Fortunately my family are all as fond as food, and drink, as I am so when we get together it's not just one of our main activities, but a big topic of conversation.

My mum is a fabulous cook and whilst obviously I love anyone cooking for me, her food is always good and appreciated. Fortunately so are both of my sisters, and when one of them offered to make some nibbles for us all to eat before dinner, I knew I had the perfect companion drink. This was because when packing I had made sure I included my recently purchased white port along with lots of tonic for us all to try.

I was pleased to discover it is just as refreshing and delicious as I had hoped and will be making sure I have at least a glass a day to keep me in the festive spirit whilst I'm here. Fortunately whilst I love it, everyone else is happy with their preferred wine or whisky so I don't even have to share.

In the end my sister's very moreish Spiced Parsnip Gougères  were delicious and went down very well with a P&T.