Christmas cocktails and canapés – in pictures

A bottle of homemade sloe gin makes a lovely festive gift, as does some sophisticated barware.

Kilner 8-piece sloe gin making set, £28.95; Half hammered champagne bucket, £35; Champagne, Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rose 75cl £30; Half hammered cocktail shaker, £25; “Pop in for drinks” cocktail utensils, set of 4 £38; Glitter rib glass bauble, white, from a set of 3, £9 Photograph: Beth Evans

A few well-chosen canapés will add instant glamour to a drinks party. Channel the Great Gatsby theme with bowls of olives, smoked salmon blinis and devils on horseback.

Jasper Conran for Wedgewood platinum striped plate £25; Hammered bowl, £7; Jasper Conran for Wedgwood pinstripe oval platter, £65; Hammered bowl, £7; Large hammered party bowl, £40; Champagne, Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rose 75cl £30; Pile of plates, Queensbury hunt from £34-£48 per set of 4; Sophie Conran tea plate, £6.25, 15cms; Half hammered champagne bucket, £35; Hammered bowl, £7; Glass cake stand, £25, at the bottom; Glass cake stand small, £10 on top; Vino cocktail glass, box of 4, £18 (just seen); LSA column tea light holders, £13 at the back; Brissi, tea light, £14, at the back Photograph: Beth Evans

A classic Gatsby-era cocktail, the mint julep is perfect for a party. Prepare the base in advance and then simply serve over ice when your guests arrive.

Marble board, £20; Prato whisky glasses, £16 each; Da Vinchi Prato Decanter, £60 Photograph: Beth Evans

A stunning pavlova adorned with pomegranate seeds will dress a room as successfully as any floral arrangement, plus has the added advantage of being deliciously edible.

Hammered bowl, £7; Glass cake stand, £25, at the bottom; Glass cake stand small, £10 placed on top Photograph: Beth Evans

If you’re planning a cocktail party, make sure you have all the right equipment to hand – a jigger to get your measurements right, cocktail shaker and juicer are all essential.

Citrus Squeezer, £12; Magisso Ice bucket, £50; Ash Pebble chopping board, £35; Half Hammered cocktail shaker, £25; Double jigger, £4; Global knife, £52; Y shaped peeler, £5 Photograph: Beth Evans

Nothing says party like a classic cocktail glass. Holding the long stem prevents you from warming up your perfectly chilled cocktail with your hands.

Elina cocktail glass, £36 for a set of two glasses; Double jigger, £4; Half Hammered cocktail shaker, £25 Photograph: Beth Evans

For a tasty alternative to the mince pie and mulled wine combo, try these amaretti crumble topped mince pies and hot spiced rum punch.

LSA punch cups, set of four, £36; John Lewis Cecilia Sandstone coaster, silver, £4; John Lewis lacquer round tray, silver, £10 Photograph: Martin Poole

Start your Christmas Day celebrations off with a champagne cocktail and canapés. Try these mini dill pancakes with smoked salmon and horseradish, partnered with some cranberry fizz.

John Lewis cord coaster, set of 4, silver, £8; Hoxton runner in steel, L2M, £20; Mango wood placemat, natural, £12; John Lewis Casa champagne flutes, set of four, £12; Robert Welch RWII satin table fork, £6.25

Click here to find products featured in the Observer Food Monthly and this gallery Photograph: Martin Poole