Christmas may still feel a little way off, but now is the perfect time to start planning your festive menus. Whether you’re serving traditional Christmas lunches, festive buffets, seasonal afternoon teas or New Year’s celebrations, our 2026 Festive Dining Guide is packed with inspiration and products to help you create memorable dishes for your customers. 

What’s inside?

Our Festive Dining Guide brings together a wide range of seasonal favourites, including:

• Starters and cheeses
• Turkey and centre-of-plate options
• Vegan and vegetarian alternatives
• All the Christmas trimmings
• Festive buffet favourites
• Cakes, puddings and seasonal desserts

From smoked salmon and pâté to turkey crowns, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes and indulgent festive desserts, you’ll find everything you need to build your Christmas menu in one handy guide. 

Get your copy today

You can download the Trevors Festive Dining Guide here: https://trevors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Festive-Dining-from-Trevors-.pdf

Alternatively, if you’d prefer a printed copy, simply speak to your Trevors Business Development Executive, who will be happy to provide one.

Looking for a particular Christmas product?

Many of the products featured in the guide can already be found by searching “XMAS” on Coldweb, making it easy to start planning your festive orders. 

Please note that not every seasonal line is live on our ordering system just yet as we continue to add products ahead of the festive period.

If you’re interested in a product that’s not yet available online, or you’d like more information about any of our Christmas range, simply:

• Call our friendly team on 01253 393000
• Speak to your Trevors Business Development Executive
• Contact your usual Trevors representative

We’ll be happy to help with product information, availability and ordering advice.

Plan ahead for a stress-free Christmas

The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for hospitality, education, care and catering businesses. Planning early gives you the best opportunity to secure the products you need and ensure you’re ready to deliver a fantastic festive experience for your customers.

Download your copy of the Trevors Festive Dining Guide today https://trevors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Festive-Dining-from-Trevors-.pdf and start planning Christmas with confidence.

The post Trevors Festive Dining Guide 2026 is Here! appeared first on Trevors Foodservice.

When catering for Christmas and serving large groups, allergens are always a major consideration. Thankfully, there are several simple ways to make Christmas dinner easier while creating a menu that suits more guests. By making a few smart ingredient swaps, you can reduce the need to prepare multiple versions of the same dish and keep your kitchen running more efficiently.

One of the easiest changes is to use gluten-free gravy so that you don’t have to prepare separate gravies for different dietary requirements. Gravy is one of the simplest components of a Christmas meal to swap, as the flavour difference is barely noticeable, making it an easy win for Christmas catering.

Another effective substitution is replacing butter in mashed potatoes with a dairy-free alternative. This small change allows more guests to enjoy the same dish without compromising on taste or texture. Making versatile recipes like these helps streamline your service and is one of the easiest ways to make Christmas dinner easier for both chefs and catering teams.

Using Frozen Veg When Catering For Christmas

Frozen vegetables are a lifesaver in busy kitchens, especially during the festive season. Most chefs already rely on frozen peas, broccoli and green beans, but other Christmas dinner favourites such as carrots, parsnips, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are also widely available frozen.

Buying frozen vegetables saves valuable preparation time by eliminating the need to wash, peel and chop large quantities of produce. Instead, they’re ready to cook straight from the freezer, helping your team focus on other parts of the meal. This makes them an excellent choice for Christmas catering, particularly when serving large numbers of guests.

One of the biggest challenges when catering for Christmas is ensuring every element of the meal is ready to serve at exactly the right time. Using pre-prepared frozen vegetables reduces pressure during service, improves consistency and is one of the simplest ways to make Christmas dinner easier in a commercial kitchen.

How To Use Up Christmas Dinner Leftovers

Reducing food waste is a priority for every professional kitchen, and after serving hundreds of festive meals, it’s inevitable you’ll have leftover turkey, vegetables, gravy and stuffing. Planning how you’ll use these ingredients in advance is a great Christmas catering strategy that helps reduce costs while creating new menu options.

Turkey, gravy and stuffing can be transformed into festive sandwiches or wraps, while leftover meat and vegetables make an excellent filling for hearty pies. Roast potatoes and vegetables can also be added to bubble and squeak, and almost every component of a traditional roast can be blended into a warming soup to freeze and serve throughout the winter months.

Finding creative ways to reuse leftovers not only helps minimise waste but also makes catering for Christmas more profitable and efficient. With a little planning, you’ll save time, reduce food costs and discover another practical way to make Christmas dinner easier throughout the busy festive period.

The post How To Make Christmas Dinner Easier appeared first on Trevors Foodservice.

At Trevors Foodservice, we stock everything from premium ingredients for chefs who love to cook from scratch to ready-prepared starters that simply need heating and serving. Whatever your kitchen, we’ve got your Christmas menu covered.

A Festive Favourite

Xmas Starters Idea #1: Smoked Salmon

Few Xmas starters are as timeless as smoked salmon. It’s versatile, premium and can be adapted to suit almost any style of menu.

