THERE was a time when a buffet meant 50 shades of beige – from soggy sausage rolls to warm sandwiches.
But this year the supermarket party food options include some absolute crackers – and there’s one new trend that will have all your guests squealing with delight.
Bao buns are huge news, and most of the supermarkets have a variation, from Santas to polar bears, bringing joy to any spread.
Also, check out a luxe seafood tower that hasn’t hit the shelves yet, but is set to fly off them on December 21, because it costs a fraction of the price it should be. Add it to your shopping list now!
And if you want finger food to go with your decor, Morrisons has just the thing – bows galore!
So, whether you’re stocking up for your next hosting duties, for Twixmas spreads, New Year celebrations or just fancy a picky tea for one – with added festive flair – check these out for size…
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Dinky Dim Sum Veggie Selection, £5.25 for 12 – BUY NOW
Who doesn’t love food that makes you feel healthier just by looking at it?
These hand-made dim sum look just like actual vegetables – albeit mini versions – so you can tuck in without the seasonal guilt.
Even better, the flavours are delicious, and go great with a glass of fizz.
Our favourite was the pea and mint, but the carrot and orange, and tomato and basil options are yummy, too.
So adorbs, they’re almost too good to eat.
Asda Exceptional Afternoon Sea, £20 – BUY NOW
In a supermarket first, on December 21 Asda is launching this luxe-looking seafood centrepiece, which it claims would cost double the price to make up yourself!
Asda says 1 in 10 Brits tuck into salmon on Christmas morning, so this could make the perfect buy for a festive breakfast.
The 12 blini canapes feature truffle-infused cream cheese and smoked salmon, mini scallop shells filled with spinach mousse and lobster, plus little crumpets topped with Marie Rose mousse and prawns.
Fin-tastic!
Morrisons The Best Prawn Bao Buns, £5.50 for 8 – BUY NOW
We’ve definitely spotted a trend this year for picture-perfect bao buns – and these ones are well worth opening up.
They will look great on a slate platter at any festive party, too, especially if you’ve hopped on board the trend for bow-themed Christmas decorations!
Light and fluffy, these steamed bao buns are made in Vietnam and come filled with prawns, plus a delicious blend of Asian herbs and spices.
Waitrose & Partners – BUY NOW
The high-street heavyweight doesn’t disappoint this party season, showing off its culinary creativity.
First up, these No.1 Santa Bao Buns, £8 for 8, will put a smile on everyone’s faces – young and old.
Pillowy soft and decorated just like the Big Man himself, they are packed full of shredded veg in sweet hoisin sauce.
And while they are a little beige, it will be love at first bite with these No.1 Crispy Bacon Carbonara Cups, £8 for 12.
And for afters, feast on Mini Tiramisu Desserts, £6 for 6, which are sure to be a hit with guests.
The sponge is soaked in coffee. mascarpone and Masala wine – just heavenly!
Co-op Irresistible Prawn Toast Tacos With Mango and Sweet Chilli Dip, £5 – BUY NOW
If you don’t know by now, tacos make excellent party food, and these ones are banging.
Prawn, basa and veggie filled, they come with a tasty dipping sauce, too.
The best bit is they are part of Co-op’s two for £7 for members or £8 for non-members promotion until January 3, 2025, so they’ll work for New Year celebrations, too.
Lidl Partytime Range – BUY NOW
If anyone knows how to cover off finger food for the masses, it’s Lidl – just check out the store’s latest selection.
Our faves are the Partytime Chicken Breast Skewers, £1.99 for 10, which come in satay or sweet yakitori flavours, and the Partytime Coated Prawns, £1.79 for 12, which come in coconut or spicy options.
OK, we admit, they are a little on the beige side – but at these price points we couldn’t resist, and all you need is a colourful tablescape to counteract it.
So, whip out some fun napkins and your most colourful plates, and you’ll be laughing all the way to the buffet table.
Marks & Spencer Collection Penguin & Polar Bear Steamed Buns, £7.50 for 8 – BUY NOW
Didn’t we say there was trend for cute bao buns this year?
These penguin and polar bear ones are packed with personality (and veggies) to bring all the festive party vibes.
In fact, they are such works of art, don’t be surprised if your guests need a little encouragement to p-p-p pick up a penguin!
The Sun’s Christmas Together campaign
THIS Christmas we are teaming up with the Together Campaign, a coalition of community groups and organisations, and Royal Voluntary Service to combat loneliness.
And we want to recruit an army of volunteers to support those feeling cut off, anxious and isolated, this Christmas.
Could YOU reach out to someone who might be struggling and alone?
It might be someone you know in your own life or community who needs support.
Or we can connect you with someone in need through the NHS Volunteer responder programme run by the NHS, Royal Voluntary Service and the GoodSAM app.
Could you give up half an hour to make a call and chat with someone feeling isolated? Or could you volunteer to deliver essential shopping or festive treats?
Go to nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/christmastogether to sign up as a volunteer.
You will then receive an email taking you through the sign up process and be asked to download the responder app which will match you to those in need in your area.
Don’t worry if you don’t get a job straight away, because jobs are matched according to the need local to you. Being ready to help is what really matters.
