This sharp and zesty cocktail is a twist on the classic mimosa – the orange juice is swapped for grapefruit and a little triple sec to balance the tart citrus
Try our grapefruit sharing mimosa, then discover recipes for bellini, bucks fizz, kir royale and French 75. We've also got plenty more champagne cocktail recipes, prosecco cocktails and easy wine cocktails. Grapefruit sharing mimosa recipe
This zingy spring trifle uses mostly ready-made ingredients, then is finished with a topping of marshmallowy Italian meringue
Try our boozy lemon meringue trifle, then discover classic meringues, key lime pie, custard tart and lemon tart. Also try our baked alaska for another impressive dessert featuring meringue. Using hot sugar syrup means the meringue is ‘cooked’ and becomes much more stable. We think it’s worth the extra effort but if you want a simpler finish you could pile up some ready-made meringues and whipped cream instead. Boozy lemon meringue trifle recipe
Serve with skinny fries and a vinegary salad to cut through the richness, and don’t forget to spoon over all the buttery chicken juices
Try our cowboy butter-roasted chicken, then discover easy roast chicken, slow-cooked shawarma chicken, rosemary salt roast chicken and more roast chicken recipes. A punchy butter gives an instant flavour boost to roast chicken. Spatchcocking the bird means it roasts evenly and fast – and is much easier to carve for guests. Cowboy butter-roasted chicken recipe
This rich smoked haddock, gruyère and watercress tart tart makes a lovely dish for a spring lunch – serve with a crisp green salad
Try our smoked haddock, gruyère and watercress tart, then discover gruyère and caramelised onion tart, salmon and watercress tartlets or smoked haddock and dill tart. Smoked haddock, gruyère and watercress tart recipe
While an old fashioned is traditionally made with whisky it also works beautifully with any barrel-aged spirit – try doing the same with dark rum or cognac.
Try our añejo tequila old fashioned, then discover spicy margarita, frozen margarita and more tequila cocktail recipes. Find more refreshing drinks in our collection of summer cocktail recipes, including a long island iced tea, piña colada and mai tai. After, read how to elevate your cocktail skills with our best home bar hacks. Añejo tequila old fashioned recipe
Tequila and cream sounds like a rogue combination but using aged añejo tequila works really well in this nutty pudding cocktail.
Try our añejo amaretto alexander, then discover spicy margarita, frozen margarita and more tequila cocktail recipes. Find more refreshing drinks in our collection of summer cocktail recipes, including a long island iced tea, piña colada and mai tai. After, read how to elevate your cocktail skills with our best home bar hacks. Añejo amaretto alexander recipe
Browse our Boxing Day buffet ideas for fuss-free entertaining. From sausage twists to gin-cured salmon, we've picked the best sweet and savoury treats
Looking for Boxing Day food ideas? Want to put on a lazy buffet spread? We've got plenty of inspiration for effortless party pleasers. The fridge will be overflowing with leftover turkey and half-eaten trifle, so when it's time to think about food again, why not lay on an easy yet impressive Boxing Day spread? Try our mouth-watering Boxing Day buffet ideas below. Clear out your fridge and make the most of your favourite ingredients with our best Christmas leftover recipes and indulge in our best winter comfort food recipes. Boxing Day menu ideas Salmon flatbread Try this salmon flatbread at your Boxing Day party for a modern twist on festive entertaining. Soft cheese, smoked salmon, capers and pickled onions are layered over Turkish flatbread, creating an impressive sharing board that’s as easy to eat as it is to serve. Whipped feta with apricots, olives and oranges Start your Boxing Day party with this whipped feta dip, loaded with festive dried fruits, olives and a pomegranate molasses drizzle. Served with crackers or crudités, it’s a crowd-pleasing starter that’s guaranteed to get everyone in the celebratory spirit. Giant sausage roll No Boxing Day spread is complete without a sausage roll, and this giant version is a real showpiece. With a tamarind glaze for tropical tang and a pistachio-studded filling, it’s perfect for slicing and sharing at your festive gathering. Honeyed squash, sage and feta filo cigars These honeyed squash filo morsels are ideal for Boxing Day parties. Crisp filo pastry encases a sweet and savoury filling, making them a delightful finger food to pass around as everyone enjoys the post-Christmas festivities. Swedish roasted beet and apple salad Brighten up your Boxing Day spread with this Swedish roasted beet and apple salad. Roasted beetroot, crisp apple and fresh dill are tossed in a sharp honey and mustard dressing, creating a vibrant and crunchy Nordic dish. It’s just the thing to add colour and freshness to your festive buffet, perfectly balancing the richness of Boxing Day indulgence. Smashed parmesan potatoes with avocado Crunchy, golden potatoes are topped with spicy avocado, pink pickled onions and a sprinkle of chilli flakes, making a vibrant and satisfying Boxing Day canapé. No-churn Irish coffee ice cream with hazelnut and chocolate biscuits Bring a touch of boozy flair to your Boxing Day celebrations with this no-churn Irish coffee ice cream, served with hazelnut and chocolate biscuits. The punchy coffee and splash of Baileys and whiskey cut through the sweetness, making this a sophisticated dessert that’s ideal for sharing with guests after the main event. Swedish Janssons frestelse (potato gratin) This comforting potato gratin layers creamy potato, sweet onion and tangy blue cheese, all baked until golden and bubbling. It’s the ultimate warming accompaniment for a festive feast. Chocolate orange tart This chocolate orange tart is a fancy take on a Christmas classic, with a rich chocolate filling and a burst of orange flavour. It’s sure to delight guests of all ages. Ham hock, spinach and cheeseboard lasagne Make the most of your Christmas leftovers with this ham hock, spinach and cheeseboard lasagne – a Boxing Day essential. Packed with chunks of ham and a mixture of cheeses, this rich and creamy bake is an ideal way to feed a crowd and clear out the fridge. Chocolate truffle cake Treat your guests to a slice of decadence with this chocolate truffle cake. This flourless cake is rich and fudgy, topped with a generous layer of chestnut cream for a seasonal touch. It’s a show-stopping dessert to end your festive celebrations on a high note. Polenta bites with caramelised onion and gruyère These cheesy polenta bites make a great Boxing Day nibble. Serve these bite-sized treats with drinks as guests arrive, or add them to your buffet spread. They’re versatile, moreish and can be customised with your favourite toppings – parma ham and dolcelatte would work nicely, or brie and chilli jam. Sticky toffee monkey bread This sticky toffee monkey bread is a pull-apart treat that’s made for sharing. Small balls of bread dough are coated in a sticky caramel glaze, creating an irresistible centrepiece for guests to enjoy. Mulled wine cherry pavlova Make your Boxing Day table sparkle with this mulled wine cherry pavlova. The crisp meringue is topped with boozy cherries and soft cheese whipped cream, making it a festive, make-ahead treat that’s both light and indulgent. Radish butter terrine Add a touch of elegance to your Boxing Day spread with this radish terrine bites. Slices of buttery, dill-scented radish are perfect served on toasted rye bread, offering a light and refreshing bite that’s ideal for grazing as guests mingle. Prawn and chorizo skewers Impress guests with these prawn and chorizo skewers – a surf-and-turf bite that’s quick to make and packed with flavour. With only six ingredients, these are perfect for serving a crowd and will disappear quickly from any party platter. Pickled melon and prosciutto skewers Give your Boxing Day buffet a refreshing lift with these pickled melon and prosciutto skewers. The quick pickle adds a tangy twist to this classic combination, perfect for a Boxing Day canapé. Swedish citrus-cured gravadlax with juniper and pink peppercorns Bring a Swedish touch to your Boxing Day table with this citrus-cured gravadlax. Cured with orange, juniper