Hot smoked salmon crostini

At Dr Caitlin Hall’s parties, the gut health dietitian and head researcher at Myota will be serving up hot smoked salmon crostini with cream cheese, dill, garlic and lemon. “They’re packed with omega-3s and prebiotics, which feed your beneficial gut bacteria, reduce inflammation and support brain, heart and immune health. Serve them with flaxseed prebiotic crackers for an extra fibre punch,” she suggests. Or buy pre-made crackers that have a seedy topping for a dose of vitamin E.

Fermented veggie cocktail bites

For Phoebe Liebling, nutritional therapist and founder of Natural Nourishment, fermented vegetables are a key ingredient in her cocktail nibbles. She creates cucumber slices topped with sauerkraut and smoked salmon; cocktail sticks threaded with fermented chillies, olives and Parmesan pieces; and sourdough crackers spread with probiotic hummus (kimchi or sauerkraut blended into regular hummus). “The natural fresh crunch of fermented veg brilliantly cuts through heavy or rich foods, and the probiotic brine they come with enhances our digestive efficacy, preventing overeating, bloating and acid reflux,” she explains.

Crudité platter

Nutritionist and Sunday Times bestselling author Emily English likes to create a show-stopping colourful crudité platter: “You can zhuzh it up with things like purple carrots, radishes and red chicory. These are all rich in antioxidants and fibre, which helps regulate digestion. I like to serve crudites on crushed ice to keep them fresh and crisp, and there’s of lot of amazing inspiration on Pinterest for arranging them. I always pair the platter with a range of dips. My favourites is caramelised onion hummus, muhammara and bagna cauda (an Italian anchovy and garlic dish).”

18 gut-friendly party nibbles and drinks that nutritionists are eating, drinking and serving this Christmas