Purple punch (non-alcoholic)
If you don't have an old-fashioned punch bowl you can use a large fruit or serving bowl instead. Or mix in a jug and pour into glasses.
Makes 1.2 litres

700ml / 1 ¼ pints purple grape juice, chilled
1 x can (300g-350g) pineapple chunks, plus juice
500ml /1 pint sparkling mineral water or club soda, chilled ice
1 orange, sliced (or quartered)
grapes, for garnish


Pour the grape juice into a punch bowl or large jug, then tip in the pineapple chunks with their juice and mix in the mineral water or club soda. Add the ice. If using a punch bowl float the orange slices on top. If using a jug, cut the slices into quarters and skewer with a cocktail stick and grape and use as individual garnish in glasses.

Red chicory filled with white stilton, walnuts and cranberries
These make delightful little 'boats' topped with a rich cheese, nut and fruit filling. Simple to prepare in advance and easy to nibble with fingers only.

2-3 heads red chicory
100g / 3 ¾ oz white Stilton cheese, crumbled
3 tbsp dried cranberries
4 tbsp walnuts, roughly chopped

Pull the leaves off the core of the chicory. Mix the Stilton, cranberries and walnuts and pile into the chicory 'boats'.