and pink peppercorns, this elegant salmon dish is wonderful for sharing. Dubai chocolate trifle Serve up this Dubai chocolate trifle for a decadent Boxing Day dessert. Inspired by the flavours of the viral chocolate bar, it’s rich, creamy and a real showstopper for your festive table. Beetroot and gin-cured salmon You'll have to prep this salmon in advance, but it's worth the wait. Pop it in the centre of your buffet table to wow your family. The orange gives it a slight sweetness while the gin gives it a great boozy kick. If you have leftovers, it'll still taste great for the next couple of days. What better way to carry on the festivities? Honey-glazed roast gammon This is a fuss-free way of cooking a Christmas gammon joint. It steams in the oven alongside aromatics, and is then finished with a honey mustard glaze. The smörgåsbord This Swedish-inspired sharing feast makes for an impressive spread. Featuring cheese, fish, potato and egg, it's a great alternative to a buffet if you're feeding a crowd at a Boxing Day gathering. Glazed cocktail sausages Who would say no to these glazed cocktail sausages? Here, they’re taken up a notch or two with a hint of black cardamom, fennel, cumin and honey. Bûche de noël Serve this bûche de noël for a Boxing Day dessert showpiece. This festive log features decadent layers of chocolate sponge, chantilly cream and chocolate buttercream. Rum truffles A batch of these homemade rum truffles wouldn't go amiss at your Boxing Day buffet. They make great last-minute gifts, too. Stollen bites Make these pretty stollen bites for a fun Christmas baking project – you can use any mixed dried fruit, such as cranberries, sour cherries or apricots. Cheese and onion quiche Using spring onions and ready-made pastry cuts down the cooking time so you can bake this classic vegetarian tart midweek. Fig and goat’s cheese puffs If you're planning a fancier Boxing Day buffet, and have friends and family coming over, these fig and goat's cheese puffs are the right balance of easy to make yet impressive to look at. They can be made in less than half an hour and popped on the table. They're a great way to use up leftover goat's cheese that you don't want stinking out the fridge. Tiramisu brownies Up your brownie game with this mash-up that combines fudgy chocolate brownies with a boozy tiramisu-inspired topping. Perfect for an grown-up dessert. Christmas pudding ice cream A clever way to use up left-over Christmas pudding – add it to ice cream! This four-ingredient, no-churn recipe also comes laced with brandy or rum – the perfect winter pud. Salted caramel cheesecake Our elegant, no-bake cheesecake can be made up to two days in advance, so it's ideal for stress-free entertaining. Epic Christmas toastie Avoid buying more food by using up your Christmas dinner leftovers to make our ultimate toastie with turkey, stuffing and homemade bubble and squeak. Turkey sandwich for Boxing Day Keep costs low after the big day by turning any leftover Christmas turkey and ham into this jam-packed Boxing Day sandwich. Tear and share sausage roll Perk up your Boxing Day party buffet with our epic sausage roll and camembert wheel. Sage and honey butter roasted chestnuts A bowl of these sage and honey butter-roasted chestnuts won’t go amiss at your Boxing Day spread. Boxing Day cheeseboard You can make this impressive cheeseboard with leftovers by adding apple slices, bowls of chutney and other bits, to make your cheeseboard last two days in a row.
18 vibrant, fresh and zingy meals for adding excitement to your week
Create meals which are fresh, lively and full of the flavours we crave to revive us for the year ahead
If you need to revive your palate and reset your appetite, embrace vibrant, zingy dishes packed with fresh flavours, lively textures and a lighter touch. Think citrus notes, punchy dressings and crisp salads; meals that awaken the senses and bring a much-needed brightness to the table. Discover our best recipes for lunches and dinners that are bursting with flavour, full of crunch and guaranteed to lift the spirits. See our ultimate collection of dinner recipes, vegetarian recipes and vegan meals for more exciting ideas to try. 18 vibrant, fresh and zingy meals Burmese sour vegetable soup This fragrant vegetable soup features plenty of spice and citrus for a flavour kick. You could add some blanched rice vermicelli noodles to make it a light meal on its own. Burmese shredded chicken noodle salad These chicken noodles feature a sour, salty and spicy element alongside crunchy chicken skin for added flavour and texture. Clementine and bream crudo Thin slices of fresh bream are dressed with clementine juice, olive oil and sea salt, then topped with capers and microgreens. This effortless, no-cook dish is the ultimate palate cleanser after days of heavy eating. Miso-roasted cauliflower, avocado and lentil salad Roasted cauliflower is tossed in a miso and lime dressing, then paired with creamy avocado, pickled onions and earthy lentils. This salad is packed with fibre, flavour and texture — a nourishing bowl that feels as good as it tastes. Crispy plaice with Thai-style carrot salad Strips of crispy seasoned plaice are served alongside a vibrant carrot and green bean salad, with mint and coriander for a fresh, herby finish. Spicy prawn and peanut rice salad Toss juicy prawns, shredded veg and herbs in a punchy peanut dressing to make a salad that's fresh, spicy and zingy. This effortless rice-based salad can be easily doubled or tripled, too. Healthy turkey stir-fry Sauerkraut adds a delicious tang to this simple stir-fry, made with turkey mince. Balancing earthy broccoli and mushrooms with zingy fresh ginger, the dish is coated in a sweet and salty sauce that gives it a kick. Kimchi eggs Kimchi is a great way to keep friendly gut bacteria in check over the Twixmas period. Try these punchy fried eggs for a levelled-up breakfast or brunch, served on top of toasted rye bread. Leftover turkey ramen noodles Christmas turkey leftovers are transformed into a cosy bowl of ramen, complete with ginger-spiked broth, thick noodles and fresh coriander. Ginger soothes digestive discomfort and relieves nausea. Umami chicken soup with coriander chilli oil Divide this umami-rich soup between bowls, then drizzle over a herby chilli oil alongside lime wedges to squeeze over. Use up any leftover turkey meat instead of poaching the chicken, if you prefer. Simply shred and stir in at the end until piping hot. Hot-smoked salmon salad with chive buttermilk dressing Flakes of hot-smoked salmon are served over a crisp, crunchy salad and drizzled with a tangy chive and buttermilk dressing. The freshness of the herbs and the acidity of the buttermilk lift the whole plate. Fig, mozzarella and serrano ham salad Juicy figs, creamy mozzarella and salty serrano ham are layered with peppery rocket to make a salad that's vibrant, light and bursting with contrasting textures. Ham, pickled pear and blue cheese salad Transform leftover ham into a punchy salad with tangy pickled pears and creamy blue cheese. A scattering of walnuts adds crunch, making this a satisfyingly fresh lunch that cuts through festive richness. Catalan roast chicken, potato and pepper salad This Spanish-inspired salad features roast chicken, potatoes and sweet peppers, all tossed in a smoked paprika dressing. It’s light yet filling, with plenty of flavour from sweet smoked paprika. Parsley and pomegranate salad A vibrant plate of parsley and rocket leaves tossed with ruby-red pomegranate seeds, finished with a sharp citrus dressing. The combination is fresh, crunchy and wonderfully palate-cleansing. Winter panzanella A wintry take on the classic Italian salad, featuring chunks of sourdough, orange segments and blue cheese. Finished with a punchy vinaigrette, this dish is full of flavour and texture. Chargrilled chicken chimichurri salad Juicy chargrilled chicken is sliced and served with a lively chimichurri sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic and chilli. Serve over mixed leaves for a dinner that’s big on flavour but light on heaviness. Crispy plaice with Thai-style carrot salad Serve strips of crispy seasoned plaice with a Thai-inspired salad of crunchy carrots, cherry tomatoes and green beans. Finish with fresh mint and coriander for a colourful, flavour-packed meal for two.
