Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Bon Bons & Christmas Crackers for Christmas

No Christmas table feels complete without bon bons. Whether you're hosting a traditional family lunch, a stylish Christmas in July dinner, a festive work celebration or commercial space, Christmas crackers is one of those traditions everyone looks forward to. The cheesy jokes, colourful paper crowns and surprise gifts have become as much a part of Christmas as presents under the tree. But today's bon bons are about much more than what's hidden inside. They've become an important part of Christmas tradition and decorating, helping set the tone for your table while giving every guest something fun to enjoy before the meal begins. With hundreds of designs, colours, and sizes available, choosing the right bon bons can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you find the perfect bon bons for your guests, your decorating style and your celebration. Whether you call them bon bons or Christmas crackers, here's everything you need to know before choosing this year's favourites.



Why Bon Bons Are One of the Most Important Parts of Your Christmas Table

Bon bons do something very few Christmas decorations can. They're beautiful enough to become part of your table styling, but they're also interactive. Before the first course is served, every guest has a bon bon waiting at their place setting. It's one of the first things people notice when they sit down and one of the first traditions everyone enjoys together. Within minutes, the room is filled with:

  • - laughter as people compete to win the cracker
  • - colourful paper crowns worn proudly throughout lunch
  • - famously terrible Christmas jokes
  • - surprise gifts that become instant conversation starters, especially the tacky ones

It's a simple tradition that helps break the ice, gets everyone involved and creates memories that often last longer than the meal itself. That's why choosing the right bon bons is worth a little more thought than simply grabbing the first pack on the rack.



Bon Bons vs Christmas Crackers - What's the Difference?

The simple answer is...


Nothing.

In Australia, many families have always referred to Christmas crackers as bon bons, while overseas they're almost always called Christmas crackers. So whether you're searching for:
  • - Christmas crackers
  • - Bon bons
  • - Christmas bon bons
  • - Xmas crackers
You're looking for the same festive table tradition.
 

Match Your Bon Bons to Your Christmas Decorating Style

Today bon bons are an important part of Christmas decorating. Placed on every plate, tied with ribbon, arranged alongside dinnerware or layered into a festive centrepiece, they help bring your whole table together. Choosing crackers that complement your decorating style creates a much more polished and memorable table. Some popular styles include:


Traditional Christmas
Classic reds, rich greens, gold accents and timeless festive patterns. Perfect for family Christmas lunches and nostalgic celebrations.

Elegant / Luxury
White, silver, champagne and metallic finishes create a sophisticated look that's ideal for formal entertaining.

Natural & Provincial
Botanical motifs and neutral colours suit Australian homes and relaxed Christmas entertaining.

Modern Christmas
Black, white, or brightly coloured with contemporary patterns create a fresh take on traditional decorating.

Whatever your decorating style, matching your bon bons to the rest of your Christmas décor instantly elevates the whole table.



Think About Who's Opening Them

One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying the same crackers for every occasion. Instead, think about your guests.


Families with Young Children
Children love colourful bon bons with fun novelty surprises they can play with straight away. Bright designs and playful gifts help make Christmas lunch even more exciting.

Adults
Adult Christmas crackers often focus on luxury sets, elegant designs and more sophisticated styling that complements the dining table.

Mixed Family Gatherings
If grandparents, parents and children are all sharing the table, choose bon bons with gifts that appeal across the generations. They're often the easiest choice for large family celebrations.
Workplace Christmas Parties
For office lunches and business celebrations, stylish bon bons with funny novelty gifts help create a festive atmosphere.

Hospitality Venues, Restaurants & Functions
For restaurants, pubs, clubs, hotels and function venues, bon bons are more than just a festive tradition, they're part of the guest experience. Choose designs that complement your venue's style and dining atmosphere. Buying bulk bon bon packs makes it easy to create a consistent look across every table.



Choose the Right Size

Bon bon packs come in a range of sizes. Larger bulk packs are best for making more of a visual statement on the table and/or large events. Perfect when you want your table to feel extra festive. Smaller packs can be ideal for children's tables, casual entertaining or adding festive touches without overwhelming your table setting. Either way, when every place setting includes a beautifully chosen cracker, even a simple Christmas lunch instantly feels more festive.



Buying Bon Bons: What Really Matters?

With so many Christmas crackers available, it's easy to focus only on price. But the best bon bons offer much more than that. They should:

  • - suit your decorating style
  • - delight your guests
  • - complement your table setting
  • - create memorable moments that become part of your Christmas tradition
The right Christmas crackers and bon bons don't just decorate the table, they help create the atmosphere that makes Christmas so special. However, rest assured, at Christmas Warehouse our bon bons are priced competitively, from just 49 cents each.



How Many Bon Bons Do You Need?

As a general rule, you'll want one bon bon for every guest at the table. That way, everyone can join in the tradition together and no one misses out on the fun. If you're hosting a larger celebration or have guests dropping in throughout the day, it's always worth having a few extra on hand, especially for the kids (they're never satisfied with just one!)


Spare bon bons are perfect for unexpected visitors, children's tables or anyone who wants another chance to hear one more delightfully bad Christmas joke. If you're decorating a buffet or dessert table, smaller bon bons can also be used as decorative accents to tie your festive styling together.

Common Mistakes When Buying Christmas Crackers

A little planning can make a big difference to your Christmas table. Here are a few of the most common mistakes people make when choosing bon bons.


Waiting Until the Last Minute
The most popular designs, colours and premium gift ranges often sell quickly as Christmas approaches. Shopping early gives you the best selection and makes it easier to coordinate your crackers with the rest of your Christmas decor.

