The big 5 stock up on cut-price christmas vegetables at the supermarket and try our simple-to-make party platters and buffet ideas

Often, it’s the supporting roles that command the most attention – like these glorious starters, sides and sauces

■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 30 mins ■ Cook 50 mins 4 large field mushrooms4 tbsp olive oil1 garlic clove, chopped400g spinach leavesflour, for dusting1 tbsp thyme leaves500g block all-butter puff pastry140g sti

By Charlie Tomlinson (wildroot.kitchen) Serves 6 | Prep 25 mins plus chilling | Cook 50 mins FOR THE FILLING 1 tbsp olive oil1 onion, diced4 garlic cloves, crushed10g fresh sage, finely chopped2 sprig

Whether it’s festive nibbles with the neighbours or a full-scale NYE party, these drinks and canapés are sure to please all

■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 5 mins ■ Cook 20 mins 5 tbsp olive oil1 tsp smoked paprika1 tsp cumin seeds400g can cherry tomatoes200g fresh cherry tomatoes2 garlic clovessmall bunch of parsleysmall bunch of basil

By Clodagh McKenna Serves 4 | Prep 15 mins | Cook 25 mins 50g vegan butter1 onion, roughly chopped1 potato, peeled and roughly chopped2 garlic cloves, crushed2 celery sticks, sliced1½ litres hot veget