Got a fridge piled high with turkey, ham and blue cheese? Our inventive recipes make the most of Christmas leftovers, from indulgent ham lasagnes to epic spiced turkey naans
Wondering what to do with Christmas leftovers? Want to cut down on waste and cost by making your festive ingredients last? Try our clever ways to use up Christmas turkey, ham, Brussels sprouts and cheese. From pies to blue cheese toasties, we've got plenty of recipes for Boxing Day and beyond. Make these creative leftover dishes, try our leftover turkey recipes, Christmas leftover salad recipes and leftover Christmas ham recipes. Have lots of leftover Irish cream? Click here for our best ever Baileys recipes. Best Christmas leftover recipes Leftover roast turkey pie Keep costs down over the festive period by using the remains of any roast chicken or turkey and turning into a creamy 1-hour pie, perfect on a chilly day. We've got lots more leftover turkey recipes, from curry to ramen. Pigs in blankets carbonara If, by some miracle, you have any pigs-in-blankets left-over from your Christmas dinner, give them a new lease of life in this rich carbonara recipe. Turkey ramen Cut down on waste and cost by making your leftover Christmas turkey last in this nutritious and restorative ramen. Posh bubble and squeak (with chestnuts) The ultimate waste-cutting dish. By adding pancetta, cooked chestnuts and sneaking in some brussels sprouts, you've got yourself the perfect Boxing Day brunch. Mix and match mac ‘n’ cheese bar A cheeseboard is a classic for Boxing Day. While you can never have too much cheese, it's difficult to get through it all. If you're in this situation, try making this mac 'n' cheese. Not only is it a great way to use up left over cheddar and parmesan, but also it will be sure to keep all the family happy between Boxing Day and New Year. Turkey and ham pie What better way to use up your Christmas turkey leftovers? This meaty, creamy turkey and ham pie is made with shop-bought puff pastry to make life a little easier. Perfect for a simple post-Christmas family dinner which doesn't break the bank. See more leftover ham recipes, including decadent toasties and cheesy pancakes. Epic Christmas toastie Use up your Christmas dinner leftovers to make our ultimate toastie with turkey, stuffing and homemade bubble and squeak. Plus, we share the greatest toastie secret you'll ever learn... Cheese pastry Use up any left-over cheese from your cheeseboard to effortlessly elevate this pie – you don’t need a huge amount, so if you’ve got a strong cheese, a little will go a long way. Refried smashed roasties with green harissa and yogurt Use up your leftover potatoes from Christmas Day in this punchy recipe. Make this quick dish for an easy side at a festive get together with friends. Got spare harissa? See our harissa recipes. Bread sauce and stuffing croquettes Check out our epic croquettes with leftover bread sauce and stuffing. These crispy balls are easy to make and perfect at keeping a hungry crowd happy over the festive season. Leftover turkey toastie This West Coast version of a deli sandwich uses smoked turkey rather than pastrami. Meaty leftovers from your Christmas food that are still lurking around after Boxing Day will work a treat. Ham, spinach and mozzarella lasagne Packed with leftover ham and oozing mozzarella, this inventive twist on the traditional lasagne is a great way to feed a crowd without buying more food. Try our lasagne recipes here. Turkey chilli bean stew This is a good way of using up leftover turkey over the holidays – chicken or ham would work nicely as well. The chipotle paste and smoked paprika gives this a lovely smoky, but not too hot, chilli flavour. Leftover turkey ramen noodles Transform left-over Christmas turkey into a cosy bowl of ramen, complete with ginger-spiked broth, thick noodles and fresh coriander. Roast potato chaat You can use left-over roast potatoes for this spicy treat, or frozen roast potatoes that have been cooked first following pack instructions. Serve with a sprinkling of bombay mix and plenty of coriander yogurt. Mac ’n’ cheese with ham and pickled onions Got ham or gammon to use up from the festive season? Check out our easy macaroni and cheese recipe with cooked ham, pickled onions and three types of cheese. See lots more mac 'n' cheese recipes. Christmas pudding ice cream A clever way to use up left-over Christmas pudding – add it to ice cream! This four-ingredient, no-churn recipe also comes laced with brandy or rum – the perfect winter pud. Shredded brussels sprouts salad Looking for ways to use up your leftover brussels sprouts? Check out this low calorie Italian-style brussels salad with crispy pancetta and toasted walnuts for a lighter dinner. Ham, pickled pear and blue cheese salad This ham, pickled pear and blue cheese salad is a great way to use up Christmas food leftovers on Boxing Day and beyond. It's an easy starter for four people, or a quick meal for two. Discover more blue cheese recipes. Double cheese, pickle and ham toasties Check out this quick and easy grilled cheese sandwich, a super simple lunch idea for Boxing Day and great way to use up both ham and cheese. Lobster mac 'n' cheese Do you have leftover cheese to use up? Make this lobster mac and cheese for an indulgent dinner between Christmas and New Year. The mac and cheese uses both gruyère and parmesan. The addition of sweet, rich lobster turns this into a luxurious treat which would be great for a New Year’s Eve celebration dinner. Smoked haddock and ham gratin This smoked haddock and ham gratin turns everyday ingredients into a really comforting dish that doesn't create lots of washing up. It's a great Boxing Day dish for using up Christmas leftovers. Parsnip soup A spicy parsnip soup is a real winter favourite and is perfect for a chilly Christmas evening when you want something quick and easy. Of course, any other leftover Christmas veg will work too. Caramelised onion, sprout and bacon hash with chilli fried eggs Spruce up your leftover sprouts with our crispy bacon and caramelised onion hash topped with chilli fried eggs. This easy recipe will make a great, cheap dinner over the festive season in under 30 minutes. Chicken and shredded sprouts pie with butterbean mash Our chicken and shredded sprouts pie with butterbean mash is a healthy version of your favourite comfort food. Use up any leftovers brussels sprouts from Christmas dinner to cut costs. Ham hock, spinach and cheeseboard lasagne Ideal for the period between Christmas and new year to feed a crowd, make use of any left-over festive cheese and ham in this rich, creamy lasagne. Grate cheddar, gruyère or other hard cheeses, or just crumble in softer cheeses.
Start your Christmas meal with our fuss-free festive starter ideas, from smoked salmon tartare to posh prawn cocktail, filo-baked figs and duck terrine
Looking for Christmas Day starter recipes? We have plenty of ideas to try, from smoked salmon Christmas starters to easy vegetarian ways to kick-off the meal. Take a look at our effortless starter ideas which require 20 mins or fewer of prep thanks to shop-bought ingredients and no fiddly techniques, including our bloody mary prawn lettuce scoops and crab and prawn cocktail rolls. Check out these easy Christmas starters, then also browse our Christmas pâté recipes, Christmas terrine recipes and ham hock recipes for more inspiration. Plus we've got impressive Christmas buffet ideas, Christmas centrepieces, Christmas hams, Christmas trimmings to try and four festive entertaining ideasfor more inspiration. Don't forget to finish off your festive feast with an indulgent Christmas dessert and one of our showstopping Christmas baking ideas... Best Christmas starters Whipped feta with apricots, olives and oranges This savoury dip is great to kick off a party – loaded with festive dried fruits and nuts. The pomegranate drizzle adds an extra puckering twist. Individual smoked salmon terrines These individual smoked salmon terrines make a stylish Christmas starter – easy to serve and perfect for scaling up or down depending on your guest list. Discover more smoked salmon recipes. Christmas cheeseboard Wow guests or family members this Christmas with this impressive no-cook spread, packed with cheese, meat and fruit. Giant sausage roll This showstopping party sausage roll is a star addition to any festive grazing table. A glossy tamarind glaze brings a hit of tropical tang while pistachios add a perfectly nutty crunch. Giant champagne and lemon prawn vol-au-vents Take your Christmas dinner starter to the next level by adding champagne to your king prawn vol-au-vents. Don't let any champagne go to waste – see our 10 champagne cocktail recipes. Smoked salmon and cream cheese galettes Try our next level twist on the smoked salmon blini. These sesame seeded galettes are topped with herby cream cheese and delicate smoked salmon. Serve with some salad leaves and lemon slices for a light starter. Sweet potato and cranberry fritters with nuoc cham These Vietnamese-inspired sweet potato fritters have a festive twist with dried cranberries. The tangy-sweet-salty dipping sauce is a great one to have to hand for the festive season. Fig and goat's cheese filo parcels Our vegetarian baked fresh figs makes an awesome little nibble or Christmas starter that’s really easy to make. See more crispy filo pastry ideas. Bloody mary prawn lettuce scoops Make this simple and effortless, no-cook starter for a great alternative to the classic prawn cocktail on Christmas Day. Easy camembert toppers Jazz up baked camembert with one of these smart toppings. Four simple yet easy Christmas starters for entertaining over the festive season. If you love camembert, try our camembert and cranberry pithvier next. Scampi with soured cream dip This is a really easy way to offer people a bite with drinks without going to too much effort. You can swap the soured cream for mayo, if you prefer. The smörgåsbord Make this Swedish-inspired sharing feast for an impressive Christmas spread – it's a great alternative to a buffet if you're feeding a crowd at a gathering. Baked feta board This sharing board, where a block of salty feta is baked with sweet, sticky honey, will be the centrepiece on Christmas day. Slather the smooth cheese on crackers and top with gooey roast figs and crunchy almonds. If you love this, try our baked feta pasta recipe next for an easy midweek meal. Crab and prawn cocktail rolls Fans of prawn cocktail will love the look of these rolls at your