Party time

New Year’s Eve is the time to party, so be prepared with these simple but effective appetiser and drinks ideas

Food

1. Up your bacon sarnie stakes by blending butter with a little sherry, spread on to 10cm-long, lightly toasted baguette pieces and top with cooked bacon and the baguette top.

2. Dress up pigs in blankets for the occasion by swapping chipolatas for a spicy thick sausage, roll in puff pastry, slice into roughly 1.5cm pieces and bake until golden and sizzling.

3. Be bang on trend and serve up vol au vents for a nostalgic and comforting vibe. Fill puff pastry cases with smoked salmon and chive-infused sour cream or try these simple ideas:

» finely chopped cooked mushrooms combined with a roux made from butter, garlic, flour and milk

» small prawns combined with a mix of cheese spread, Greek natural yogurt, tomato puree and lemon juice

» small pieces of ham and diced pineapple mixed with cheese spread and Greek natural yogurt

» guacamole as the filling with any topping.

4. Round off with a selection of mini sweet bites, such as rum and raisin brownies, chocolate fudge, pastry cases filled with Eton mess and mince pies.

Drinks

1. Raspberry mimosa

Pour raspberry liqueur with champagne, prosecco or sparkling red wine over ice, stir and serve. Add a sugar rim and fresh raspberry for a finishing touch.

2. Cranberry mule

Combine vodka with cranberry syrup and a little freshly squeezed lime juice, then half fill the glass with ice and top up with ginger beer. Garnish with a fresh lime slice and mint leaves.

3. Pineapple sparkling margarita

Blend fresh pineapple chunks with lime and lemon juice, strain, add tequila and a splash of Grand Marnier and chill until ready to serve, then top up with champagne or prosecco.

4. Cranberry martini

Shake vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, lemon juice and sugar syrup, strain into a glass over ice and serve.

5. Kir royale

A classic, simply pour Chambord into a fluted glass and gently top up with champagne with a raspberry to garnish.