Help with drinks and nibbles

[Winterfellwonderland]

I agreed to host a get together for some of my neighbors and friends on the 22nd for drinks and nibbles. There's about 7-10 adults and a hand full of kids invited. I said it's just a casual thing....stop by for a glass of wine thing.

I need some.ideas as to what to do food wise... And what drinks to buy...... I have a small budget about £50 to spend and I want to keep it simple but not sure what to do.

I've said it on another thread but I for drinks I would offer a Christmas cocktail, either snowballs or Nigella's poinsettia (prosecco, cranberry and grand marnier).

Food wise I would make Delia's sausage rolls and her parmesan allumettes.

Then, mince pies, either homemade or from a bakers.

Honestly? I’d go to Iceland

80 sausage rolls for £2, simple party food like that leaves more ££ to spend on drink.

Drinks wise, I’d keep it simple and just have cava, red and white wine and some jugs of squash.

Alternatively I’d just offer mince pies, Christmas cake, crisps, nuts and olives.

If I was you I would keep it very simple, people seem to get swept away with making complicated foods and drinks. Most people enjoy the simple things. So I would maybe offer crisps, popcorn, nuts(?) and some fruit/vegetable platters. Then i would buy wine, soft drinks and maybe a bottle of something nice.

Baguettes to carve, butter, cheese, meats, mulled wine.

With mulled wine do you have to keep it constantly on the hob or do you transfer it to a jug xx

I do mulled wine in slow cooker, so can use cheaper red wine with lots spices, fruit and maybe dash of brandy . I keep adding to it as night goes on.Goes down a treat and smell in house is lovely!! I then have mince pies and some smoked salmon and cooked ham ( separately!) on brown bread....maybe with creme fresh and chives etc. Then crisps/chips and dips from supermarket. And lots cheesy Christmas music!!!

£50 -
Keep it carb heavy with some frozen food bits from Iceland

Cheddar with some nice chutneys- aldi or Lidl’s
Some baguettes
A carved ham.

Make your own mulled wine- cheap, plentiful and will go a long way. Keep it on a low low heat ok the job with a big ladle. Serve in mugs.

Some lemonade for the kids and some popcorn.

Does the 50 include wine? If so work out what you need and see what you have to play with.

Id have bowls of crisps/pretzels, mini sausages (kids love them ime), olives, baguettes and butter, continental meats and a couple of cheeses. Heated party food is trickier if there's not a set time but I do second the Iceland suggestion. It's surprisingly nice!