PARTY FOOD

Fun additions to your buffet table.

10 Mini Steak Sandwiches, 350g, £7, M&S

Little bites packed with lots of comforting flavour. The British rump steak slices were tender and there’s a satisfying mix of textures in each mouthful. The crostini base adds a satisfying crunch in contrast to the soft meat and creamy mustard béchamel.

Bang Bang Cauliflower with Tamarind Dip, 7-pack, £7, Booths

A savoury snack everyone will enjoy, especially vegetarians. A good alternative to onion bhajis and vegetable pakoras. We liked the crisp golden batter and the whole spices, and the dip is sweet and sticky, which makes a perfect pairing.

Vegan Layered Mushroom Parfait, 80g, £4.50, Waitrose & Partners

This has a rich mushroomy flavour and could make an excellent starter. Serve from the jar or spread on crostini topped with fresh thyme leaves and a drizzle of olive oil as a party bite.

Christmas Dinner Pie, 860g, £10, Morrisons

The festive look of this pie will bring a smile to your guests’ faces, but they might fight over the pigs in blankets adorning the top! Whole cranberries make a welcome zingy contrast to the rich, buttery pastry and succulent meat filling.

Reindeersteamed Buns, 8-pack/480g, £7, M&S

Kids will love these adorable microwavable bao buns with a plum and hoisin-coated vegetable filling. Eat them soon after they’ve cooked or the dough becomes a little tough. Buy as part of M&S’ 4 for 3 offer on fresh party food.

By Amazon Tempura Prawns, 175g, £4, amazon. co.uk/ freshstore

The tails on these prawns act as a great little handle for easy dipping and eating. While they don’t come with a sauce, this gives you the freedom to choose your own. Garlic mayo, sweet chilli or even a spicy tomato sauce would go well.

Luxury Pil Pil Prawns, 195g, £4.50, Iceland

Quick to cook and easy to serve, you also get an attractive ceramic dish to reuse! The prawns have a nice texture and there’s plenty of sauce, which is best mopped up with warm, crusty bread.

Tesco Finest British Cheese Selection, 800g, £18, Tesco

Looking for a one-and-done cheeseboard? This is a lovely selection with a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. The Coastal Bite Cheddar and Stratford Blue were punchy, flavoursome standouts.