The best party food from the supermarket from €1.79
THERE was a time when a buffet meant fifty shades of beige – from soggy sausage rolls to hot sandwiches.
But this year, the supermarket festive treats include some absolute crackers – and there’s a new trend that will have all your guests squealing with delight.
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Bao buns are big news, and most supermarkets have varieties, from Santas to polar bears, bringing cheer to any spread.
Also check out a luxury seafood tower that isn’t yet on shelves, but will be flying out on December 21 because it costs a fraction of what it should. Add it to your shopping list now!
And if you want snacks to match your decor, Morrisons has just what you need: bows galore!
So whether you’re stocking up for your next hosting tasks, for Twixmas spreads, New Year’s celebrations or just fancy a fussy tea for one – with extra festive flair – check out the size here…
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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 handmade dim sums look like real vegetables – even if they are mini versions – so you can enjoy them without seasonal guilt.
In fact, the flavors are delicious and go great with a glass of sparkling water.
Our favorite was the pea and mint, but the carrot and orange, and tomato and basil options are also tasty.
So cute, they’re almost too good to eat.
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Asda Exceptional Afternoon Sea, £20 – BUY NOW
For the first time in a supermarket, Asda is launching this luxurious-looking seafood centerpiece on December 21, which it claims would cost double the price to make yourself!
Asda says 1 in 10 Brits eat salmon on Christmas morning, so this could be the perfect buy for a festive breakfast.
The 12 blini canapes consist of truffle-infused cream cheese and smoked salmon, mini shells filled with spinach mousse and lobster, plus small crumpets topped with Marie Rose mousse and prawns.
Fin-tastic!
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Morrisons The Best Prawn Bao Buns, £5.50 for 8 – BUY NOW
We’ve definitely noticed a trend for perfect bao buns this year – and these are definitely worth opening.
They will also look great on a slate platter at any festive party, especially if you’ve gotten in on the trend for bow-themed Christmas decorations!
Light and fluffy, these steamed bao buns are made in Vietnam and are filled with shrimp, plus a delicious blend of Asian herbs and spices.
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Waitrose & Partners – BUY NOW
The heavyweight from the major shopping streets does not disappoint this festive season and shows off its culinary creativity.
First of all, this one No. 1 Santa Bao Buns, £8 for 8will put a smile on everyone’s face – young and old.
Pillow soft and decorated just like the Big Man himself, they are packed with shredded vegetables in sweet hoisin sauce.
And although they are a bit beige, with these it will be love at first bite No. 1 Crispy Bacon Carbonara Cups, £8 for 12.
And for the afters: enjoy Mini tiramisu desserts, £6 for 6which are sure to be a hit with guests.
The sponge is soaked in coffee. mascarpone and Masala wine – simply heavenly!
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Co-op Irresistible Prawn Toast Tacos with Mango and Sweet Chilli Dip, £5 – BUY NOW
If you don’t know by now, tacos are excellent party food, and these are amazing.
Stuffed with shrimp, basa and vegetables, they also come with a tasty dipping sauce.
The best part is that they’re 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’s celebrations too.
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Lidl Partytime range – BUY NOW
If anyone knows how to disguise snacks for the masses, it’s Lidl. Just take a look at the store’s newest selection.
Our favorites are the Party chicken breast skewers, £1.99 for 10which are available in satay or sweet yakitori flavors, and the Coated prawns for a party, £1.79 before 12which are available in coconut or spicy options.
Okay, we admit, they are a bit on the beige side, but at these price points we couldn’t resist, and all you need is a colorful tablescape to counteract this.
So get out some fun napkins and your most colorful plates and you’ll head to the buffet table smiling.
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Marks & Spencer Collection Penguin and Polar Bear Steamed Buns, £7.50 for 8 – BUY NOW
Didn’t we say there was a trend for cute bao buns this year?
These penguin and polar bear treats are packed with personality (and veggies) to create a festive party feel.
In fact, they are such works of art, don’t be surprised if your guests need a little encouragement to pick up a penguin!
The Sun’s Christmas Together campaign
THIS Christmas we’re working 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 this Christmas to support people who feel cut off, anxious and isolated.
Could be YOU reach out to someone who may be struggling and alone?
It could be someone you know in your own life or community who needs support.
Or we can put you in touch with someone in need through the NHS Volunteer responder scheme, Royal Voluntary Service and the GoodSAM app.
Could you spare half an hour to call and chat with someone who is feeling isolated? Or could you volunteer to deliver essential groceries or festive treats?
Go to nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/christmastogether to register as a volunteer.
You will then receive an email that will guide you through the sign-up process and ask you to download the responder app, which will connect you with people in need near you.
Don’t worry if you don’t find a job right away, because the vacancies are tailored to the needs in your area. Being willing to help is what really matters.
