Party season must-stocks with Laura Roberts, Laura’s Larder

There are a few things that absolutely fly out come party season, firstly Cambrook Cocktail Mix No. 6, we can’t stock the shelves fast enough. I think people love to share it with guests; it’s a mix made for Claridges and will therefore bring some finesse to any cocktail gathering. They are also delicious!

Then there are Perello Gordal Picante Olives – we stock these in the 150g tins all year round. I challenge you not to finish the tin whilst just opening the wine, though, so when party season comes, it’s the 600g which become popular to share among larger groups of people getting together.

Crisps go larger too – don’t underestimate the humble ‘chip and dip’, a cost-effective way for a customer to fill a party table. As a shop with a toe in Kent, we love Kent Crisps – the Sea Salt flavour is wonderful and will go with any dip. Innovation in this market is huge – if you can think it, there’s a crisp made from it – and as a retailer, not having VAT on certain types is also a bonus as the price can feel more attractive to customers.

For sweet items, we tend to think of these along the lines of ‘presents for the host’. The lovely Booja Booja flavoured chocolate truffles in the smaller boxes, or Flower & White’s Meringue Balls, are grabbable items which don’t cost the earth but feel like good quality to the giver and the receiver of the gift, especially when accompanying a bottle of wine.