festive spread. They're simple to whip up thanks to shop-bought prawn cocktail and brioche buns. Winter panzanella Ideal as a starter for a festive meal, recreate this winter version of panzanella using root veg with rich, tangy blue cheese. Pork and duck rillettes The perfect Christmas dinner starter, or just a special lunch, this velvety French dish is made with pork belly, goose fat, white wine and thyme. Serve with buttered toast, cornichons and pickled onions. Harissa lime prawn cocktail An absolute classic, made that bit more exciting by adding rose harissa paste and plenty of fresh lime to the mix. With only 15 minutes prep time, this is the perfect dinner party starter. See more prawn recipes. Duck, chicken and sour cherry terrine This terrine makes the perfect make-ahead starter for a festive dinner party. Fig, mozzarella and serrano ham salad Check out our easy fig recipe with creamy mozzarella, salty serrano ham and peppery rocket. These easy pickled figs make a simple recipe for your next dinner party with friends. Discover more juicy fig recipes. Beetroot soup Need a vegetarian Christmas starter? Get your festive feast off to a vibrant start with our creamy beetroot soup topped with crunchy, cheesy mini sourdough toasts. More beetroot recipes here... Blinis with a selection of toppings Make the blinis and whipped ricotta cream ahead, then add your choice of toppings for the perfect festive party snack. We've got some inventive ideas including fig, dolcelatte and truffle honey, plus pastrami pickle. Ham hock rillettes with pistachio salt Want an easy cold Christmas starter idea? Try ham hock rillettes with pistachio salt for fuss-free entertaining. Bread sauce and stuffing croquettes These crispy balls are easy to make and great at keeping a hungry crowd happy over the festive season, try them for an easy Christmas starter idea. We love our ham hock croquettes too. Scallop shell pies We serve these pretty pies in their original scallop shell and top with flaky puff pastry, a perfect Christmas dinner starter which will impress festive friends. Plenty of easy ways with scallops here... Salmon tartare with lemon and capers If you love serving smoked salmon for a Christmas Day starter, this is a great modern twist. The salmon is finely chopped and tossed in a fragrant dressing of lemon, shallots and capers. Serve with thin slices of melba toast. Rarebit mushrooms with pickle dressing Flat mushrooms topped with mustardy rarebit and served with a quick red wine vinegar dressing makes for an ideal veggie starter. It's gluten free, too! Grilled scallops with ’nduja butter Start Christmas dinner with a bang and serve these flavour-packed, spicy scallops in their shells. Use up the rest of your 'nduja with our best 'nduja recipes, from quick pastas to spicy mussels. Beer and rock salt pretzels with camembert dip These impressive pretzels are big, soft and doughy. They are made with beer rather than water, and topped with a sprinkle of rock salt for crunch – the perfect showoff, make-ahead Christmas starter. Homemade charcuterie Want an impressive yet achievable make-ahead Christmas starter? Check out how simple it is to make your own cured meats, including a seriously moreish duck ham, beef jerky and a stunning bresaola. French onion soup This deep beefy onion soup is topped with bubbling cheese melts, ideal for a comforting winter warmer or Christmas starter idea. Discover our best-ever cheese recipes here... Smoked black pudding croquettes with apple sauce Packed with smoky black pudding and creamy blue cheese, these crispy ball make for an easy yet indulgent canapé or Christmas dinner starter recipe. Classic manti Our classic manti are the perfect festive dinner party starter to impress guests. Warm hummus with pine nuts, raisins and olives Turn a storecupboard staple into this vibrant mezze dish and sprinkle with jewel-like pine nuts, raisins and olives for a quick and easy Christmas starter. Duck samosas Check out our impressive samosa recipe packed with tender duck, wrapped in super flaky pastry and served with a fresh coriander chutney – perfect for entertaining over the festive season. Mozzarella sticks with spicy dipping sauce Try our gooey mozzarella sticks with a punchy dipping sauce for an easy yet indulgent Christmas starter idea. Blocks of mozzarella stand up better to deep-frying and will still give you that cheesy, stringy ooze. Baked berbere chicken wings Do you love chicken wings? Check out this easy recipe with a fiery Ethiopian twist. Packed with punchy flavour, these wings make the perfect snack for any dinner party or Christmas feasting.
Hosting a New Year's Eve party? From finger food and crowdpleasing mains, to showstopping desserts and sparkly cocktails, you're sure to bring in 2026 in style with these recipes
Hosting a New Year's Eve party? Check out our easy party food for New Year's Eve. Try our fun canapé ideas and hassle-free finger food including vegetarian canapés, posh little avocado on toast and mini lobster rolls. We've got some great sharing mains, from beef chilli and tacos to fried chicken buns. Our festive cocktails sparkle up your party and our easy yet show-stopping desserts will catch everyone's eye. New Year's Eve party finger food Check out our easy canapé recipes and finger food for your new year party. Also check out our vegetarian canapé recipes for meat-free bites. Pickled melon and prosciutto skewers Give your festive canapés a fresh twist with these pickled melon and prosciutto skewers – the quick pickle adds a bright, tangy lift to this classic combo. Harissa hot wings with hazelnut dukkah Make your own nutty dukkah as a dip for these chicken wings spiced up with harissa and Frank's RedHot sauce. This will make more dukkah than you’ll need, but will keep for a few weeks in a sealed jar. Discover more of our best harissa recipes here. Classic potato wedges Perfectly golden, crispy potato wedges with dollops of soured cream and salsa are guaranteed to satisfy hungry guests. Radish butter terrine Radishes and butter are a timeless pairing, perfect for a chic starter or elegant nibble – just slice and spread over crisp rye toast for instant sophistication. Maple-glazed sausage blinis Kick off a festive party with these easy canapés, turning cocktail sausages into impressive bitesize party food. See more ideas for blini toppings. Baby new potatoes wrapped in bacon with harissa cheese dip Try these baby new potatoes wrapped in crispy bacon with a punchy, creamy harissa soft cheese dip. This simple bite-size potato skewers recipe make an easy party snack recipe. Chicken tenders with garlic parmesan These make great finger food for a large gathering – serve with cute cocktail sticks for spearing. Brussels sprouts bhaji snacks with raita Coated lightly in spices and served with a fresh minty dip, these crispy sprout clusters make a great starter at a winter dinner party. Make the most of this seasonal veg with more brussels sprout recipes. Crispy vegetable peelings with curry salt Use up all your veggie peelings, as well as any loose left-over veg, and use them to make these epic crisps with an easy curry spice, perfect nibbles for a hungry crowd. Chilli-and-marmalade-glazed pork belly squares Kick off a festive party with our easy canapés. These sticky-sweet bites can be partly prepared ahead for fuss-free entertaining. Pickled beetroot tacos with goat’s cheese Kick off a festive party with these easy vegetarian canapés perfect for fuss-free hosting. Sticky miso nuts and seeds If salted caramel is your bag, then get ready for miso caramel – a heady mix of the salt and sweet combination with a shed load of umami, perfect snacking for a crowd. Check out more of our best miso recipes here. Bombay samosas Check out our Bombay-style samosas. We cook the veg in water rather than frying them to make a lighter version of the classic samosa, ideal for healthy dinner party snacks. Indian nachos Give this classic cheesy snack an Indian twist with crispy curried chickpeas and minty yogurt sauce. Smoked black pudding croquettes with apple sauce Check out our indulgent crispy potato croquettes. Packed with smoked black pudding and creamy blue cheese, this recipe is perfect for an impressive canapé. Spring onion bhajis with mint and coriander chutney Try our crispy spring onion bhajis with a fresh and vibrant mint and coriander chutney. Make these bhajis for an impressive way to start your New Year's Eve party. Devilled coronation eggs Hosting a party this New Year's Eve? Make our simple coronation chicken devilled eggs. This easy recipe combines a retro canapé with a simple classic British sandwich for the perfect party food. Party tartines Looking for quick and easy party food recipes? Check out these super simple party tartines. More substantial than canapés, these pretty open sandwiches will satisfy the greediest guests. Fig and goat’s cheese puffs The easiest party finger food, ready in half an hour – these puff pastry tarts topped with goat’s cheese and figs make for the perfect canapé for a New Year's Eve party. Pork and prawn dumplings If you're looking for an alternative New Year's Eve canapé recipe, try these pork and prawn dumplings with our step-by-step guide. The chestnuts add a festive touch. Avocado and prawn cocktail toasts If you're looking to make a light canapé this New Year's Eve, why not make these avocado and prawn cocktail toasts. They're a modern twist on a prawn cocktail and count for one of your five a day. While they look fancy, they're easy and quick to make. Thai-style fishcakes with sweet and sour cucumber pickle Thai fishcakes are great party food as you can fry them in advance and keep warm in the oven. The easy cucumber pickle adds an authentic Southeast Asian touch. Caramelised onion and chorizo nachos If you're hosting a New Year's Eve party, why not make a batch of nachos? These caramelised onion and chorizo nachos are cheesy, spicy and smoky. This easy recipe is great for a celebration and lots of fun to eat. Mozzarella sticks with spicy dipping sauce Try our gooey mozzarella sticks with a punchy dipping sauce for an indulgent finger food recipe. These make great sharing food, but will be very popular so make a few batches for your party. Mini lobster rolls These mini lobster rolls are easy to make but look impressive - perfect for hassle-free entertaining over new year. Spiced cod fritters with harissa honey dip Every party needs food with a spicy kick, and these fritters will tick that box. These spiced cod