touch that doubles as a festive icebreaker.

Advent Calendar Alternative

Create a festive Advent display by hanging 24 crackers on a branch, garland, or wall grid. Fill each one with a daily treat or message. Kids and adults alike will love the ritual of pulling one open each morning. It’s a striking visual feature in the home and a creative break from store-bought calendars.

Festive Game Starters

Transform Xmas crackers into the opening round of your holiday games. You can fill them with dares or prompts for charades. Hand them out before dessert or while waiting for Santa photos. It brings plenty of laughs and keeps the fun going after the meal.

Decorative Centrepieces

Crackers don’t have to stay on the table setting. Just try stacking them in a clear vase or laying them down the middle of your table. Choose designs like floral prints for a stylish look or fun animal designs to keep the kids excited. It’s an easy way to add festive touches around your home.

Create Photo Booth Props

The paper crowns in crackers are perfect for photos, but you can use more than that. Turn the jokes into speech bubbles or add the little toys as fun props. Set up a small photo area with baskets of cracker goodies and let guests mix and match for playful shots.

End Note

Christmas crackers are so much more than a dinner table tradition. Now, you have plenty of ways to use them. Each idea is simple, fun, and makes your celebration very exciting. Try a few this year and see how these little crackers can make your Christmas feel unforgettable.

Real Christmas Trees is here to make your festive season joyful with our range of Christmas poppers. Our crackers are safe for kids and pets and are beautifully designed to bring joy to your celebrations. Browse our collection today!

FAQs

Q: Are the paper tubes from crackers reusable?

A: Yes, you can make crafts like tiny gift holders or napkin rings using the paper tubes again.

Q: Are there games I can play with crackers?

A: Yes! Beyond pulling them at dinner, you can organise a “cracker relay” where teams open crackers for points or create a game to guess the small items inside without looking.

Q: How can crackers be used in holiday crafts?

A: Decorate crackers with glitter or ribbons to make ornaments, mini gift boxes or other festive decorations.

Q: How can crackers be used for charity or donation drives?

A: You can fill crackers with small treats or kind messages. Then, give it to hospitals or care homes to spread some holiday cheer.

Q: Can I use crackers to make unique gift packaging?

A: Yes. You can just wrap small items like candy or stationery in a cracker for a festive and personalised presentation.

Q: How can I decorate my gift basket using Xmas crackers?

A: Arrange a few crackers on top or around the gifts in the basket. They act as fun decorations and give the recipient a little extra treat.

Q: Can the cracker 'snap' be used for anything?

A: Keep the snap inside the cracker for safety. It can be tricky to take out, so use the whole cracker for crafts and games.


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