Will your Xmas party be one to remember? - UK - The NFU is issuing a nationwide challenge to those in charge of the office Christmas party this year to get rid of the guacamole, ditch the Dijon and pan the peanuts in favour of traditional British food.

It has prepared a list of recipe ideas that dare this year’s party planners to be different and challenges the new breed of party food that has come to rule the Christmas table.

NFU PR Manager Simon Rayner said: “It’s all too easy at this busy time of the year to opt for the ordinary when it comes to preparing the food for the Christmas party.

“We hope our Have a Great British Christmas Party leaflet will dare those organising this year’s events, whether at home or at the office, to be different and spell the end for the soggy sandwich this festive season.”

Never before has the range of regional produce been so varied and plentiful. And with farmers’ markets, buying on line, farm shops and the NFU’s Turkey hotline* it’s never been easier to buy British.

The leaflet provides details of where to buy regional foods, who to call and more on the Little Red Tractor food logo, which appears on food produced to British Farm Standards.

The details, along with party game ideas and some fun festive music suggestions, can also be found at www.nfuonline.com.

Have a Great British Christmas Party leaflets will be distributed in town centres and Christmas shopping hotspots around the country over the festive period.

Simon Rayner added: “We hope that organisers will rise to the challenge of making this year’s Christmas party truly memorable by putting local fresh British produce centre stage.”

The NFU Turkey Hotline makes it easy for shoppers to buy a fresh turkey by locating their nearest farm through just one call to 0870 060 3436.

Source: National Farmers Union - 8th December 2003