By Steve Faragher

Boxing Day is steeped in tradition, particularly for those who love the crisp winter air and the timeless camaraderie of the annual hunt meet or shoot. It’s a quintessentially British affair, combining pageantry, community and a dash of indulgence.

The tradition harks back to the Victorian era, when Boxing Day marked a day of charity, sport, and festivity and the Boxing Day get together remains a cherished cultural moment, capturing the spirit of a rural Britain rooted in history and ritual.

This year, elevate your post-meet celebrations with perfect canapés and the elegant sparkle of Squerryes wine.

Nestled in the chalky soils of Kent’s North Downs, Squerryes Estate has become a symbol of English sparkling wine excellence. The vineyard belongs to the Warde family, who have been custodians of the Squerryes estate since 1713, and winemakers since 2006. The Warde family motto is ‘Licet Esse Beatis’, which translates literally as “it is permitted to be joyful’. This life-affirming ethos is woven into every bottle of award-winning Squerryes wine, making it an ideal accompaniment to Boxing Day celebrations. And nothing says joy or celebration more than bringing along a magnum of delicious wine, that extra generosity making all the difference.

Squerryes Brut Reserve, with its fine bubbles and balanced profile, is a standout choice for your canapé spread. Notes of orchard fruits, citrus, and brioche make it versatile enough to complement a range of flavours. The crisp acidity cuts through the richness of smoked salmon, while the toasty undertones harmonize with savoury bites like roast beef or truffle arancini.

For those looking to add a touch of rosé to their celebrations, Squerryes Rosé Reserve offers a burst of red berry flavours, making it an excellent pairing for beetroot tartlets or bacon-wrapped delights. Its delicate blush hue also adds a festive flourish to your table.

Elevenses is the perfect opportunity to showcase your culinary flair. Think bite-sized sophistication, offering a mix of flavours and textures to please every palate. Here are a few ideas to ensure your canapés steal the show:

1. Smoked Salmon Blinis
   A timeless classic, smoked salmon blinis are as festive as they are delicious. Top miniature buckwheat pancakes with crème fraîche, a ribbon of smoked salmon, and a sprig of dill for a canapé that looks as good as it tastes.
2. Mini Yorkshire Puddings with Roast Beef
   A nod to British heritage, these tiny Yorkshire puddings are filled with slivers of rare roast beef and a dollop of horseradish cream. Serve warm for a comforting treat.
3. Goat’s Cheese and Beetroot Tartlets
   For a vegetarian option, try flaky pastry tartlets filled with creamy goat’s cheese and topped with roasted beetroot and a drizzle of honey. The vibrant colours add a festive touch to your spread.
4. Pigs in Blanket Skewers
   A playful twist on a Christmas classic, these skewers feature cocktail sausages wrapped in crispy bacon, glazed with honey and mustard for an irresistible bite.
5. Mushroom and Truffle Arancini
   These luxurious risotto balls, infused with earthy mushrooms and a hint of truffle oil, bring a touch of decadence to your table.

A thoughtfully prepared selection of canapés and the sparkling elegance of Squerryes wine elevate the occasion, ensuring your gathering is as memorable as the meet itself. So raise a glass to the spirit of the season—one bite and one sip, at a time.

Cheers to Boxing Day!