I love Christmas. When the first of December comes, I'm like a labrador puppy that knows it is about to be taken for its weekly romp in the Chilterns. I just can't wait to get into the whole entertaining, mince-pie making, scene.

For every friend, neighbour and in-law that will pass through my door in the coming weeks, I've a menu planned and the wines chosen. In fact, it's not uncommon for me to start fantasising about the wines that I'll be drinking in December anytime from March onwards. Tragic, I know.

Not to say that every bottle pulled from the rack is some swanky, premium vintage something-or-other - there is a time and a place for everything. But, what is so delightful about Christmas is that it offers up, in a comparatively short period of time, the opportunity to crack open a myriad of different wine styles: white, red, sweet, bubbly, fortified - where to begin?

Well, as a one-time Girl Guide, I'm a firm believer in being prepared.

Walk-in visitors' are going to be a feature of home life in the coming weeks. So it is sensible to have a stash of reasonably-priced whites and reds that you're happy to share and which can be enjoyed with or without food.

Of all the big' autumn wine tastings, the consistency across the Co-op's wine range was hugely impressive.

There were many wines to recommend, but my easy-drinking, great-value white of choice is the Atlantique Sauvignon Blanc - Gros Manseng 2005, at £4.99, which was delightfully refreshing and generously citrusy. You also can't argue with the juicy, red fruits and supple nature of the Co-op Fairtrade Cape Cinsault-Shiraz 2006 at a bargain £3.99.

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without that bit of sparkle. An absolutely cracking bubbly that won't break the bank is the Vitteaut-Alberti Crmant de Bourgogne (pictured) from Stone, Vine & Sun ) This was, by some margin, the best crmant that I tasted this year and I can guarantee that you and your friends will love it. It's supremely elegant with lively, expressive fruits. At £9.95 it is a much better choice than buying a (probably pricier) bone-dry, fruitless, cheap' Champagne.

I'm still a sucker for a bottle of proper' Champagne on Christmas day itself. This year, I'll be treating the family to H. Billiot et Fils Grand Cru Brut Ros from Lake Wines in Henley-on-Thames (01491 411100). At £22.95 it represents fantastic value for a champagne of this quality. Vibrant red berry fruits and a buttered toast finish. It has the additional advantage of being versatile enough to be drunk as an apritif or with food.

A crowd for lunch on the big day can make things a bit tricky and, unless you are opting for a Ramsay-esque gourmet menu with a different wine to match every course, then I suggest you opt for a versatile red and white duo that will keep everyone happy.

Wine Traders (01993 848777) has Oxfordshire's finest selection of Italian wines and I enthusiastically recommend the white Terredora Greco di Tufo 2005 (£10) which will do a fine job of taking on either a fishy starter or a meaty main. We had a sneaky November preview' at home, and thought it delicious. Also from Wine Traders is the multi-award-winning Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico 2003 (£13.50). A little steeper in price, it's very stylish with lovely balance and structure that makes it an ideal food wine.

When it comes to putting a sweet wine with Christmas pudding, I haven't got it right yet. Instead, have that on its own and then make easy-peasy meringues for friends and treat them to the heavenly, caramelised orange and honey Pierre Bise Quarts de Chaume 2003 (£17.95) from Stone, Vine & Sun. Fantastic.

Then there is cheese. I tell you, I never fail to be impressed by those people who have the stamina to tuck into a chunk of stilton and a hearty glass of port at the end of their meal. I mean, hello! who's got the space?

For me, a great, quality cheddar cheese is the ideal Christmas day supper, and I serve it up with a cool glass of Millton Vineyards Te Arai Chenin Blanc 2005 (£10.99) from Vintage Roots (www.vintageroots.co.uk). Very fragrant, with enticing white orchard fruits and the teeniest touch of sweetness that carries the saltiness of the cheese perfectly.

If you are looking to treat Father Christmas this year, leave him a glass of Warre's 1980 Vintage Port (£47) from Waitrose. An absolutely stunning vintage, it has great depth and complexity of flavour. It will certainly guarantee his return in 2007 when we get to do it all over again! Happy Christmas!