And let's not forget the centre piece - the Turkey
Christmas is just around the corner, it's time to get serious and think about the food and drink - if you haven't already.
If you have, we applaud you because you can guarantee that in the necxt couple of weeks that the supermarkets are going to go nuts with people stockpiling for their 'Christmas Cupboard'.
A shopping list is a must on one of these shopping trips, or you'll find yourself going to and from the shops more times than you have all year and this is only because you tell yourself that the day wouldn't be perfect or would completely crumble if you didn't have that extra packet of Pringles to snack on in the evening. Even though we really know that people are far too full and merry to be thinking of these things.
That said, we're here to provide you with some food - and drink - for thought, your shopping lists so to speak. We have Christmas food, Christmas Drinks and Christmas Treats that you need to be considering this year - it just would be the same without them you know...
Christmas Food to buy: 
Dalepak Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls - It's an essential part of any Christmas Dinner, just like the paper hats and cheesy jokes. These ready-made balls means that you can spend a little less time in the kitchen. (Available from Asda, RRP £1.29 for pack of 12)
Polenta is great for sprinkling on roast potatoes to give them a crispier coating, perfect for the fussy relatives who like their spuds cooked to a certain way. (Available from merchant-gourmet.com, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Morrisons)
O
wen Potts is a genuine culinary expert and he's been developing products behind the scenes for years. If you fancy wowing everyone this year with a delicious gravy, but don't really have the cooking skills for it, then look no further than his chicken gravy with white wine and thyme. Hide the packet and even try to pass it off as your own, it'll be fun to see their surprised faces. (Available from Tesco, £1.99)
If you want to stick to the delicious and classic beef gravy then you have to head to Colman's new gravy paste. If the dancing cow on the advert isn't enough to draw you in, then the taste certainly will be. It's quick and easy to use and brings full flavour without any aritifical flavours or additives. (Available from all major supermarkets, RRP £1.59) 
When looking for the butter for your cheese board, you have to opt for Kerrygold Butter. The Irish recipe is made with olive oil so it spreads easily onto your biscuits and crackers. Plus, it's the perfect addition to mashed potatoes. (Available from all major retailers, RRP £2.80) 
Mrs Crimble's Cheese Bites are the perfect nibble for the party season and because they're baked and not fried they're a little easier on our waistlines - a huge bonus at this time of year. They come in three different flavours so you're bound to find one you like, or maybe enjoy all three. There is original cheese, tomato & olive and sour cream & onion and because they're gluten free they can be enjoyed by everyone. (Available from all major supermarkets, RRP £1.39)
If traditional Christmas pudding doesn’t tickle your taste buds then put an alternative festive feast at the top of your shopping list this year, the Christmas 
Cheesecake. Luxury vanilla cheesecake combined with seasonal ingredients make three heavenly desserts to satisfy young and old. Delivered to your door frozen, they are perfect to order in plenty of time, ready to defrost when needed or if unexpected guests drop by. I sampled the Brandy Snap and will certainly be putting in an order for Christmas. (Available from English Cheesecake Company from £25 serves 12) 
Peter’s Yard hand-crafted artisan crispbreads are the choice for entertaining this festive season as they are a perfect partner for fine cheeses, an ideal accompaniment to delicious dips and even a great base for canapés or light starters. Guests are sure to be impressed by their versatility and moreish nature plus the stylish Peter’s Yard storage tins make an excellent gift for food lovers who want to try something different. (Available from food halls, Fortnum and Mason, Selfrdiges, John Lewis, Whole Foods Market and petersyard.com. Prices start from £4.99)
Wonderful Pistachios Sweet Chilli are the perfect nibble for the festive season and beyond. With just three calories per nut, Wonderful Pistachios are easier on the waistban than most snacks. As well as the Sweet Chilli flavour, which are incredibly delicious, they also come in Roasted Salted, Salt & Pepper and Roasted Unsalted variants. (Available from Tesco, Sainsbury's, Holland & Barratt and Julian Graves. Prices start from £1.99)
And finally, a Christmas without some pie, is one not worth celebrating. This year try the limited edition Higgidy Handmade Christmassy pie. The first in the 
new range of Higgidy's 'Celebration Pies' (look out for a Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 pie next year), the traditional shortcrust pastry case is filled to the brim with free range turkey and smoked bacon lardons in a creamy leek sauce, yummy Higgidy stuffing made with free range pork sausagemeat mixed with plump apricots and seasoned with sage and onion. It's Christmas dinner in a pie and is in stores from November for a limited town. (Available from supermarkets nationwide, RRP £3.49)
Enjoy shopping for the festive season and let us know what you find delicious.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in food Christmas Food