fritters are easy to snack on, and also make great nibbles before a dinner party. Pork-belly skewers with Vietnamese caramel sauce These pork-belly skewers with Vietnamese caramel sauce make easy but impressive canapés for New Year's Eve. The pork belly makes a great alternative finger food dish. Avocado fries Forget chips, we're making these avocado fries for our party this year. The creamy wedges of avocado are coated in toasty shards of crunchy corn tortilla are are great to snack on while seeing the new year in. Baked camembert toppers For more substantial party food jazz up whole baked camemberts with simple but luxurious vegetarian toppings, like wild mushrooms, maple pecans, cranberry with port and thyme or pine nuts, rosemary and garlic. These are show-stopping yet easy sharing food for your party this New Year's Eve. Fried chicken buns This crowd pleaser is great scaled up for when you have unexpected guests round this festive season. All you need are some chicken thigh fillets, salad, mango chutney and soft rolls and you're finger food is sorted. Posh cheese, bacon and fig toasties We love a cheese toastie, especially after a few glasses of Prosecco, so why not make this posh toasted cheese sandwich with added bacon, caramelised onion marmalade and figs this new year? Whip these up for your guests towards the end of the evening, after they've partied the night away! Filo-baked fresh figs stuffed with peppered goat’s cheese Check out our vegetarian recipe for crunchy filo-baked fresh figs stuffed with peppered goat’s cheese. This recipe makes a great little nibble for your party that’s really easy to make. Quick pork and bean tacos These quick pork and bean tacos are the perfect finger food recipe for your New Year's Eve party that are slightly different from your average canapé. Put everything on the table and let people help themselves. New Year's Eve party sharing dishes Looking for dinner party ideas? Check out our sharing food recipes for New Year's Eve party to celebrate the new year. From fried chicken to mac and cheese, we've got indulgent dishes for you to try. If you're looking for more dinner party main dishes, click here Salmon with crispy spuds and zhoug Perk up your party buffet with this punchy side of salmon served with crispy potatoes, perfect for entertaining over the festive season. Tear ‘n’ share sausage roll Perk up your party buffet with our epic sausage roll and camembert wheel. Buttermilk-fried Frazzles chicken Looking for easy entertaining recipes? Make our crispy buttermilk-fried Frazzles chicken. This moreish recipe is the perfect way to feed a crowd at New Year's Eve. Lamb carnitas These gluten free, slow-cooked lamb tortillas are great for a feast between friends. It's easy to make and everyone can get stuck in and make their own. Smoked aubergine and pepper salad Sabrina Ghayour's recipe for sweet and smokey aubergine salad would make the perfect addition to a generous sharing spread. Infused with the flavours of Persia, it's a little bit of middle-Eastern magic for you and your friends to enjoy. Pulled lamb with plum-sriracha Check out our pulled lamb recipe with a sweet plum-sriracha marinade. This lamb is slow cooked for six hours and then is best served in the middle of the table for perfect sharing food for a dinner party. Fall-apart vindaloo with red onion mint chutney If you love curry, you'll love our vindaloo recipe. Serve this curry with rice and homemade mint chutney at your dinner party as a great way to see in the new year. Meatball, sage and squash lasagne Cooking for a crowd this New Year's Eve? Make our easy meatball lasagne recipe with sage and squash. This indulgent recipe will make it the best New Year's Eve party, just make sure to serve with lots of garlic bread. Best-ever tear-and-share garlic bread Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, especially at a party. This is our recipe for the best-ever tear-and-share garlic bread which not only looks fantastic, but is packed with mozzarella and parmesan as well as the garlic butter. Your guests won't want to leave the party. Persian aubergine bake If you're looking for show-stopping vegetarian recipes to make for your dinner party this new year, try our Persian aubergine bake. It's gluten free, too, so everyone at the party can enjoy it. Lobster mac 'n' cheese How do you make mac 'n' cheese even better? You add lobster. This impressive mac 'n' cheese recipe with lobster is a luxurious treat that would go down well with a hungry crowd at a New Year’s Eve celebration dinner. New Year's Eve party puddings Every party needs dessert, so check out our dessert recipes for a new year party. Whether you want chocolate dessert recipes or Baileys desserts, we've got a selection of recipes for desserts. If you want more recipes, check out our easy Christmas dessert recipes, here Chocolate and hazelnut profiterole stack Looking for an impressive dessert to serve family and friends at your party? Check out this show-stopping chocolate and hazelnut profiterole stack. With creamy Nutella filling and crunchy hazelnut brittle, this stunning recipe is the perfect end to a dinner party. Spiced rum bamkuchen If you want a dessert that will wow your guests over the new year, this spiced rum bamkuchen will be just the thing. Not only does it look impressive, it tastes impressive too. With a warm spicy flavour, and a generous covering of sweet chocolate, it would be a great cake to end the year on. Struffoli Crisp on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, struffoli are traditional treats from Naples, Italy, and are often served with honey and other sweet ingredients - perfect for the festive season. This dessert recipe is great sharing food for your party. Baked blueberry donuts with lemon glaze These baked blueberry doughnuts with lemon glaze look fantastic, taste delicious and are surprisingly easy to make. They're a great finger food dessert for your New Year's Eve party. Baileys tiramisu If you want a dessert that friends can just dig into, this is a great option. Rich and creamy, it's perfect for soaking up lots of Prosecco. Why not make a few desserts that you can just put out on the table and leave people to it? White chocolate salami This white chocolate salami is really easy to make but looks impressive. Slice and serve up to your party guests this New Year's Eve. Eggnog custard tart If you love egg custard tarts then you'll love Edd Kimber's Christmas inspired eggnog custard tart. Why not impress your guests with this dessert recipe, it may take a little time to make, but it's definitely worth it for your party this year. Mojito cake Soak light and airy sponges in a mojito-infused sugar syrup, then cover with a zingy lime buttercream. This mojito cake will go down well at New Year's Eve with your hungry crowd. Bourbon biscuit brownies Brownies are universally popular and are great for all occasions, so why not serve them on New Year's Eve? We suggest making a double batch of these indulgent brownies, as the first lot will be gone in minutes. Baileys pavlova Looking for a show-stopping Baileys recipe to make to celebrate the end of the year? Try this pavlova with Irish cream for an easy dessert. If you want even more Irish cream recipes, click here Churros with hot chocolate sauce Everyone loves Spanish churros and they won’t be able to believe these are homemade! The rich, indulgent hot chocolate sauce is also delicious over ice cream. These treats will be a great addition to any New Year's Eve party spread. Olive oil chocolate pots with orange and sea salt These olive oil chocolate pots with orange and sea salt are seriously creamy and indulgent. They're super simple to make and are a great chocolate dessert recipe for your dinner party. Sweet miso caramels If you're a fan of savoury snacks, but fancy making a sweet nibble to offer your guests, make these sweet miso caramels. They're sweet and salty as well as being incredibly moreish. Pop a few on a plate and pass them around at New Year's Eve. White chocolate roulade with Baileys We've gone and put white chocolate and Baileys together to make this roulade. It's easy to make and requires very little effort, so you'll have even more time to party the night away. Chocolate and salted caramel ice-cream bombe Why not make our impressive frozen chocolate and ice cream dessert recipe for your party this year? This easy chocolate bombe recipe uses chocolate Swiss roll cake and Maltesers for extra indulgence and crunch. Make it ahead and then serve it at your New Year's Eve gathering. Salted butterscotch popcorn cheesecake Everyone loves a show-stopping dessert, and this salted caramel cheesecake recipe from Rosie Birkett has a salted butterscotch twist. You can make part of this recipe ahead so you have less to think about come New Year's Eve. New Year's Eve cocktails New Year's Eve wouldn't be complete without a few cocktails, so check out our favourite cocktail recipes. Whether you want alcoholic drinks recipes or non alcoholic drinks, we've got a selection of recipes from margaritas to Champagne cocktails and negroni cocktails. If you want more festive drinks recipes, click here Winter-spiced pear cocktail This cocktail brings a mojito and a glass of mulled wine into one glass. Warm and spicy with a silky texture, it's as festive as it gets. If you make the pear syrup in advance, it's incredibly quick and easy to make when your guests arrive at your party. Marmalade and mandarin mojito Marmalade mojitos make a deliciously jammy cocktail, made to look really delicious with mandarin slices and star anise. This cocktail recipe is quick to make and great for a party. Negroni sbagliato Our negroni sbagliato is a great festive fizz. Swapping gin for prosecco makes for a lighter negroni for your guests to enjoy at their party this year. White sparkle A great sparkling New Year's party cocktail. After you have decorated the Champagne flutes, chill them by putting in the freezer for a short while or filling with ice for a few minutes. Orange and rosemary fizz If you love Buck's Fizz, but fancy something non alcoholic this year, try this orange and rosemary fizz. The cinnamon and pomegranate makes it a great festive drink that everyone can enjoy on New Year's Eve. Frozen mango and lime margaritas Margaritas are great party cocktail and also make an ideal accompaniment to Mexican dishes. Our frozen margarita is perfect to cool your guests down through a night of dancing this new year, with sweet mango and a dash of lime.
