Your Yule Log Will Look Professional With These Easy Decorations

The best part about Christmas is that it's wrapped in an ornate cloth of traditions from around the world, all gathered under one tree. Whether it's the ritual of gifting peace apples in China or leaving ice-cold beer for St. Nick in Australia, each culture infuses the holiday with its unique fragrance, sometimes blending traditions. Take the bûche de Noël, or Yule log, from France, which actually traces its roots to a Viking tradition. Over time, it became synonymous with Christmas in America and was recently named among the top ten Christmas desserts in the country.

Most people tread carefully when decorating this cream-filled confection at home (a Yule log should look authentic), and are often cautious about adding festive decor. However, there are ways to make it look realistic while introducing vibrant colors to a bûche de Noël.

The Daily Meal spoke with award-winning pastry chef Lasheeda Perry, who "Beat Bobby Flay," to share some fun decoration ideas for creating a bûche de Noël that looks both professional and lifelike. In an exclusive interview, Perry, also known as 'The Queen of Flavor,' suggests fruit as a go-to ingredient for a more vibrant Yule log. "Some fresh fruit dusted with a little powdered sugar right before serving," she recommends, adding, "candied orange peels are a nice touch or candied lemon peels."

Decking out your homemade Yule log recipe can be as much about the fun as it is the flavor. Whether you're crafting delicate gingerbread cookies or rolling sugared cranberries, the process becomes a sweet excuse to gather the family for some hands-on holiday magic. When time isn't on your side, store-bought embellishments provide a quick, convenient alternative. While they might seem a bit excessive for a Yule log, sprinkles can add a playful touch. "Of course, you can use sprinkles," says Perry. According to the award-winning chef, festive candies like candy canes and peppermints, too, can be great options.

For a more polished finish, handmade decorations like marzipan pinecones, or delicate chocolate shards, can elevate your bûche de Noël from delightful to downright show-stopping. Perry encourages turning to local bakeries for artisanal embellishments, she expands, "they might have some house-made marshmallows or different-shaped festive macarons". You can also consider these little goodies for a holiday treat exchange.

Store-bought decorations are undeniably convenient, but they're yet another item to add to your ever-growing Christmas grocery list. Fortunately, you might already have some creative options in your pantry. "If you have any holiday cookies or gingerbread pieces left over, you can easily put that on there," says Perry. These simple additions not only add charm but also make your Yule log look more authentic without stretching your budget. Perry also suggests using Oreos, crushed into a powder, to create a dirt effect.

For a touch of tradition, consider incorporating elements reminiscent of the original Yule logs — the wooden ones, of course. Historically, they were adorned with holly leaves, pinecones, and ivy. In case you were wondering, holly leaves aren't poisonous; it's the berries that can be problematic. If you're still skeptical, try decorating with edible flowers, Perry thinks "they're awesome." Whichever look you choose for your bûche de Noël (perhaps a mix of all), you'll end up recreating an age-old tradition and hopefully preserving it for ages to come.