Christmas Eve party ideas/trends?

[BrassicaBabe]

I used to do a regular Christmas Eve party. Arrive at 5-6, kindly feck off by 9pm kind of thing. I loved it. But it was feck load of work!! Massive buffet, mostly hand made/cooked. I made 3 decorated ginger bread houses presented on a board one year ffs 🙄🙄

Anyway, it's been about 10 years. And after glass of wine (or two!) I'm wondering if it's a good idea to resurrect the idea.

But what are party norms or trends now? What can I do that is welcoming but less hassle?

i was reading about Jeremy Archer's parties. I think it was shepherds pie and champagne. Kind of laughable. But reckon I could pull that off easier and cheaper than the previous version.

What do you guys think/do?

Guessing guest numbers are in the 30-40 region 🧐

Mulled wine and mince pies is fine. Lager/beer. Few bowls of crisps / nuts. Job done.

We did a buffet theme 'balls'. Not sophisticated but fun. Meatballs of all types - even turkey, cocktail onions, cheese aigrettes, cheese balls, varieties of cherry tomatoes, cucumber balls (melon baller needed), melon balls, round radishes, fruit salad with fruit shaped) meringue kisses, variety of profiteroles.