What to bring to Christmas dinner | Easy-to-transport dishes for the host

Tear-and-share pizza rolls

Pizza is the easiest way to please a crowd! These tear-and-share rolls will go down great at a party; they’ll disappear as soon as they’re on the table. Wrap them in some greaseproof paper and foil, then pop in your bag.

Mini viennese mince pies

No Christmas party is complete without a plate of mince pies. These ones are topped with a rich Viennese biscuit, making them even more enticing. Your host will appreciate the homemade effort and travel wise it couldn’t be easier. Take them in a Tupperware or carry them in the muffin tin.

Mini pancetta filo pies

Your host will think you’ve spent hours making these impressive filo tarts. They’re delicious, delicate and simple to make. Carry them in the muffin tin so they look great when they arrive.

Meat vs veg patchwork pizza

If the party is going to have a mix of veggies and meat eaters, this patchwork pizza is the perfect way to please everyone. It’s easy to share and can be sliced before you travel, meaning you just have to wrap it in some greaseproof paper and foil to keep it fresh.

Christmas chutney

If your host has been preparing days in advance, they’ll have every dish sorted. Make them a jar of festive chutney to enjoy in their own time instead. Chutney keeps for a month once opened, so it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Plus, jars travel well whether you’re arriving on foot, by car or by train.

Sweet miso caramels

These miso caramels make great gifts for hosts, friends and family. Wrapped in greaseproof paper, they’ll keep and travel well. The sweet and savory flavour is an adult twist on the classic caramel. Cut into bite size chunks, they look just as tempting as they taste.

Potted smoked salmon

Smoked salmon pâté can be made in advance, so you have one less thing to think about during the festive period. Your host will appreciate the effort and they’ll be able to enjoy it at the party or in their own time. Remember, sealed jars can be carried in your bag without fear of them leaking.

Cannellini bean and roast squash salad with basil dressing

By the fifth Christmas party, you might have had enough of pigs in blankets and baked camembert! Consider taking a winter salad to your next event. It’s great for a crowd and guests who like something a bit lighter. You can carry the salad in a Tupperware container so it gets there safely.

Salted cashew nut brittle

Brittle has a naturally broken look, meaning you can carry it however you want and it’ll still arrive looking great. This salted cashew nut brittle is original and delicious. You’ll have lots of fun breaking it into shards, but even more fun eating it!

Homemade breadsticks

As any host and partygoer knows, you can never have too many breadsticks or crackers to go with cheese. Going the extra mile by making homemade breadsticks will show the host you care. They’ll travel well either in a Tupperware or wrapped in foil. If you’re feeling extra generous, turn up with the dip, too!

Quick ginger cordial

Most guests turn up with a bottle of something fizzy, but if your host is steering clear of alcohol over the festive period, bring a bottle of homemade ginger cordial with you. The thought and effort will go down well with your host. Simply pour the cordial into a sterilized bottle and carry it to your hosts.

Written by Ellie Edwards

Janine and Gregor trade inspiring ideas for edible gifts for friends in this weekly instalment of our podcast

olive magazine podcast ep33 - edible gifts, Nikkei cuisine and Christmas drinking

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