Don't dream of struggling with mince pies - and give a wide berth to all the leaden shortcrust travesties that are in the shops, too. Instead, stock up with the Connoisseur range from Marks & Spencer (£2.29 for a box of six). While you're at it, M&S Crispy Won Tons, stuffed with prawns, are terrific for drinks parties: pop in the oven for 25 minutes as the first guests arrive (£4.75 for a box of 18). And its ciabatta - which finishes baking in the oven in 10 minutes - is a foolproof freezer standby (99p), for the moment when everybody longs for Italian food again.