With something for everyone, buffets make the perfect feast for Christmas parties, Boxing Day or Twixtmas entertaining. Below, you'll find ideas for a mouth-wateringly memorable and easy festive spread.
Christmas main dishes
A spectacular seafood platter, succulent gammon with black cherry glaze and a vegan wellington… these sumptuous serve-yourself centrepieces will be the stars of the show on any buffet table. The dishes below are all from our convenient Food Made To Order service, where you can pre-order a delicious range of prepared food – perfect if you’re short on time or want to take the stress out of entertaining. Delivery slots for Christmas are available from 1 October, or 24 September for priority customers.
Salmon, Trout, Lemon & Mascarpone Terrine
Hot smoked salmon and smoked trout mousse with silky lemon and mascarpone mousse, topped with Scottish smoked salmon. Serves 6.
Available from 19 December
NEW Sweet Cured Gammon with Black Cherry Glaze
A fragrantly spiced, sweet cured British gammon joint with an extra-fruity cherry glaze. Serve warm or cold as a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Serves 12.
Available from 8 December
NEW No. 1 Cauliflower Cheese Galette Crown
Tender cauliflower in a rich sauce made with Barber's Mature and Vintage Cheddars, in hand-crimped all butter pastry. Finished with a crisp Cheddar crumb. Serves 6.
Available from 10 December
British Easy Carve Duck with Plum & Chestnut
This plump and succulent part-deboned whole British duck comes with a pork, plum and chestnut stuffing. Great for gluten-free guests. Serves 6.
Available from 19 December
NEW No.1 Mushroom, Malbec & Port Wellington
A luxurious festive main course made with a mix of chestnut, portabello and pulled shiitake mushrooms in a Malbec and port sauce, wrapped in a spinach pancake and light, flaky vegan puff pastry. Serves 4.
Available from 10 December
No.1 30-day Dry Aged British Beef Rump Joint
The flavour, tenderness and succulence of the beef develops during the traditional dry ageing process, making it a fabulous addition to any festive buffet. Serves 10-12.
Available from 8 December
No.1 Luxury Seafood Platter with Smoked Salmon Pâté
A selection of crab claws, Madagascan crevettes, crab shells filled with crab mousse and crab meat, No.1 smoked salmon pâté, tail on king prawns and lemon, garlic & parsley king prawns. Serves 10-12.
Available from 16 December
Christmas party food ideas
‘Tis the season to wow your guests with fabulously festive finger food. Combine crunchy king prawn toasts, crispy bacon carbonara cups and super-cute mini polar bear bao buns made by us, with hassle-free Christmas canapé winners made by you.
No.1 8 King Prawn Toasts
These crunchy prawn toasts are topped with a succulent, tail-on king prawn, and come with a zingy soy, ginger and lime dipping sauce.
Available from 12 November
NEW No.1 9 New York Deli Toasties
Soft mini pretzels, filled with British salt beef, tangy pickled gherkin and Emmental cheese in a velvety béchamel sauce made with a dash of American-style mustard.
Available from 19 November
No.1 12 Crispy Bacon Carbonara Cups
Enjoy 12 bitesized cups of crisp, maple-cured smoked bacon filled with creamy spaghetti carbonara made with extra mature Cheddar.
Available from 19 November
NEW No.1 Party 8 Polar Bear Bao Buns
Our festive take on the popular snack – soft, pillowy, handmade mini polar bear bao buns filled with shredded vegetables in a deliciously sweet, sticky hoisin sauce.
Available from 12 November
12 Duchy Organic Free Range British Pork Sausages Wrapped in Bacon
Deliciously meaty sausages made from prime cuts of free-range pork shoulder, wrapped in unsmoked, air-matured bacon.
Available to order from 24 September
NEW Mini Garlic Chicken Kyivs
Tender British chicken filled with creamy garlic sauce and coated in golden panko breadcrumbs. Just the right size for snacking and sharing.
Available from 12 November
12 Frozen Vegetable Spring Rolls
Crisp filo pastry rolls filled with carrot, yam bean, cabbage and wood ear mushroom. Great for dipping into soy sauce or sweet chilli sauce.
NEW Hot Honey Chicken Bites
Tender British chicken in a sweet and spicy batter and herbed crumb.
Available from 5 October
Christmas dessert ideas
No matter how much party food your guests pile their plates with, there's always room for something sweet. Lay out (large) spoons for the likes of sumptuous No.1 Chocolate Ganache Torte, light Limoncello Fizz Panettone and brand-new, showstopping No.1 The Nutcracker.
NEW No.1 Chocolate Ganache Torte
Irresistibly indulgent, with a smooth, rich dark chocolate ganache on a base of dark chocolate with crunchy cookie crumbs.
Available to order from 24 September
No.1 9 Mini Brown Butter Mince Pies with Cognac
Brown butter gives the pastry a nutty flavour that complements a rich mincemeat made with glacé Amarena cherries, almonds and apricots.
Limoncello Fizz Panettone
This light Italian cake with candied lemon peel has pockets of limoncello filling and is infused with sparkling wine syrup. Sprinkle over the fizzy lemon sugar to finish.
NEW No.1 The Nutcracker
A shimmering centrepiece dessert of milk and dark chocolate mousse with rich hazelnut praline inside, on a crunchy chocolate feuilletine base with a hint of salt.
Available to order from 24 September
NEW No.1 Triple Chocolate Yule Log
Rich chocolate sponge rolled around Belgian chocolate sauce and British cream. Finished with white and dark Belgian chocolate decorations.
Available to order from 24 September
Christmas leftovers recipes
Transform Christmas Day leftovers into a delicious Boxing Day or Twixtmas buffet feast.
Leftover turkey recipes
Discover crowd-pleasing dishes, from turkey curry to turkey & sprout pot pie.
Leftover cheese recipes
Dig into Brie & caramelised leek tart, loaded potato skins and plenty more.
Leftover dessert recipes
Christmas pudding doughnuts or Christmas pudding brownies? That is the question.
Christmas drinks
The food’s sorted – now it’s time to fill the fridge with fizz, make plans for homemade punch or stock up on mulled wine to simmer on the hob.
Shop drinks with your groceries
Add wine, fizz, beer, spirits and pre-made Tails cocktails to your food order.
Shop at Waitrose Cellar
Discover our full range of wines, all handpicked by our experts.
Festive cocktail recipes
Get creative and shake up wintery cocktails and mocktails.
Christmas hacks
Looking for Christmas buffet inspiration?
Create an unforgettable Christmas buffet with our range of festive dishes. From elegant canapés to vibrant platters and indulgent desserts, we’ve got a variety of options to suit every taste.
Hosting a large gathering or a cosy dinner? Our selection ensures your spread will be both delicious and memorable. Start with flavourful crisps, nuts, and snacks for a quick, tasty appetiser. Bring a touch of sophistication to the table with rich pâtés and terrines alongside smoked salmon for a hint of luxury. For heartier bites, explore our deli platters, and round off the celebration with delicious desserts and wine, fizz, and festive drinks to toast the occasion.
Whether you’re putting together an extravagant buffet or a more intimate spread, our Christmas party food brings you a delicious selection to make this Christmas truly special.