I went to the M&S Christmas food preview and this Christmas crisp stopped me in my tracks

It wouldn’t be Christmas at my house without some M&S help. By the time Christmas rolls around I’ll have been working on our festive recipes and features for five whole months (I’ve already eaten four Christmas dinners) and a certain amount of fatigue sets in. So yes, I use some shortcuts. I also buy edible and drinkable presents for many people and M&S' Christmas packaging is fabulous this year, especially the red and white stripes – as if the elf on a shelf had been left in charge of the branding.

I’m lucky in being able to get a front row seat at the M&S Christmas showcase – this year was no different – and this is what I have already mentally shopped for (or added to a virtual basket). Some of these items are already available so I’d advise you to give them a try.

100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil Crisps with Lobster (£3.90)

Generally, I’m a crisp purist with a very few exceptions, these being one of them – they’re the crisp equivalent of couture prawn cocktail. They’re a good size, flavoured with salt, dried lobster and the tiniest hint of rice vinegar for tang (no other additives), and will make a fantastic canapé base for a topping of crème fraîche and finely chopped smoked salmon or fish roe. Or serve them with champagne or a good crémant, they are as good as the life of the party.

Hampshire Down lambchetta (£50, M&S food to order)

The name alone would have got me. Lamb shoulder wrapped in lamb breast with a layer of stuffing. This is what I need for day two of entertaining – it will go with all the leftover veg from day one without appearing to be a whole ‘reheat’ scenario. It’s an easy cook, easy carve option that will please everyone, and because it’s ready-made I won’t have to try and fit another set of raw ingredients in the already overstuffed fridge.

Peppermint and chocolate wafer rolls (£2.50)

If you like a certain wafer-thin mint coated in chocolate but you’ve always wished it had a bit more ‘bite’, then you will love these. Fun, bite sized and a perfect after dinner nibble, these come in a candy cane striped tin which will look most festive on your table. I’ll be buying several boxes ahead of time.

Collection Single Origin Chocolate & Stem Ginger Panettone (£20)

I’m obsessed with panettone and buy several every year. I usually go for a classic or a nocciolato, but this year this chocolate and ginger number has caught my attention. I managed to eat most of one at our taste test and spent 15 minutes at the preview grilling the poor bakery buyer on provenance and ingredients. Panettone making is a magic art, the dough grows from a small amount to an enormous light and fluffy bun. It should tear into giant shreds when eaten, and this one does. Sublime.

Decaf espresso martinis (£3.50)

A cocktail instead of pudding is often a very good idea at this time of year – there is usually more than enough food going around. I always steer away from an espresso martini, which is the ideal after dinner drink, because I can’t drink caffeine after 1 pm – but now I don’t have to. Simply genius.

For more festive shopping inspiration, discover M&S' general Christmas food launch earlier this month, along with the equivalent releases from Waitrose, Morrisons and Tesco.

Next, check out our round-up of the best Advent calendars for 2026

*Please note that prices may vary in selected stores.