Wine to Bring to a Christmas Party | Fiona Beckett drinking

Is there a good party wine? By good, I don't mean awesome, which is rarely what you need at a party, unless you have friends pouring Krug like water (an unlikely scenario for most of us). Rather, I guess it means a wine that makes most people happy without breaking the bank. But does it have to be prosecco?

I would say no. It's not that there's anything wrong with the thing - prosecco is a good choice with what's rather off-puttingly called "finger food" - but, with the odd exception like the Sorso Prosecco at £6.75 from Morrisons (11%) is likely to set you back a few pounds more than a cheap still wine, as you'll see in today's selection below. Personally, I would opt for a bright, airy white or a soft, fruity, not too alcoholic red like a Merlot.

I find that people drink less if you limit the choice, so a pair from the same producer often works well. Co-op's Tilting Tree Sauvignon Blanc, for example, would be a decent buy to pair with today's pick Merlot (although not as good as the also-listed Welmoed), while Mimo Moutinho Aldi's Dão would make a good partner for his avesso.

A more economical way to handle the situation is obviously to ask everyone to bring a bottle, but if you don't don't want to end up with a hideous hodgepodge of hooch, it's worth giving guests a theme to stick with. Maybe a pie and pint night, although no one would complain if it was just sausage or buns with no sausage. Or pigs and pinot, which obviously should include blanket pigs, lager and pizza. Or, for a budget option, have everyone bring a bottle of cava and an interesting bag of crisps (Torres' fried egg crisps are my current obsession). You gotta love a little alliteration when it comes to a party invitation.

A slightly different approach is required when you're the guest. Then it's about bringing something that a) appeals to you and b) wasn't given to you (and certainly not by the host) for one of your own parties. I think it's also worth putting in a bit of effort to grab something interesting, like Aldi's 2021 Castellore Ribolla Gialla (£6.99, 11.5%) or the similar version from Marks & Spencer in its Found range (£7.50, 12%); or try Morrisons Cidade Branca Alentejo 2021 (£8, 14%), which is one of those lovely supple Portuguese reds that everyone will love.

A bottle of champagne always goes down well, although there is a danger that your host will take it away to enjoy alone and in peace. Aldi's Veuve Monsigny and Lidl's Comte de Senneval aren't as cheap as they used to be, but they're still under £15. More fun might be the 12.5% ​​Ferrari Sparkling 2021, a really smart and stylish Italian fizz from Morrisons and Asda at £23. Don't open it like a race car driver.

Tilting Tree Merlot 2021 £6 Co-op, 13%. Fruity and sweet red from Moldova. Sauvignon is decent too.

Welmoed Sauvignon Blanc 2022 £7 Co-op, 13%. If you like the more lemony New Zealand Sauvignon, this take from Stellenbosch is a great buy.

Mimo Moutinho Portuguese Avesso 2021 £5.99 Aldi, 12.5%. Bright, crisp and fresh: no one will know you've only spent six pounds. The fruity red dão from the same range would be...