Companion always providing festive fare (5)
I believe the answer is:
cheer
'festive fare' is the definition.
'cheer' can be an answer for 'fare' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'festive' bit.
'companion always' is the wordplay.
'companion' becomes 'ch' (Companion of Honour).
'always' becomes 'eer' (poetic way of saying ever).
'ch'+'eer'='CHEER'
'providing' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cheer that I've seen before include "Inspirit" , "Hearten; shout" , "Applaud; mood" , "Urge on" , "party refreshment?" .)