As we approach Christmas, parties and party food are an important part of the festivities. We are busy planning for the Christmas parties in all of our homes, but for service users with acquired brain injuries and associated swallowing difficulties, this requires extra thought and care.

Party food accessible to all has been a regular theme for service users’ get-togethers, and the impact of eating and drinking difficulties on service users is a subject covered in staff training sessions. One of the things frequently discussed has been how to make party food – traditionally sausage rolls and sandwiches – accessible and appetising for those people who take a single textured diet.

A great deal of thought and planning is going into this year’s Christmas parties and we are looking forward to preparing a range of appetising food that can be enjoyed by everyone. The menu will include:

• Tasty sandwiches made into a single texture using a soaking solution as advocated by the thickening manufacturers
• Open sandwiches topped with tuna and cheese spread
• Finger foods made from ingredients such as smoked salmon and mashed potato
• ‘Bite and dissolve’ crisps
• Tiramisu – a particular favourite and flavoured with drinking chocolate to achieve the perfect single texture

In the past we have also used shot glasses to provide small tasters of a range of different flavours to make a change for special occasions. We are all looking forward to having tasty party food that can be enjoyed by staff and service users alike.