Christmas Drinks, Nibbles and Desserts perfect for an Informal Party

Looking for some fresh ideas to impress your friends this party season? This inspirational round-up of Christmas drinks and finger food should make your party go off in style.

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Not all gatherings in December have to be formal, full-on meals. There’s nothing better than evenings when you can mix freely with friends, drinks and nibbles at hand, properly relaxing. With a carefully selected menu, you can get the preparation done ahead of time so you can fully enjoy an evening off with friends. I’ve put together a list of Christmas drinks and finger foods – both savoury and sweet – for just such an evening. Pick 3 or 4 from each section and have a ball.

Drinks

Danish Yuletide Mulled Apple Juice – Spice in the City

Make non-drinkers feel right at home with this non-alcoholic apple drink. Mulled with cinnamon, cardamom and black pepper to name just a few ingredients. It’s the business.

McMerry Martini – LittleSugarSnaps

Bursting with fig, almond and cherry flavours, this is one smart martini to get your guests in the party spirit.

Fig and almond martini served with cocktail cherries

Cranberry Negroni – Grey is the New Black

My week spot for anything Negroni leaves me desperate to include this little gem on my party menu.

Savoury Nibbles

Bleu Cheese, Fig & Crispy Prosciutto flatbreads – Beyond Mere Sustenance

These bite-sized beauties are loaded with sweet and salty flavours all piled onto crisp flatbread pieces.

Poppadom Style Potato Skins

Not remotely festive, but exceptionally delicious and great fun to serve up to guests. Lay out a tray of help-yourself toppings or present fait accompli – whichever style you choose, your guests will hoover everything up.

Potato Skins topped with onion salad, raita and mango chutney

Rosemary & Garlic infused Olive Tapenade – Bam’s Kitchen

Served on toasted crostini breads or crackers this tapenade will surely pack a neat little punch to your party.

Rosemary and garlic infused olive tapenade on toasted baguette

Spinach & Leek Cheese Fondue – Fearless Dining

For the second time this week I find myself going retro – this time with cheese fondue. What could be better than a drinks party with molten cheese on tap?

Spicy BBQ Shrimps – West Via Midwest

Load a couple of these babies onto cocktail sticks and indulge in prawns flavoured with garlic, spices and butter. Sweet, succulent joy.

Smashed Potatoes with Brown Butter Mushrooms & Cranberries – La Petit Chef

How about these for fancy-schmancy party carbs. Finger food at a whole new level.

Smashed potatoes with mushrooms and cranberries

Sweet Treats

Sweet & Salty Brownie Toffee Brittle (The Flavor Bender)

Bridging the gap between savoury and sweet nicely. I’m reliably informed that if you can’t get hold of chocolate covered Lays then salted crinkle cut crisps (chips) will work a treat instead.

Gluten Free Pfeffernusse Cookies – Fearless Dining

I have a friend who is gluten intolerant and has a bit of a sweet-tooth. There is nothing worse than be under-catered for at dessert time, so I’d happily whip these little cookies up for him and put him at the front of the pudding queue.

Poached Pear & Nutty Chocolate Tart – The Road to Honey

Heck, this tart isn’t technically finger food, but the combination of Malbec poached pears, chocolate, mascarpone and pistachios makes it mandatory to serve in neatly cut portions that guests can devour in two bites. Keep napkins handy.

Red wine poached pear tart with chocolate pastry

Spiked Eggnog Dip – Take Two Tapas

Talking of boozy desserts, this sweet dip, flavoured with bourbon, cinnamon and nutmeg should please your guests. Just add cinnamon biscuits of your choice. Well, it is a party….

White Chocolate & Peppermint Cookies – Hostess at Heart

What do you mean the kids are still up? Oh my – better keep them ~~quiet~~ busy with these delectable kid friendly cookies.

Aztec Chocolate Truffles – LittleSugarSnaps

And all because the lady loves… chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. (Do you recall the Milk Tray Ads: then (1970s) and now (2016)) Lay these spiced truffles on the table at coffee time or pack into neat little bags as a departing gift for your guests.