This make-ahead baked rice pudding flavoured with cinnamon and orange is a simple Christmas dessert that incorporates a playful Swedish festive tradition.
Recipe author Sebastian Graus says, "Rice pudding is a Christmas Eve staple in my family, always ladled out at lunch before the festivities begin. This baked version is simple to prepare in advance and tastes just as good the next day. Don’t forget the almond – whoever finds it is said to win good fortune for the year." Try Sebastian's Swedish baked rice pudding, then discover cardamom rice pudding, classic rice pudding and Spanish rice pudding. Find more Christmas dessert recipes here. Swedish baked rice pudding recipe
Roasted beetroot, crisp apple and dill come together in a sharp honey and mustard dressing for a bright, crunchy Nordic salad ideal for winter spreads and festive gatherings.
Recipe author Sebastian Graus says, "Every Christmas my Finnish mum made rosolli, a jewel-bright beetroot salad that’s a staple on Finnish festive tables. Its freshness cuts beautifully through the heavier parts of the feast”. Try Sebastian's Swedish roasted beet and apple salad, then discover beetroot soup, beetroot and goat's cheese salad, beetroot burgers and more brilliant beetroot recipes. Swedish roasted beet and apple salad recipe
Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025
Looking for a festive treat? We’ve found the best spots to take friends and family over the Christmas season, from traditional afternoon tea at The Ritz to afternoon tea with a view from The Shard
Treat loved ones and dine in style over the Christmas season with one of these festive afternoon teas for a Christmas treat. Classic afternoon tea menus of sandwiches, scones and perfect patisserie get a festive makeover at this time of year, from turkey sandwiches and cranberry jam to go with scones, to carefully crafted yule logs, Christmas trees made of cake, savoury mince pies and many more magical discoveries. You're sure to leave full and with a wonderful new Christmas tradition to return to year after year. If you're not after a Christmas theme, check out the best afternoon teas in London and the best across the UK, too. Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025 Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, Marylebone Known for its travel-themed Flavours of the World afternoon teas, this Christmas, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has fittingly chosen Lapland as its destination inspiration for guests. However rather than just a few festively named desserts, the hotel fully embraces a sense of delightful theatricality, transporting guests on board a ‘Montagu Kitchen Airlines’ flight to Lapland. Upon arriving our hostess immediately donned a pillbox air stewardess hat, stamped our boarding pass ‘in-flight menus’ and escorted us to our seats ready for take-off. Our napkins were tied with a chic leather luggage tag, two of our three courses were gorgeously presented in multiple compartments of a suitcase, and champagne was offered upon lift off. Our in-flight menu boasted an array of spiced treats, including a tangy sweet water shrimp tartelette and, my personal favourite, a rich but light brioche roll topped with forest mushroom duxelles and Witheridge cheese. Following this there was the classic, traditional plain and raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam – it was however given an exotic twist by featuring a zesty passion fruit jam, all suitably located in the side compartments of our luggage. Lastly, the main part of our suitcase opened to reveal a vibrant display of sweet, delicate pastries – all appropriately Christmas themed, from a Santa Belly made of an almond financier, gooseberry compote and vanilla crémeux, to Scandinavian favourite, kaffe rulltårta, everything was beautifully light and rich in flavour. Price: Festive afternoon tea from £59pp Address: 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH Book festive afternoon tea at Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill here. Corinthia London, Whitehall Corinthia London will be serving its festive afternoon tea in The Crystal Moon Lounge with a selection of festive treats from 14 November-4 January 2026. Relax in the stylish lobby under the glistening chandelier and listen to grand piano playing in the background while you feast on elevated turkey or honey roasted ham sandwiches, followed by scones with both strawberry and blackcurrant jams. Finish with the patisserie, including a black forest bûche de Noël, gingerbread and mandarin cake and pear and Tahitian vanilla choux, to name just a few of the many treats on this classically luxurious menu. Price: Festive afternoon tea from £95pp Mon-Thurs, £105 Fri-Sun, caviar afternoon tea from £150pp. Address: Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD Book festive afternoon tea at Corinthia London here. The Ritz, Piccadilly The Ritz will be serving its traditional afternoon tea with a fun festive twist from 15 November-3 January 2026, with five sittings per day. Take in the luxurious surroundings while you feast on six different sandwiches (think classic cheddar and chutney, ham and mustard mayonnaise, traditional smoked salmon sandwiches and more), Christmas-inspired British pastries; and choose from over 20 different teas including a bespoke Ritz Christmas spiced tea. Price: £120pp; £79 per child (up to 15 years old), except for Christmas Day which is priced at £135 per adult and £90 per child Address: 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR Book the Ritz Christmas afternoon tea here. Festive afternoon tea by Lily Vanilli, Four Seasons Tower Bridge For a modern take on a a festive afternoon tea, head to Lily Vanilli at the Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge. The Christmas treat is served in the grand setting of the Rotunda Bar, complete with towering Christmas tree at the centre. There's no finger sandwiches here. Instead, the tea kicks off with a range of unique savouries including parmesan gougères, confit potatoes topped with smoked salmon and roe, and gildas with fiery pickled chilli. Even mince pies get a savoury twist, with buttery pastry holding a hearty cheese, cabbage and potato filling. Classic scones are served with clotted cream and blackberry compote. Make sure you save room for the sweet course, which includes mini lemon meringue tarts, and sticky toffee madeleines served with a generous cup of toffee sauce. The highlight is a grand mini chocolate salted caramel cake served on it's very own cake stand, adorned with gold baubles and decorated in Lily Vanilli’s signature style with rich, buttery icing. If you can’t slice into it there and then, the team will box it up for you to take home and savour later. Price: £65 per person Address: Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge, 10 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4AJ Book the Four Seasons Tower Bridge tea here. oblix at The Shard Nothing starts off a festive afternoon tea like walking through a corridor lined floor to ceiling with sparkling fairy lights. Oblix, on the 32nd floor of The Shard, more than delivers that Christmas feeling. If you can tear your eyes away from panoramic views of London including Tower Bridge, the City and the Walkie Talkie building, then the Oblix tea has been given a Christmas makeover until the 4th January. Start with a plate of sandwiches including coronation chicken, egg mayo with generous amounts of truffle and classic smoked salmon. Cranberry scones are served with raspberry and orange preserve and clotted cream, whilst patisserie includes a Christmas tree carrot cake, festive chocolate bauble and snowflake mont blanc. Price: from £69pp Address: oblix East, Level 32, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY Book the oblix festive afternoon tea here. The Savoy, The Strand The festive afternoon tea at The Savoy is available now. You can expect classic sandwiches with a Christmas twist, such as oak-smoked cheddar with plum and ginger chutney, coronation turkey on cranberry bread, and a savoury parsnip and carrot cake. Traditional freshly baked plain and raisin scones come with strawberry jam, lemon curd and clotted cream to accompany festive spiced teas. To finish, enjoy a cluster of seasonal cakes and pastries such as the chocolate and orange log, fruit cake bauble and pistachio and redcurrant tree. Price: Afternoon tea starts at £95pp and £115 with a glass of Nyetimber. Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ Book The Savoy afternoon tea here. TĪNG Shangri-La, The Shard TĪNG at the Shangri-La is serving a 'Season of Wonders' afternoon tea until 6 January 2026. The first thing you'll notice are the striking views of London from the heights of The Shard. The stunning scenery makes this trip worth it alone. Then choose from the extensive list of signature teas or add a festive cocktail, mocktail or glass of champagne. The finger sandwiches include coronation chicken, roast beef and truffle egg mayo, while extra savouries include a smoked duck bun with blackberry vinaigrette. Warm scones are served with clotted cream and cranberry jam for full on festivities. Finish with pastries including a 'Festive bauble-choux' and 'Charmed snowy tree'. A vegetarian tea is also available. Price: £89pp, £99 with a glass of champagne. Address: 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU Book the TĪNG festive afternoon tea here. Fortnum & Mason, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, Piccadilly Fortnum & Mason serves its seasonal afternoon tea in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. For the Christmas tea, you can expect classic sandwiches with a festive twist such as Christmas spiced ham, alongside familiar cucumber or egg mayo. Still-warm scones are served with Somerset clotted cream, strawberry and champagne preserve and orange curd, while cakes and patisserie highlights include a mince tart, mandarin mousse and sticky figgy loaf. Price: £84pp for traditional or vegetarian afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s Tea Address: 181 Piccadilly, St James's, London W1A 1ER. Book the Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea here. The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, Knightsbridge This festive afternoon tea served at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah until 11 January 2026 is inspired by Cadogan Gardens. It's perfect for a spot of indulgence after a shopping trip. Cosy up in their dedicated tearoom, complete with a warming fire and pastry counter. Start with a selection of sandwiches and savouries including a truffle beignet, lobster tartelette and Norfolk turkey sandwich. Expect the unexpected with the 'Scones Experience', with four different flavours of scones to enjoy. After a quince lollipop palate cleanser, the pastries to finish include a pear tart, chocolate pecan tree and apple bread pudding. The tea is accompanied by a selection of JING teas, chosen for flavour and wellness benefits. £1 from every tea is donated to The Felix Project. Price: from £85pp Address: The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, 1 Cadogan Pl, London SW1X 9PY Book festive afternoon tea at The Carlton tower here. Related reviews and recipes Best afternoon teas in London Best afternoon teas in the UK Best afternoon tea recipes
Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025
Whether you want to stock your cupboards with treats or need a gift for the foodie in your life, these are the most indulgent hampers to buy
Looking for the best Christmas hamper to treat a lucky loved one? Whether you're looking for the ultimate cheese box, a wicker basket full of sweet and savoury treats, we've gathered the best Christmas foodie hampers to buy this year, whether as a treat for yourself or friends and family. Looking for more gifting inspiration? If you've got someone specific to buy for try our specially tailored gift guides for beer enthusiasts, coffee lovers and gin fans. If you fancy making your own gifts this year, we've gathered our best edible gift recipes for delicious homemade presents. Read on for our picks of the best gourmet food hampers for Christmas. Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy at a glance Best unique produce hamper: The Flavours of Oldstead Hamper, £190 Best luxury Christmas hamper: Daylesford Organic 12 Days of Christmas Hamper, £130 Best luxury artisan hamper: The Osip Christmas hamper, £165 Best Spanish hamper: Brindisa Indulgence Hamper, £165 Best Christmas breakfast hamper: Ginger Pig Butcher’s Champagne Breakfast Box, £78 Best afternoon tea hamper: British Hamper Company afternoon tea gift basket, £63.97 Best hamper for cider lovers: DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper, £85 Best Cornish hamper: The Fruit Scone Cream Tea Hamper, £23.95 Best hamper for keen gardeners: Petersham Nurseries Gardening Hamper, £95 Best for Chinese cooking: Poon’s Heritage Hamper, £70 Best Christmas cheese hamper: Paxton & Whitfield 12 Days of Christmas Cheese Hamper, £85 Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025 The Flavours of Oldstead Food Hamper Available from Made in Oldstead (£190) Best unique produce hamper A unique hamper with handmade products featuring seasonal ingredients grown and foraged by Tommy Banks and his team in North Yorkshire, this will keep someone going with delicious treats throughout the festive season. As well as a tomato leaf and lemon verbena candle, there are a selection of seasonal British cheeses like Young Buck, jars of spruce tip honey and red onion chutney, salami, Yorkshire lomo and classics such as beerglazed ham and chicken liver parfait, as well as a homemade beef shin ragu. Available from: Made in Oldstead (£190) Daylesford Organic 12 Days of Christmas Hamper Available from Daylesford Organic (£130) Best luxury Christmas hamper A selection of 12 festive treats to enjoy in the run-up to the big day including sweet and savoury snacks, a log fire candle, Christmas cocktail and the bestselling rosé frizzante sparkling wine. Available from: Daylesford Organic (£130) The Osip Christmas Hamper Available from Maison Osip (£165) Best luxury artisan hamper This hamper delivers a taste of gourmet luxury. A celebration of local producers and artisans from Maison Osip, it is a carefully curated selection of festive treats. The centrepiece is a hefty Christmas pudding, arriving in a ceramic bowl to reuse year after year. There's a wedge of Westcombe cheddar for festive cheeseboards, a bottle of English sparkling wine and a bottled fig leaf negroni – a chic twist on the classic cocktail. Coffee, chocolate from Pump Street Bakery and a tote bag round out the wicker hamper. It's expensive, but each item has been carefully chosen for quality. Available from: Maison Osip (£165) Brindisa Indulgence Hamper Available from Brindisa (£165) Best Spanish hamper Jam-packed with a wealth of luxury Spanish food gifts, from La Solana truffled cheese to Amatller white chocolate coated marcona almonds. The contents would all make brilliant snacks for a gourmet Christmas drinks party. Available from: Brindisa (£165) Ginger Pig Butcher’s Champagne Breakfast Box Available from The Ginger Pig (£78) Best Christmas breakfast hamper Create a festive breakfast of champions with thick-cut streaky and back bacon, sausages and black pudding, homemade rhubarb and blood orange jams, and tomato sauce, all served with a chilled glass of champagne. Available from: The Ginger Pig (£78) British Hamper Company afternoon tea basket Available from British Hamper Company (£63.97) Best afternoon tea hamper This smart hamper from British Hamper Company, delivered in a wicker basket and with every item in signature navy and red packaging, would make a great classic gift for someone with a sweet tooth. There's tins of earl grey and English breakfast tea, a dark and rich fruit cake loaded with nuts and cherries, a jar of strawberry jam and two boxes of biscuits – buttery shortbread or, our favourite, crunchy stem ginger cookies, that are perfect with a cup of tea. It is traditional classics done well for a simple sharing hamper. A personalised gift message can be added to the delivery. Available from: British Hamper Company (£63.97) DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper Available from DukesHill (£85) Best hamper for cider lovers Cider fans will love this sumptuous hamper. Inside, discover three bottles of Dukeshill’s rich and warming cider aged in whisky, accompanied by Isle of Mull cheddar and a lavish selection of sliced charcuterie including pastrami, bresaola, lomo and porchetta, plus accompaniments like fig chutney and multi-seed crackers. Available from: DukesHill (£85) The Fruit Scone Cream Tea Hamper Available from Not on the High Street (£23.95) Best Cornish hamper For a taste of the Cornish countryside, this hamper contains everything you need for the perfect Cornish afternoon tea (that's jam then cream). As well as freshly baked scones for four you'll find Rodda's clotted cream, strawberry jam, Cornish tea and two flavours of biscuit. Available from: Not on the High Street (£23.95) Petersham Nurseries Gardening Hamper Available from Petersham Nurseries (£95) Best hamper for keen gardeners A great gift for budding kitchen gardeners that includes a hand trowel and fork, herb and heirloom veg seed collections, and a smart pair of Niwaki gloves. Available from: Petersham Nurseries (£95) Poon’s Heritage Hamper Available from Poon's Pantry (£70) Best for Chinese cooking A striking red box with signature Poon’s artwork, this brings together Bill Poon’s wind-dried meats made from a traditional family recipe with daughter Amy Poon’s signature chilli oil and WO sauce. Available from: Poon's Pantry (£70) Paxton & Whitfield 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' Hamper Available from Paxton & Whitfield (£85) Best Christmas cheese hamper Because Christmas isn't complete without a good selection of cheese. This hamper is a true celebration of artisan cheese and luxurious accompaniments. It includes rich Cropwell Bishop stilton, creamy Aldwych and bakeable Celtic Soft, plus sea salt fudge, Taylors LBV port, spicy chutneys and crispbreads. Available from: Paxton & Whitfield (£85) Related reviews Best baking gifts Best cheese gifts Best vegan hampers and gifts Best advent calendars Best coffee advent calendars Best alcohol advent calendars Best Italian cookbooks Best gifts for cheese lovers Best gifts for foodies Best tea advent calendars Best matcha tea powders
