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Original poster

Quick Buffet Poll (Help please!)

135 replies

Buffetornot · 22/05/2024 19:33

OK everyone, quick poll here.

Hosting a party for about 50 people next week. It's at a venue and the time is from 7-9pm so not over a meal time.

Not many drinkers, so providing tea and coffee, cash bar if anyone wants a drink.

I have a large cake, brownies, selection of crisps, a sweet station so everyone can make a pic n mix. Is this enough, would you expect a full buffet?

YABU- Yes, provide some sandwiches and sausage rolls you miserable git.

YANBU- Everyone will have eaten already, snacks are fine.

OP posts:
olympicsrock · 22/05/2024 20:34

@EmpressaurusOfCats depends on who the guests are. In my family the vege options would be left in favour of meat options.

catlady7 · 22/05/2024 20:34

Yabu

PerfectTravelTote · 22/05/2024 20:34

Also, it might be worth telling people that it's just teas and coffees so they know what to expect.

Edited - sorry, I forgot about the paid bar. You're fine on the drinks front then.

olympicsrock · 22/05/2024 20:32

If I am driving I would always have an alcoholic drink at a party. 1 glass of wine, a single gin and tonic , half a lager etc.

I would also rather have a cold drink than tea or coffee at a party.

OP who are your guests? . You seem to have a very odd idea about catering …

PerfectTravelTote · 22/05/2024 20:32

You might be as well off to just tell people that it's just snacks. A cup of tea and a sandwich won't cut it for those who haven't had dinner.

WitchWithoutChips · 22/05/2024 20:32

BTW OP I can see where this thread is going and shortly posters will start haranguing you to put on an Ottolenghi-esque feast. You don’t need to do this. It’s ok for the buffet to be fairly beige - just have some more savoury stuff and maybe some fruit or crudités. The platters of sandwiches and wraps that you can order from supermarkets or buy in Costco are fine.

Sleepismyfavourite · 22/05/2024 20:29

What soft drinks are you providing OP? I know you said no alcohol.

OutOfTheHouse · 22/05/2024 20:29

GrumpyPanda · 22/05/2024 20:26

All that bready stuff is essentially just more sugars. Personally I'd prefer sales, soups, something warm. Big pot of chili would be great. Lentil salad. Beetroot salad.

Show quote history

The problem with soup or chilli is that you will need cutlery. If you stick to sandwiches, bread, quiche, cherry tomatoes etc then you don’t.

WitchWithoutChips · 22/05/2024 20:28

Are guests aware of the 9pm hard stop?

ThinWomansBrain · 22/05/2024 20:27

Hummus, tatziki, pita bread and dips - & some crudité?

I wouldn't have eaten by 7pm - I don't think you need to provide a meal equivalent, but avoid it being all sweet stuff.
Let people know it's a light buffet/few nibbles, then they can grab a sandwich en route, or eat lunch later.

Original poster
Buffetornot · 22/05/2024 20:27

I have to bring the food in so hot food would add another layer of faff into it.

OK with cold buffet food though.

OP posts:
OutOfTheHouse · 22/05/2024 20:27

You say everyone will be driving but what about people who are coming with their partners or family?

And if I was expected to be somewhere by 7 I’m guessing I’ve left home at say 6.30 so I will have needed to eat at 6, which wouldn’t leave me much time after work to prepare. Don’t assume people will have eaten.

EmpressaurusOfCats · 22/05/2024 20:27

Make sure you have mainly veggie food - the meat eaters will definitely want to eat the non-meat options too, so it’s the best way to ensure the vegetarians get enough to eat.

I have main meal at lunchtime and a snack around 5-6pm usually, late main meal is only if I’m going out or hosting.

GoodAfternoonGoodEveningAndGoodnight · 22/05/2024 20:26

Buffetornot · 22/05/2024 20:21

It's not a full blown party, more like a gathering I suppose. Everyone will be driving so no booze required.

It will end at 9 and I'd expect some to head away before then.

As I've said before I'll get some sandwiches, sausage rolls and other savouries too.

It will end at 9 and I'd expect some to head away before then
I don't know why but I've now got a mental image of you checking your watch or shooing them out with a broom if it's nearer 10 or later
😁

GrumpyPanda · 22/05/2024 20:26

Buffetornot · 22/05/2024 19:59

Thanks everyone.

So does sandwiches, sausage rolls, wraps, crisps, cake sound OK for a couple of hours?

All that bready stuff is essentially just more sugars. Personally I'd prefer sales, soups, something warm. Big pot of chili would be great. Lentil salad. Beetroot salad.

Chocolatelabradorsarethebest · 22/05/2024 20:25

I’m intrigued by what sort of party / gathering this is. Adults, 2 hours only, finishing at 9pm and with sweets to take home…where do I get an invite?!

nupnup · 22/05/2024 20:25

OP how about a couple of crock pots of chilli / veggie curry type thing and some rice.

Even better if all dishes are veggie as cheap!

Then scatter some naan breads about and popadoms / chutney and kind a goodun.

Allmarbleslost · 22/05/2024 20:25

I would expect to be fed at an event starting at 7pm. I'd probably expect there to be hot food too!

HoldingTheDoor · 22/05/2024 20:25

I’d love a pic and mix at a party personally but I’d still be looking for savoury options.

TowerRavenSeven · 22/05/2024 20:23

Definitely meal time.

GoodAfternoonGoodEveningAndGoodnight · 22/05/2024 20:23

RitzyMcFee · 22/05/2024 20:00

Who goes to a party at seven in the evening and wants a pick and mix!

Exactly, you want a spread of some sausage rolls or sandwiches or something, and besides pick and mix sweets will just make my wine taste funny 😁

utilitarianism · 22/05/2024 20:23

If OP says they will have eaten their main meal, I trust they know that's true. I prefer to eat at six, so it's not unheard of, though if I'm getting ready for a party to start at 7, that might conflict with my usual mealtime, particularly if I expect to be fed at the gathering.

I'd always rather have too much than too little, especially if you choose things that can be frozen or that will last for a few days after the party so you can use up the leftovers.

PerfectTravelTote · 22/05/2024 20:23

It's also a weird time for sandwiches. That's more of an afternoon tea.

DilemmaDelilah · 22/05/2024 20:22

I would definitely be wanting some savoury food - I could manage without anything sweet to be honest, and I have quite a sweet tooth. I would be very very disappointed to find only sweet things.

PerfectTravelTote · 22/05/2024 20:22

"Looking to keep it simple. The guests will have eaten their main meal by this time"

Do they know they're supposed to have eaten their main meal or are you just assuming that? 7-9 is dinner tine. I would not have eaten and I'd be expecting dinner.