For 2026, Scandinavian-inspired flavours continue to be popular. Pair smoked salmon with crème fraîche, fresh dill, horseradish and rye bread for a light, modern starter. Looking for something more casual? Americana-style mini bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon make a great sharing option. Or embrace nostalgia by serving smoked salmon in crisp vol-au-vents for a classic festive touch.

With quality smoked salmon and all the accompanying ingredients available from Trevors, creating an impressive starter couldn’t be easier.

Sharing Options

Xmas Starters Idea #2: Christmas Sharing Platters

Sharing boards continue to grow in popularity, and Christmas is the perfect excuse to go all out.

Build festive platters with antipasti meats, artisan cheeses, pâté, olives, pickles and freshly baked crusty bread. Add a few indulgent hot bites, such as our Sweet Chilli Squid Bites, to create a sharing starter that’s perfect for groups and festive celebrations.

These relaxed, sociable Xmas starters are ideal for pubs, hotels and restaurants looking to offer something a little different while keeping preparation simple.

Wholesome & Hearty

Xmas Starters Idea #3: A Warming Bowl of Soup

Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.

A rich, comforting soup is the perfect way to begin a festive meal. Whether you choose to make your own from scratch, enhance a quality powdered soup or serve a premium ready-to-heat option, soup remains one of the most popular Xmas starters year after year.

French onion soup topped with melted cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, while seasonal vegetable soups offer a lighter alternative. However you prepare it, a hearty bowl of soup brings warmth and comfort to every Christmas menu.

Nostalgic Dishes

Xmas Starters Idea #: Bring Back the Classics

Traditional starters are making a comeback, with diners embracing familiar favourites that bring a sense of nostalgia.

Prawn cocktail served with crisp lettuce and seafood sauce remains a festive staple, while chilled melon offers a lighter option that still feels special. Add premium ingredients, elegant presentation and fresh garnishes to give these classics a modern festive twist.

Sometimes the most memorable Xmas starters are the ones guests already know and love.

Prepared & Ready

Xmas Starters Idea #5 Ready-Prepared Starters That Save Valuable Time

Christmas puts huge pressure on every kitchen, making labour-saving products more valuable than ever.

Our range of individual ready-prepared starters allows chefs to deliver consistent quality with minimal preparation. Simply heat, plate and serve.

Our Brie & Red Onion Tarts are a perfect example, delivering rich festive flavours in an elegant individual portion that’s ideal for busy Christmas services. They’re an excellent choice for venues catering for large numbers without compromising on presentation or taste.

Everything You Need for Your Christmas Menu

Every kitchen works differently. Some chefs prefer creating every dish from scratch, while others need high-quality prepared products that help save valuable time during the busiest weeks of the year.

At Trevors Foodservice, we support both. From premium smoked salmon, cheeses and fresh ingredients to soups, sharing platter essentials and oven-ready starters, you’ll find everything you need to create unforgettable Xmas startersthis festive season.

Whether you’re planning a traditional Christmas menu or looking to introduce something new for 2026, our team is here to help you find the right products for your business.

Browse our festive range or speak to your Trevors representative to start planning your Christmas menu today.

The post The 5 Best Xmas Starters for 2026 appeared first on Trevors Foodservice.

These easy Christmas buffet ideas will help you create a delicious spread that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

What Makes a Good Christmas Buffet?

The best Christmas buffets combine hot and cold dishes, finger foods, desserts and vegetarian options. Choosing dishes that can be prepared in advance helps reduce stress on the day, while serving a variety of flavours ensures there’s something for everyone.

When planning your menu, include:

• Hot savoury dishes
• Cold party food
• Vegetarian options
• Sweet treats
• Plenty of festive nibbles

1. Mini Sausage Rolls

A Christmas buffet wouldn’t be complete without sausage rolls. Serve them warm or cold with chutneys and festive dips for an easy crowd-pleaser.

2. Pigs in Blankets

One of the UK’s favourite Christmas party foods, pigs in blankets are always popular. They’re quick to cook in large batches and disappear just as quickly!

3. Turkey and Stuffing Sandwiches

Use roast turkey with sage and onion stuffing, cranberry sauce and fresh rocket to create festive finger sandwiches that are perfect for buffet tables.

4. Mini Quiches

Mini quiches are ideal because they can be prepared ahead of time and served warm or cold. They are also a great vegetarian buffet option.

5. Cheese and Charcuterie Board

A selection of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, grapes, chutneys and fresh fruit creates an attractive centrepiece while giving guests plenty of choice.

6. Cocktail Sausages

These are an easy dish to prepare and can be served hot or cold for an always popular with guests of all ages.

7. Stuffing Balls

Stuffing balls are inexpensive, easy to prepare in large quantities and packed with festive flavour. Serve with cranberry sauce for dipping.

8. Mini Mince Pies

No Christmas buffet is complete without mince pies. Their bite-sized format makes them perfect for guests to enjoy alongside tea or coffee.

9. Chocolate Yule Log

Finish your buffet with a traditional chocolate Yule log, sliced into individual portions for easy serving.