This makes a great breakfast or brunch dish. I have used a lot of Syrian spices and aromas to give this dish our tweak and flavours
Try Imad Alarnab's sumac-cured trout with potato rosti, then check out his roasted curried cauliflower, lemon and cardamom cake, and more Syrian recipes. Sumac-cured trout with potato rosti recipe
Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce
The sharpness of the whiskey cuts through the cream in the sauce, and the mushrooms add depth of flavour. I love this served with mashed carrots and swede
Try our Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce, then check out our venison stew, venison curry, venison pie, venison steaks, venison burgers and more venison recipes. In this recipe the venison loin is gently rolled in herbs and spices before being wrapped in pancetta, and browned before being roasted. The sharpness of the whiskey cuts through the cream in the sauce, and the mushrooms add depth of flavour. The sauce can be made in advance and swirled around in the pan after the venison has been cooked. I love this served with mashed carrots and swede. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming the teapot before pouring the first cup, baking something sweet and welcoming for when guests are due, and always sending them home with a loaf of fresh bread, jar of jam or tin of biscuits. It’s food that brings people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, bowl of stew at the kitchen table or cup of tea and soda bread in your hand. Eating and drinking in Ireland is welcoming, unpretentious and full of warmth – whether it’s a pint of Guinness in the local pub or oysters by the sea, the experience is always the same, rooted in place, people and tradition." Recipes extracted from The Irish Kitchen by Cherie Denham (£30, Montgomery Press). Photographs: Andrew Montgomery. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce recipe
No-churn Irish coffee ice cream with hazelnut and chocolate biscuits
I find that no-churn ice creams can taste too sweet so I made this one pretty punchy. The alcohol dilutes the sweetness of the condensed milk and the coffee gives it an intense depth and strength in flavour
Try our no-churn Irish coffee ice cream with hazelnut and chocolate biscuits, then check out our our Baileys ice cream, spiced coffee kulfi, iced coffee, iced latte and iced caramel coffee. For another coffee-flavoured dessert, try our espresso martini cake pops. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming the teapot before pouring the first cup, baking something sweet and welcoming for when guests are due, and always sending them home with a loaf of fresh bread, jar of jam or tin of biscuits. It’s food that brings people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, bowl of stew at the kitchen table or cup of tea and soda bread in your hand. Eating and drinking in Ireland is welcoming, unpretentious and full of warmth – whether it’s a pint of Guinness in the local pub or oysters by the sea, the experience is always the same, rooted in place, people and tradition." Recipes extracted from The Irish Kitchen by Cherie Denham (£30, Montgomery Press). Photographs: Andrew Montgomery. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. No-churn Irish coffee ice cream with hazelnut and chocolate biscuits recipe
Irish roast boned shoulder of pork with rosemary and bay scented apples and spiced apple sauce
Pork and apples are a classic pairing, with the sharp acidity of apples cutting through the richness of the meat. This boneless spare rib is roasted high to get a crisp, crunchy crackling, then low and slow for soft, tender meat
Try our Irish roast boned shoulder of pork with rosemary and bay scented apples and spiced apple sauce, then discover our pork hotpot, roast pork with hasselback potatoes, perfect roast pork belly and more pork recipes. Pork and apples are a classic pairing, with the sharp acidity of apples cutting through the richness of the meat. This boneless spare rib is roasted high to get a crisp, crunchy crackling, then low and slow for soft, tender meat. The boned spare rib (which is cut from the shoulder) has layers of fat running through it, which melt during the cooking process, making the meat incredibly succulent. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming the teapot before pouring the first cup, baking something sweet and welcoming for when guests are due, and always sending them home with a loaf of fresh bread, jar of jam or tin of biscuits. It’s food that brings people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, bowl of stew at the kitchen table or cup of tea and soda bread in your hand. Eating and drinking in Ireland is welcoming, unpretentious and full of warmth – whether it’s a pint of Guinness in the local pub or oysters by the sea, the experience is always the same, rooted in place, people and tradition." Recipes extracted from The Irish Kitchen by Cherie Denham (£30, Montgomery Press). Photographs: Andrew Montgomery. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Irish roast boned shoulder of pork with rosemary and bay scented apples and spiced apple sauce recipe
Irish potted trout with chilli, tarragon and pink peppercorns
It’s important to season the trout well otherwise it can taste bland. Always check how hot the chilli is too, as you may not need it all. Serve them with warm toasts so the butter melts and the flavours come out
Try our Irish potted trout with chilli, tarragon and pink peppercorns, then discover potted crab with coronation salad, potted shrimp and more starter recipes. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming the teapot before pouring the first cup, baking something sweet and welcoming for when guests are due, and always sending them home with a loaf of fresh bread, jar of jam or tin of biscuits. It’s food that brings people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, bowl of stew at the kitchen table or cup of tea and soda bread in your hand. Eating and drinking in Ireland is welcoming, unpretentious and full of warmth – whether it’s a pint of Guinness in the local pub or oysters by the sea, the experience is always the same, rooted in place, people and tradition." Recipes extracted from The Irish Kitchen by Cherie Denham (£30, Montgomery Press). Photographs: Andrew Montgomery. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Irish potted trout with chilli, tarragon and pink peppercorns recipe
Inspired by the sherry colada at New York bar Sip & Guzzle, we’ve mixed cream sherry with pineapple soda for this fresh, tropical, highly gluggable highball
Try our sherry highball, then discover our sherry sour, Tiojito sherry cocktail and frozen sherry cobbler cocktail. Also, try more Christmas cocktails. Sherry highball recipe
A Christmassy spin on a classic whisky cocktail, the cream sherry adds extra festive flavours to the drink
Try our sherry whisky sour, then discover our old fashioned, Manhattan, whisky highball, sazerac and more whisky cocktails. Sherry whisky sour recipe
Swedish Janssons frestelse (potato gratin)
Creamy layers of potato, onion, and tangy blue cheese bake into a golden, comforting gratin; it's the perfect indulgent side for a festive feast or a cosy Sunday supper.
Recipe author Sebastian Graus says, "Janssons frestelse translates as Jansson’s temptation and with good reason: layers of potato, onion and cream baked until golden. The classic Christmas version uses pickled sprats but here stilton steps in, adding a punchy blue cheese bite." Try Sebastian's Swedish Janssons frestelse (potato gratin), then check out our perfect roast potatoes, hasselback potatoes, tartiflette and other potato recipes. Swedish Janssons frestelse (potato gratin) recipe
This seriously swanky starter is made with some of my favourite winter produce: tart blood oranges and crisp fennel, doused in a lovely tangy dressing
Try our blood orange, burrata and fennel salad, then discover our Greek salad, wedge salad, goat's cheese salad and Sicilian salad, as well as more fennel recipes. The burrata (as always) steals the show and, to help you get that effortless ooze, just get it out of the fridge an hour before serving. Blood orange, burrata and fennel salad recipe
This really is restaurant-quality food at home. Just don’t tell anyone how easy it is. Ask your butcher for bone-in short ribs and let them braise low and slow in the sauce until they are melt-in-the-mouth tender
Try our red wine braised short ribs, then discover BBQ peanut pork ribs, miso-glazed ribs, lamb ribs and more ribs recipes. You can make these well ahead of time – simply reheat in the sauce before you serve. Eat with creamy polenta and greens. Red wine-braised short ribs recipe