Christmas Eve supper for two? Put the pans away and open the good tins.

By Christmas Eve, the last thing I want to do is start cooking another elaborate meal.

The shopping's done, the vegetables are prepared, the presents are wrapped (hopefully), and tomorrow there's a Christmas dinner to think about.

So why not make Christmas Eve the easiest meal of the year?

A couple of really good tins of fish, some pickles, crisps, good bread and something lovely to drink.

No oven. No saucepans. Very little washing-up.

And somehow, it still feels like a treat.

1. Start with Really Good Tinned Fish

Forget the idea that tinned fish is just something you keep at the back of the cupboard.

Good sardines, mussels, tuna and other preserved seafood can make a wonderful little supper.

For two people, I'd choose two or three different tins.

Perhaps sardines in olive oil, mussels in a good sauce and a lovely tuna pâté.

Open them, arrange them on the table and let everyone help themselves.

There's no need to turn them into complicated recipes. The quality of the ingredients does most of the work.

2. Add Something Crunchy, Something Sharp and Something Fresh

This is the secret to making a simple tinned fish supper feel balanced.

You want a mixture of textures and flavours.

What I'd put on the table

• Two or three tins of good seafood

• A bowl of crisps

• Cornichons or pickled vegetables

• A handful of olives

• Good crusty bread or crackers

• Lemon wedges

• A little butter

• Chilli oil or a good condiment, if you fancy

The salty fish, sharp pickles and crunchy crisps work beautifully together.

And the best bit is that nearly everything comes straight from the pantry.

3. Make a Little Occasion of It

Just because you're not cooking doesn't mean dinner can't feel special.

Put everything onto a nice tray or a few small plates.

Get out two glasses, pour something you enjoy and put on some music.

Perhaps light a candle.

There's something rather lovely about a relaxed supper for two on Christmas Eve, especially when the following day is going to be busy.

And you won't have a mountain of washing-up waiting for you afterwards.

4. How Much Tinned Fish Do You Need for Two?

For a light Christmas Eve supper, two or three tins with bread, crisps and accompaniments can be a good starting point.

If you're particularly hungry, add another tin, a little cheese or a simple salad.

The idea isn't to create another enormous meal.

It's to put a few really good things on the table and enjoy them.

5. The Pantry Makes Easy Hosting Possible

This is exactly why I love a well-stocked pantry.

When you've got good tinned fish, pickles, olives, crackers and a few interesting condiments, you can put together something delicious without having to go shopping or start cooking from scratch.

It's also a lovely idea for those evenings between Christmas and New Year when you're tired of leftovers but don't fancy another takeaway.

And it works just as well for an impromptu supper with friends.

Let Us Do the Choosing: Tinned Fish Gift Boxes

Love the idea of a tinned fish supper but don't know where to start?

That's where our Peak & The Pantry tinned fish gift boxes come in.

From our Wee Tinned Fish Supper to our British Tinned Fish Gift Box and Sardine Selection Box, we've brought together some lovely independent producers and pantry favourites to make discovering good tinned fish easier.

They're perfect for a relaxed supper, a thoughtful gift for a seafood lover or simply keeping something delicious in the cupboard for those evenings when you don't fancy cooking.

And because our gift boxes come with free UK delivery, they're an easy way to send someone a little pantry joy.

Explore our Tinned Fish & Food Gift Boxes

A Christmas Eve Tradition Without the Fuss

Christmas doesn't have to mean elaborate cooking at every meal.

Sometimes the nicest thing you can do is open a few good tins, put some lovely things on the table and spend time with someone you love.

No complicated recipes. No endless preparation.

Just good food, good company and a little time to relax before Christmas Day.

Because making good food easier is what Peak & The Pantry is all about.

Explore our pantry favourites and discover how easy a little supper can be.