WITH more and more people adopting a plant-based diet it is more likely than ever that you may find yourself sharing a table with a vegan this festive period. 

Vegans do not eat any animal products, including meat, eggs and dairy and many also avoid products which may result from the exploitation of or cruelty to animals.

Fortunately, to prevent any awkward moments and empty stomachs and stockings, Bury Times and The Vegan Society’s Elena Orde have some handy tips on how to ensure you and your guests can enjoy a fun-filled Christmas.

First up is of course the big one - the food.

Ms Orde said: “It’s a good idea to come up with a starter which everyone can enjoy, rather than adding an extra dish.” 

Tasty ideas include, soups, salads, grilled mushrooms and vegetable fritters.  

For main course why not try delicious nut roasts or meat-replacements , such as Tofurky, from supermarkets and health stores.

Alternatively tarts, pies, and wellingtons can be made in advance using vegan ready-made pastry, also available at most stores.

And don’t forget all the trimmings.

For tasty sides, Ms Orde says to “think carrots and parsnips baked in maple syrup. Think crispy potatoes roast in olive oil, salt and rosemary,” and vegan gravy granules, again available in most stores.

But remember to “leave out the butter or goose fat, and use vegetable oil to roast your veggies in.”

For dessert vegan-friendly mince pies, crumbles, and brownies with dairy free ice-cream, cream or egg free custard are sure to go down a storm.

There a plenty of sweet treats available for vegans, which are also sure to make great gifts, including chocolate bars by Moo Free and IChoc, Goody Good Stuff Sweets, Fabulous Fudge Factory Dairy Free Fudge, Yum Earth Organic Pops, Choice’s Dairy Free Caramels and Lazy Day treats.

Plus there are also many readily available items that are surprisingly vegan including, Starburst, Skittles, Love Hearts, Jelly Tots, many dark chocolates, McVitie’s Hobnobs, Foxes Party Rings and Orginal/BBQ/Paprika/Smokey Bacon Pringles.

Also worth remembering, although another essential seasonal treat for many, not all alcohol is vegan.

Cream-based liqueurs and those containing honey are a definite no-no, as are some wines, beers and ciders due to the use of fish bladders in the refining process.

If you are unsure you can visit www.barnivore.com or invite your vegan guests to bring their own. 

For conversation, another potential sticking point, Ms Orde suggests avoiding jokes and questions about why someone is vegan. 

She said: “You may think you’re being nice in showing an interest, but no one wants to discuss slaughterhouse footage or global warming during a Christmas meal. Believe me.

“If you’re genuinely interested in the reasons to go vegan, make a mental note to chat to your guest at a later point. 

“I’m sure they will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.”

If you decide that it would all just be better if someone could cook for you there are some great restaurants nearby, including: Lolo’s Vegan Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, Ramsbottom; Veggie-Rae, at the Rock; 1847, in Chapel Walks, Manchester; V-Rev, in Manchester’s Northern Quarter; and the Allotment, Stockport.

Many chain restaurants now also offer vegan options, including Zizzi, Toby Carvery, JD Wetherspoon, Pizza Express and Nando’s.

Finally, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a healthy dose of gift giving and purchasing vegan gifts need not be tricky.

Great gift ideas include the Matt and Nat handbags, Dolma Cruelty-free Lavender Scented Candles, Debenhams’s Vegan Hamper, vegan Dr Martin’s, and Peta products including ties, t-shirts and mugs.

As for beauty products vegan make-up is available from companies including Cover FX, Inika, Axiology and B. Beauty, and perfume and aftershaves from Dolma, Auphorie and Aubrey Organics.

Many Lush products are also vegan, just remember to check the label - some great options are the Lush Christmas Bath Time Favourites selection and the Charity Pot Hand and Body Lotion, not only vegan but 100% of the price is donated to grassroots organisations.