Choosing Bon Bons That Don't Match Your Table
Bon bons are one of the first things your guests notice when they sit down. Choosing a style that complements your table setting creates a more polished and memorable look. Whether your style is traditional, elegant, modern or rustic, matching your bon bons to your décor helps bring the whole table together.

Buying for Price Alone
While budget is always important, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Consider the overall experience your guests will have, from the design and presentation to the gifts inside and the quality of the cracker itself. A well-chosen quality bon bon becomes part of the entertainment and creates lasting memories long after the meal has finished. Imagine the disappointment if you don’t get that sought after snap bang!

Forgetting About Christmas in July
Many Australians now celebrate Christmas twice each year, with a cosy Christmas in July gathering followed by traditional festivities in December. Planning ahead means you'll have the perfect bon bons ready for both occasions. Buying for both in July guarantees you'll have first pick of new season styles.

Styling Tips for a Beautiful Christmas Table

Bon bons are one of the easiest ways to make your Christmas table feel thoughtfully styled. A few simple ideas can make a big impact.

  • - Place one bon bon on every plate to create an inviting place setting.
  • - Coordinate your bon bons with your table runner, napkins or centrepiece for a cohesive look.
  • - f you're entertaining outdoors, choose brighter colours that suit an Australian Christmas, while richer tones and metallic finishes work beautifully for winter Christmas in July celebrations.
  • - Layer bon bons with candles, greenery and festive decorations to create height, texture and visual interest across the table.
Small styling touches like these help transform an everyday meal into a celebration your guests will remember.

Bon Bons for Christmas in July

Christmas in July has become a much-loved Australian tradition, bringing friends and families together to enjoy everything we often imagine a traditional Christmas should be - roast dinners, crackling fireplaces, warm desserts and cosy winter entertaining. And no Christmas celebration feels complete without bon bons. They make Christmas in July feel more festive and complete the experience. Just as they do in December, Christmas crackers bring everyone together before the meal begins. They're a simple tradition that encourages laughter, conversation and shared moments around the table.


Whether you're hosting a casual family dinner, a themed party or an elegant winter feast, bon bons help create that unmistakable Christmas atmosphere. If you're planning a Christmas in July celebration, explore our Christmas in July inspiration for decorating ideas, entertaining tips and festive styling to make your winter celebration unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bon Bons & Christmas Crackers

Are bon bons and Christmas crackers the same thing?

Yes. In Australia, the terms bon bons and Christmas crackers are used interchangeably. No matter which name you use, they refer to the festive crackers that we know and love for our Christmas gatherings. Not to be confused for the bonbon - a small chocolate confection.

When should you pull Christmas crackers?

Most families pull their bon bons once everyone is seated at the table, either just before the meal begins or between courses. There are no strict rules, it's simply about enjoying the tradition together.

What comes inside a bon bon?

Most Christmas crackers include three classic surprises:
  • - A paper crown
  • - A festive joke or trivia card
  • - A novelty gift or small keepsake
Gift styles vary between ranges, making it easy to find bon bons suited to children, adults or the whole family.

Can bon bons be used as table decorations?

Bon bons are one of the easiest ways to decorate your Christmas table because they're both practical and decorative. Placing one at every seat instantly adds colour and festive charm while giving every guest something special to enjoy.

Are Christmas crackers suitable for Christmas in July?

Bon bons have become a popular feature of Christmas in July celebrations across Australia. They're an easy way to add fun, tradition and festive spirit to winter entertaining.

How early should I buy bon bons?

If you've found a style you love, it's worth buying early. Shopping ahead gives you the widest choice of colours, themes and premium designs, particularly if you're coordinating your bon bons with the rest of your Christmas decorating or planning both Christmas in July and December celebrations.

Buying Bon Bons for Restaurants, Venues & Christmas Functions

Bon bons aren't just for family Christmas lunches. Every year, restaurants, pubs, clubs, hotels, function centres and event venues across Australia host Christmas and Christmas in July functions. Bon bons are a must to create a festive dining experience for guests. If you're purchasing Christmas crackers for a hospitality venue, there are a few extra things to consider.


Buy in Bulk
Large celebrations and busy dining services often require hundreds Christmas crackers. Choosing bulk packs makes it easier to keep every table looking consistent while simplifying setup for staff.

Match Your Dining Style
The crackers you choose should reflect your venue. Elegant designs suit fine dining restaurants, while colourful traditional bon bons work beautifully for family bistros, clubs and community Christmas events.

Consider Your Guests
Premium crackers can help elevate special Christmas menus, while classic novelty bon bons remain a popular choice for larger family-friendly venues.

Whether you're catering for 40 guests or 400, choosing the right bon bons helps create a memorable festive experience from the moment diners take their seats.

Find the Perfect Bon Bons at Christmas Warehouse

Every memorable Christmas table has a few things in common; great food, favourite people and traditions that bring everyone together. Bon bons have been creating those shared moments for generations. From colourful paper crowns to cheesy jokes and novelty gifts, they're one of the simplest ways to make every celebration feel a little more festive. 


At Christmas Warehouse, you'll find one of Australia's largest ranges of bon bons and Christmas crackers, with styles to suit every table, every decorating theme and every budget. From elegant designs for sophisticated entertaining to fun family favourites filled with surprises, there's a perfect cracker for every celebration. Browse our complete collection of Christmas crackers and bon bons, and start creating a Christmas table that's as memorable as the people gathered around it.


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