Top five shop-bought starters and canapés for Christmas 2014

£2.65, from Lidl

Best... Premium range smoked salmon

M&S Scottish smoked black treacle-cured salmon

Rich and sweet-tasting salmon, with nice depth and an attractive dark colour. Not overly smoky, but still an interesting flavour.

£9, from M&S

Best... Lazy starter

Co-op baking Camembert with red onion chutney

A large cheese that melts down to a thick, dippable sauce, and comes in its own case, ready to bake. The chutney is tasty and not too sweet, so all in all a balanced and hearty festive cheese.

£5, from Co-op

Best... On-trend canapé

M&S American-style BBQ pulled pork stacks

Pulled pork has been one of the breakout dishes of 2014 and these cute bites are right on-trend. The little squares of toasted brioche are topped with a slice of cheese and sticky pulled pork, then finished with a tangy red pepper pearl.

£7 for 10, from M&S

Best... Vegetarian nibble

Waitrose paneer and coriander bites

These vibrant, fragrant green triangles taste light and are an inventive alternative to the standard party offering.

£5.99, from Waitrose

For more taste-tested products, equipment rundowns and buying advice, visit our review section, plus our Christmas kitchen contains everything you'll ever need for perfect festive feasting.