For many of us, the festive season brings with it a chance to indulge in our favourite foods. Gathering around the table brings friends and family together over the holiday period, and with Christmas around the corner, it will soon be time to consider which festive foods should have pride of place this winter.

The cheeseboard is a traditional component of the Christmas meal and bound to be a favourite at Christmas parties. Serve a variety of quality cheeses, including stilton, strong cheddar and brie, with crackers, grapes, coffee or dessert wine for a leisurely cheese course or snack to share.

Love it or hate it, Christmas pudding is a British staple. When homemade, the rich pudding needs to be prepared months in advance to allow the flavours to develop. For those who lack culinary confidence, gourmet providers such as www.formanandfield.com offer handmade quality puddings with next-day delivery.

Most people consider Christmas dinner to be the main culinary event of the holidays. Some prefer a traditional roasted goose, while others opt for a leaner bird such as turkey, or a vegetarian option. The Christmas dinner is set apart by a series of optional extras, including chestnuts, pigs in blankets, and Christmas crackers. All the Christmas hampers can be bought together in Forman & Field.

No British Christmas is complete without mince pies and mulled wine. These winter warmers provide a festive aroma on cold nights and make ideal gifts for relatives, friends, workmates or Christmas carollers.