Love them or loathe them, the Great British drinks party cannot be avoided over the festive season.  Be it for Christmas or for New Year; a corporate reception or at home; it is time to put aside the Bridget Jones-esque images of over-attentive family friends and pickled gherkins and embrace the event.  If anything else, a drinks party offers the ideal opportunity to devour truly British bites.

Ever since Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party was staged in the late 1970's, the drinks party has become slightly stigmatised.  A sense of snobbery exists when it comes to what to serve and how it will be perceived. The secret of a successful host is to forget what is in fashion and stick to simple, non-drip, bite-sized eats that are locally sourced.  The more complicated the canapé, the more work there is and the greater risk of disaster.   British Stilton and British pear on a cocktail stick is refreshing, easy to make and absolutely delicious.  Indeed, it is classless.  Other timeless and effortless British nibbles include Scottish Smoked Salmon on buttered brown bread; British Beef with horseradish or Venison with cranberry sauce in mini Yorkshire Puddings; Welsh Rarebit; local honey and English Mustard sausages; slices of Game Pie; Potted Shrimps or smoked mackerel pâté on toast and a British cheeseboard stacked with Scottish Oatcakes.

With regards to quantities it is probably best to cater for between six and eight nibbles per person. It is probably safer to avoid peanuts on the offchance that a guest may have a nut allergy. It is, however, worth investing in some bags of  traditionally made crisps by British producers such as Burt's Potato Chips, Jonathan Crisp or Tyrrells. And for those with s sweet tooth, mini homemade Mince Pies that can be dunked into some Brandy Butter or small squares of chocolate brownies are always hugely popular.

British red wine and Somerset Cider Brandy are perfect ingredients for the traditional Mulled Wine.  The Somerset Distillery sells Cider Brandy online [click here]. One can order wine online from British vineyards such as Bookers who also produce English Sparkling Wine.  The general rule is to allow half a bottle of wine per person but remember that the more salty the nibbles the more the guest will drink. To chill the white, put it in a wine bucket with ice, water and a handful of salt. This solution has a lower freezing point than water alone, so the temperature will fall below zero.  Many guests will have driven so may only have one alcoholic drink.  For soft drinks try Elderflower Cordial from British companies such as Belvoir Fruit Farms or Elderflower 'Bubbly' from Luscombe Organic Drinks.

Love British Food can offer endless help with recipes and food and drink producers but the other vital ingredient for a successful party is the guest list, and that is down to careful planning and luck.  Although, it is incredible how many people become 'available' when there is good grub on offer, especially if it's British!

For British Trout Canapé suggestions [click here]
For a selection of British drink producers from spirits to ciders to non-alcoholic beverages [click here]
For a selection of British smoked salmon producers and smokeries [click here]
For a traditional Mulled Wine recipe [click here]
For a delicious Mince Pie recipe [click here]
For a British Brandy Butter recipe [click here]
For a great recipe for Cheese Straws [click here]