Most of us indulge in a glass or two at Christmas and with family and friends dropping in, a good supply of their favourite tipple is essential.

But stocking up with drinks is a back-breaking, time-consuming affair, isn't it?

The answer is no, not necessarily. You can now buy online and have your order delivered to your door. No fuss, no strained muscles.

Last Orders is an online off-licence selling an enormous range of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks under one virtual roof.

The site is extremely well designed with products arranged by categories and sub category such as bottled, premium and standard. And the slick split-screen design means that you can move around easily and fill in your order.

If you need some guidance, consult the additional information on each of the wines, champagnes and spirits on sale or simply choose from the recommended list on the front page of each category. Look out too for special offers across all product ranges.

Most wines are available in half cases of six bottles, while beer and cider comes in cases of 24 bottles or cans. Spirits are sold individually, as are some champagnes, while others need to be bought by the half dozen.

There is a minimum order of one case and delivery costs £3.99 for up to two cases, which will arrive the next day if you order before 3.30pm.

If you are into wine and would like the specialist treatment, then www.madaboutwine.com is the place to go.

Their jam-packed site is full of features and options, not to mention more than 4,000 different wines.

Whether you are a novice or a wine buff, you will find it equally approachable, informative and entertaining.

For a special meal use their food and wine matching service or consult their panel of experts. Or just head straight for their special Christmas range, where you will find some inspired selections.

Choose a mixed case of six bottles, which will take you from champagne aperitif through to port for the cheese board, for just £39.99.

Delivery takes around five working days and postage and packing costs are calculated per order.

Alternatively, put the fizz into Christmas with Chelsea Bubble, the online champagne specialists.

They have 55 different house champagnes and a good selection of all major brand names. Search by price (£10 upwards) or by producer.

It is also worth keeping an eye on the bin end section, where you can pick up a bargain.

Delivery takes around four days and costs £8 for orders under £100, after which it is free of charge.

If you are a real ale fan, Ale on Tap may have just the thing. Its basic but adequate site is endorsed by Which? and offers cask-conditioned real ales and ciders. It delivers to your door within a day or two for £10.

www.lastorders.com
www.madaboutwine.com
www.chelseabubble.co.uk
www.aleontap.co.uk