'Nice' treat foods at Christmas M&S? Waitrose? What to get and where

[Bladders73]

A few years ago we bought some party foods at M&S, mini cheeseburgers that were delicious and the children still rave about them now.

Usually we are dedicated Aldi shoppers on a budget but this year I have decided to have a little splash out and buy a few 'nice' treat type bits of party food and unusual things from somewhere a little more upmarket.

I had a look at the Christmas party food at M&S and a few of the party food platters looked lovely, the 32 piece garnish (pigs in blankets and stuffing) looked fab and so did some of the desserts. I put a few items in my online basket and its £80 already. Now my sensible head has kicked in and I'm horrified at spending all that on things I know I'll get cheaper elsewhere.

Are the M&S foods justifiably worth spending extra on or is there anywhere else that does just as nice things? Go on, tell me it's all worth it and it'll all taste amazing

I love m&s food but I think their party food is so overpriced. We got the little savoury pies from there a couple of years ago and they were a big let down!
I normally get just a few bits from there and go somewhere cheaper for the rest.
I use the butcher for cocktail sausages/pigs in blankets, ham/beef (for nice sandwiches).

pigs in blankets are a waste to get anything but basic or make your own (butchers sausage and a good bacon) . Waitrose ham is much better than M+S.

M&S do 3 for 2 on party food in the store so they are much better value than the platter things online. It should start soon, the nuts have already been reduced which is a good early warning I always get the mini burgers, Indian snack selection and the duck spring rolls. I prefer them to anywhere else.

Bladders I wanted to know the same thing

Usually I make everything I can from scratch but I thought it would be a nice change to spend a bit more money this year on the food,but I've been worried about the same.I really don't want to spend alot more and for it not to taste great.

I would definitely go in store and look at the 3 for 2 offers I like the pork crackling straws

The M&S 3 for 2 is there much freezable food within that offer do you know?

M&S cheese wrapped in bacon, oven seafood from Waitrose was lovely one year.

I think M&S already have frozen party stuff in, not sure if it's 3 for 2 yet though. The rest is all freezable I think. I've just remembered about the mini Coquilles St Jacques, they were lovely.

When the party food comes out, M&S do mini melting middle chocolate puddings which are very nice.

Waitrose deli and Aldi for me. I like m&s food but the queues are a pain even when it isn't christmas. I wish they'd open more large food stores with enough parking.