10. Millionaire’s Shortbread

Shortbread topped with salted caramel and chocolate are an ever-popular choice for buffets. Simply slice a tray-baked shortbread into bite-size pieces for a crowdpleasing dessert.

Tips for Planning a Christmas Buffet

If you’re catering for a larger group, preparation is key. Many dishes can be made ahead of time or cooked in batches, helping everything run smoothly on the day.

To create a balanced buffet:

• Include a mixture of hot and cold foods.
• Offer vegetarian and vegan options.
• Label dishes with allergen information.
• Prepare desserts in advance.
• Keep hot food above 63°C and chilled food below 8°C where appropriate.
• Allow approximately 8–12 buffet items per guest, depending on whether it’s replacing a full meal.

Why Buffets Are Good for Christmas Parties

Buffets encourage guests to mingle and choose the foods they enjoy most. They’re also highly flexible, making them suitable for workplaces, schools, care homes, community events and family celebrations.

Many Christmas party foods can be prepared in advance, reducing pressure on the day and making catering for large numbers much more manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What food do you put on a Christmas buffet?

A Christmas buffet should include a mix of hot and cold dishes such as sausage rolls, pigs in blankets, sandwiches, quiches, cheese boards, crisps, salads, festive desserts and vegetarian options. Offering a variety of flavours and textures ensures there’s something for everyone.

How much food do I need for a Christmas buffet?

For a buffet replacing a main meal, allow around 8 to 12 food items per guest. If the buffet is served alongside other entertainment or refreshments, 5 to 8 items per person is usually sufficient.

What finger food is good for Christmas?

Some of the best Christmas finger foods include pigs in blankets, mini sausage rolls, stuffing balls, cocktail sausages, mini quiches, brie and cranberry bites, chicken goujons and festive sandwiches.

How do you cater for a Christmas buffet?

Plan your menu in advance, prepare dishes that can be cooked ahead of time, include vegetarian options, label allergens clearly and keep hot and cold foods at safe serving temperatures. Choosing simple recipes that can be made in large batches helps make catering for a Christmas buffet much easier.

Final Thoughts

The best Christmas buffet ideas combine traditional festive favourites with practical dishes that are easy to prepare and serve. Whether you’re organising a family celebration, office party or catered event, a well-planned buffet offers flexibility, variety and plenty of festive flavour.

By including a balance of hot dishes, finger foods, desserts and lighter options, you’ll create a memorable spread that keeps guests coming back for seconds while making catering as stress-free as possible.

The post Christmas Buffet Ideas: 10 Easy Dishes for the Perfect Festive Spread appeared first on Trevors Foodservice.

Starters to Sparkle Your Festive Feast

Kick off your celebrations with a burst of flavour! Our Sweet Chilli Squid Bites and Herb and Garlic Marinated Prawns from Pacific West Food are the perfect starters to tantalise taste buds. For those seeking gluten-free elegance, our Gluten-Free Brie and Red Onion Tart from Central Foods is a festive delight. For the hospitality industry, these appetisers are sure to elevate your Christmas menu, creating a culinary masterpiece for your guests.

Deck the Halls with Frozen Vegetables

Add a touch of innovation to your menu with our Country Range Waffle Fries and elevate your side dishes with the classic French delicacy, Potato Dauphinoise. With options like Sidewinders and Roasted Potatoes, your North West catering offerings are sure to stand out.

Buffet selections that Spread Christmas Cheer

Spread the Christmas cheer with Cheeseburger Crostini, Mozzarella Pockets, and a medley of Mixed Savoury Canapés. These dishes from Central Foods, Paramount, and Prestige Foods are perfect for creating a festive feast that will leave a lasting impression.

Desserts that Delight Your Senses

Conclude your celebrations on a sweet note with our decadent desserts. From Chocolate Orange Cheesecake to a symphony of flavours in our Chocolate, Cherry & Rum Tart, Mademoiselle Desserts’ Individual Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding, and the seasonal delight of Waldrons Patisserie’s Festive Bakewell, these desserts are the pièce de résistance. For the care sector, these desserts offer a comforting and festive treat for residents.

But that’s just the beginning! Our wide range of products extends beyond this selection, ensuring that you find the perfect ingredients to create a memorable Christmas feast for your wholesale catering business. To explore our full range and discover the best deals and offers for this festive period, we invite you to visit our website.

As your trusted partner in foodservice catering, we want to make your holiday preparations seamless. Download our Christmas opening times to ensure you have everything you need when you need it. But that’s not all – stay in the loop with the latest promotions and trends by downloading our Stir-it-up promotions and magazine. It’s your recipe for success this holiday season.

Download Our Christmas Opening Times:

Make this Christmas unforgettable with Trevors Foodservice, your partner in wholesale catering in the North West. Visit our website and order online now to explore our full range of festive delights and take advantage of our special offers.

Don’t miss out on the chance to create a culinary masterpiece this holiday season. For chefs and caterers who demand excellence, we’ve got your back. If you need any assistance or menu support, get in touch with our experienced sales team – we’re here to help!

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