Good things really do come in small packages when it comes to party food - from moreish dips to perfect mini mouthfuls. If you're throwing a party, look no further than our tempting selection of shareable, bitesize ideas. Need something more substantial? Check out our easy meals for large family gatherings for crowd-pleasing dinner ideas.
Crisp, buttery pastry with a fluffy, rich filling – what could be better than quiche for lunch? Our twist on quiche Lorraine is inspired by the flavours of a classic carbonara – a cheesy filling with crispy pancetta. Some make quiche Lorraine with puff pastry, but we’ve opted for ready-made shortcrust here, both for ease and for its rich, crumbly texture. Give it a go!
This fragrant almond tart is a classic British dessert and true family favourite. This traditional Bakewell tart recipe includes buttery homemade pastry with a thick layer of raspberry jam and a soft frangipane topping.
In Japan, it's popular to eat fried chicken during the festive season. Try serving it up as a canapé for your next Christmas party and it's sure to go down a treat.
If this decade were a drink, it would be the spritz, and right now it's all about Campari. So here's our Bicicletta recipe – a fruity Campari spritz that's the perfect summer sip. As drinks writer Miriam Nice says, ‘This easy Campari cocktail sits somewhere between a Negroni and an Aperol Spritz. It’s lighter than a Negroni but retains the pleasing bitterness.’
This cupcake gets a spooky halloween makeover made with 'blood' of raspberries
Looking for Valentine's Day baking inspiration? Try this classic red velvet cake recipe with silky cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert that's sure to impress.
Share a slice of this traditional Yule log with a twist – red velvet cake mix and fresh cranberries infused in a Cointreau liqueur
This festive tart combines sweet roasted carrots, savoury shallots, punchy pesto and a hint of orange. Extra pesto can be saved in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Serve up this gorgeous ham which is slow-cooked in ginger beer with spices before being topped with a gingerbread-inspired glaze and roasted until golden and sticky.
Looking for a healthy sweet treat you can batch-cook for the week ahead? This low-calorie brownie recipe is the answer. Made with green lentils, these deliciously fudgy, nutty brownies are super-simple to whip up in just 30 minutes. Plus, they’re high in fibre and gluten-free!
This chocolate fudge traybake is a real crowdpleaser. It's easy to make and can be decorated with whatever you have to hand! We went for fresh fruit for a pop of colour but sprinkles or chocolate buttons would look great too.
The Italian Hugo spritz is your go-to summer drink – floral and aromatic, it's bursting with fresh, fragrant flavours. Topped up with prosecco and soda water, it's a lovely refreshing cocktail.
This easy sausage plait recipe is a real family favourite, made extra special with fresh thyme, fragrant rosemary and sweet sundried tomato paste. Serve with a crisp green salad for a fuss-free crowd-pleasing meal or pack up for a delicious main at your next picnic.
Known as “Valencia water”, this simple cocktail is a classic Spanish drink using fresh orange juice, sparkling wine, vodka and gin. As the name suggests, it comes from the Valencia region of Spain, and it’s the perfect summer cocktail, but you can enjoy it all year round. If you’re serving a crowd, fill glass pitchers and top with ice.
A refreshing alternative to the classic spritz, the Spaghett combines Aperol, lemon juice and light beer. We’ve opted for an alcohol-free lager to keep the flavour fresh and clean. See our tip below for swapping in an alcoholic beer.
Some of these viral drinks can be super-sweet, but our take on dirty soda features a tangy raspberry syrup that’s incredibly easy to make. You can also swap in grenadine or raspberry cordial if you prefer, but it’s well worth making your own for the best flavour and results.
Martinis are known for their strong kick but serving them in mini form allows you to enjoy all the flavour and elegance without overdoing it. Try them as an aperitif or stylish sundowner.
Rich in smoky and sweet flavours, this sundried tomato houmous works perfectly as a side dip or as the main dish in your Mediterranean platter
Have you ever seen such a stunning trifle? This special seasonal twist on a British classic will certainly give some wow factor to your Christmas desserts table.
We think you'll agree these pretzel Christmas wreaths are so original and pretty! No baking skills required, just decorating, so they're a fun project for all ages – you can go as simple or as sophisticated as you like. Serve at parties, as a Christmas Eve treat or give as homemade Christmas gifts.
Inspired by the flavours of a classic Black Forest gateau, this decadent cherry and chocolate roulade features an on-trend miso caramel. Perfect for your Christmas desserts table, everyone will want a slice of this showstopper!
Make a batch of this martini to keep in the freezer for Christmas cocktails in a flash. Garnish with fresh or frozen cranberries for a festive touch!
Mellow pear, creamy Stilton and sweet candied walnuts are a flavour sensation when paired together in this delicious bruschetta recipe. It makes for an easy Christmas Day starter or appetiser.
There chocolate honeycomb chunks are as crunchy as they are moreish. Making them is straightforward as long as you have a sugar thermometer.
These moreish little pinwheels are packed with bold flavours, inspired by a classic British sandwich. Fun to serve at parties or as tasty savoury snack, you can make-and-freeze ahead – if you can wait that long to eat them!
Blitz up this easy-prep dip for an impressive addition to your Christmas party food table. With a garlicky, whipped cheese base and a crunchy, salty-sweet walnut topping, it packs a flavour and texture punch!
Simple yet striking, this pretty sharing wreath makes fab Christmas party food or Boxing Day buffet fare. Don't be put off by the prep time – most of it is slow-roasting the garlic. You can top the crostini with whatever you fancy – we've gone for goat's cheese, Parma ham and figs.
Here's our version of the Bloody Maria – a twist on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail that features tequila in place of vodka. There's still the savoury-tomatoey flavours you love in a Bloody Mary – with a spicy, Mexican-style edge! It's the perfect drink to serve at grown-up Halloween gatherings and Bonfire Night parties.
This simple ricotta dip is perfect for festive gatherings. Silky whipped ricotta forms the base, topped with toasted pecans, Parma ham, and olives. Finish with a drizzle of homemade herb and garlic oil, and serve alongside warm bread for dipping.
This sharing platter is a colourful, vibrant dish to add to any Christmas party table
These miniature jackets are sure to delight at your next Christmas party
This DIY bagel board is an easy idea for a laid-back brunch with friends
This easy, no-bake pear cheesecake is sure to be a Christmas crowd-pleaser