With Christmas fast approaching, canapés are hot off the menu once again - but not everyone eats these delectable mini treats in the same way.

While some sharpen their elbows in a bid to make the most of dwindling supplies, others retreat into the background as the trays go round and insist they're really not hungry.

As the party season takes hold in earnest, Damian Clarkson, owner of premium events caterer, The London Kitchen, identifies the top five types of canapé eaters - and analyses what each says about your networking skills. Read on to find out more...

Picture credit: Rex Features and The London Kitchen

1. The canapé king

Notorious for finding the right spot to catch all the waiting staff as they exit the kitchen, this canapé consumer is expert in food and will probably be able to name everything eaten. Usually someone that works in the industry, they could pick fault with a Chanel handbag.

Tip: A perfectionist with great eye for detail, this person is in possession of slick, if slightly ruthless, networking skills and can work the room in a second.

2. The nibbler

Struggles to figure out how to approach a canapé, nibbles at it mid-conversation or wonders where to discard of their unwanted loot.

Tip: A creative who is good at listening but also likes to explore new ideas and network.

3. The refuser

Do you avoid canapés at the envy of other guests and colleagues? This may be good for the waistline but it can also mean that you end up drinking more to make up for lost munching time. It also makes other guests feel like they are over-eating... a slight impossibility with canapés.

Tip: This is someone who likes to stay on top of things and enjoys routine - but may risk missing out on fun and spontaneity as a result.

4. The secret muncher

Also known as the secret arm that appears from nowhere. Usually arrives early at events and hides behind people they don't know to indulge in as many canapés as they can before everyone else arrive.

Tip: Discreet and possibly a little shy when it comes to networking but very shrewd.

5. The scoffer

The scoffer - doesn't care much about what they eat, just there for food and drink. You can usually see them standing by the door and stacking canapés as if they were tower burgers.

Tip: Someone who takes advantage of a good opportunity and seizes it.

.... and how to be a canapé connoisseur

Damian tells us how it should be done;

"Canapés should be eaten in one mouthful to get all the flavours working together on your palate.

"Try sipping your drink in between so that you wash out any strong flavours before you move onto the next and when in doubt ask a waiter what the canapé is before you bite into something you would rather not."

The London Kitchen delivers sensational food to spice up events. thelondonkitchen.com