Christmas Party Food & Canapés

Step into the festive season with party food that’s wonderfully simple to make yet full of flavour. These recipes are designed to take the stress out of hosting while still delivering that signature touch of indulgence. From elegant Christmas canapés layered with vibrant, seasonal ingredients to comforting warm bites that guests will keep reaching for, every dish brings a little extra magic to your celebrations.

With these effortless yet impressive ideas, you can entertain with confidence and make every moment feel special. 

FINGER FOOD

Make hosting easier and minimise washing up with platters of easy finger food guests can nibble on. Smoked salmon blinis are a favourite for a reason – you can’t really go wrong with the mix of buckwheat pancakes and delicate smoked salmon, plus they’re great for preparing in advance. We’ve topped our homemade blinis with a vibrant beetroot mayo and garnished the salmon with a grating of lime zest for added freshness.

For something a bit heartier, sausage rolls are always a winner at any party. We’ve added an umami-rich Marmite glaze to our rolls as a twist, but otherwise it’s simply a matter of rolling and baking for an easy crowd-pleaser.

For a seafood twist that’s as effortless as it is impressive, try our Salt and Pink Pepper Prawns with Lime Mayonnaise. Quick to prepare and bursting with bright, zesty flavour, these prawns make a stylish addition to any festive platter. Serve them chilled alongside crisp crudités or toasted bread for a bite-sized crowd-pleaser that’s sure to disappear fast.

CHEESY DIPS

Platters of breads, crudités and crackers with creamy dips are a fantastic way to create an easy serve-yourself party feast. Create colourful spreads and keep things simple with hassle-free dips you can whip up in minutes. Perfect for Christmas, a rich blue cheese dip made with crème fraîche and blue cheese (use up leftover Stilton, Gorgonzola or Dolcelatte from your Christmas cheeseboard) is punchy enough to mean a little goes a long way.

For the ultimate easy dip, try a baked Camembert. Pop the whole cheese in the oven so the middle turns molten and gooey, then add one of our four delicious topping ideas to elevate it into something sensational.

SOMETHING SWEET

Canapés don’t have to all be savoury. Finish off with sweet with our mini mince pies. Topped with a brandy cream instead of pastry and made in dainty mini size, they’re the perfect pudding all-in-one. Make the pastry and mincemeat ahead of time (or use shop-bought versions if you like) and simply pipe on the cream to serve.

For those who love tradition, our classic mince pies recipe is a must-try. With buttery pastry, rich spiced mincemeat, and a perfect golden finish, they’re an essential part of any Christmas celebration. Bake them in advance to have ready for guests, or enjoy them fresh from the oven for that comforting, festive aroma.

BOTTOMS UP

Whether you’re throwing a family bash, classy cocktail party or getting the neighbours around for an annual get-together, a festive drink is a must. Keep everyone happy with two absolute classics – a fruity, warming mulled wine and a rich and creamy spiced eggnog. Easy to make in big batches, you can add a splash of your favourite spirit to mix things up or keep the eggnog alcohol-free as a mocktail instead.

For a modern twist on seasonal flavours, serve a Gingerbread Latte-tini. This cocktail combines warming spices with creamy coffee notes for a decadent festive treat that works beautifully as an after-dinner tipple or a show-stopping party drink. Easy to shake up in batches, it’s a sophisticated way to impress guests and add a little sparkle to your celebrations.

FOR MORE HOLIDAY INSPIRATION, SEE ALL OUR CHRISTMAS RECIPES AND IDEAS