Christmas coffee and hot chocolate: the drinks people actually want after lunch

Espresso and darker filter coffee can balance sweet pastry, dried fruit and chocolate because bitterness provides contrast.

Lighter floral coffee is better with simpler cakes and biscuits than with dense Christmas pudding.

Use good cocoa or chocolate, keep sugar controlled and add orange peel, cinnamon or vanilla if you want a festive direction.

For adults, a small measure of dark rum or brandy can work, but serve the base alcohol-free so everyone starts with the same drink.

Coffee is easiest when you decide the method in advance. A large cafetière, batch brewer or pod machine is often more sociable than producing individual espresso drinks for a crowd.

Set milk, sugar and alcohol additions separately and let guests finish the cup themselves.