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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not offer lunch?

181 replies

amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 18:36

I'm self employed in a consulting type role. I usually hold meetings at clients' offices.
Tomorrow, due to logistics, im holding a 3 hour meeting at my house, starting at 10.30.
(However could potentially run a little longer)

Would I be unressonable to not offer lunch?
I feel like I would be but I've left it last min and I cant think what!

If I did, it would need minimal to no prep and something that we could eat while working.

Can I get away with just tea and cake?

OP posts:
RuleForFire · 24/09/2024 22:30

Annielou67 · 24/09/2024 20:22

If you have the time and inclination what about a cheese and meat board with fruits and pickles. 3 cheeses, a pack of mixed salami, prosciutto etc. maybe some pate or smoked fish, olives, hummus, tomato/ grapes/figs. Fruit cheese, a nice chutney. Posh crackers and a baguette.

Classic Mumsnet.

RampantIvy · 24/09/2024 22:22

@amidsummernightsdream could you start and finish the meeting earlier?

MintGlitter · 24/09/2024 22:18

I wouldn't offer lunch at that time personally. I would want to get the meeting/work done and get my own lunch afterwards. Most adults can manage with eating lunch at 1.30.

Tea/coffee and a plate with some cereal bars & biscuits, croissants and grapes if I was feeling fancy!

I work in education though and suggestions of soup, salads, meat selections with crusty bread and falafel etc. are blowing my mind 😆

RampantIvy · 24/09/2024 22:18

Alwaystired2023 · 24/09/2024 19:49

I don't think you need to provide lunch - the meeting will finish around 1330? Perfect time for people to go and get their lunch. I wouldn't expect someone coming to provide consulting services in a professional office to lug lunch with them?

No, 1.30 is not a perfect time for lunch. I would be beyond hungry, and like @mynameiscalypso I would be clock watching in the hope of getting some food and not able to concentrate.

Thing is, most people (adults) eat lunch about 1/1.30

No, they don't. Most adults I know tend to eat lunch at 12 - 12.30.

Meetings that start at 10.30 and finish at 1.30 aren't lunchtime.

It seems that a lot of mumsnetters eat a very late lunch.

Tonkerbea · 24/09/2024 22:16

Aah OP, bet you wished you'd never asked now 😅 and I seem to have committed a major faux Pas as I've served soup at a meeting for 10 people 😳If you have time to get sandwiches, get them. Otherwise offer hot drinks, fruit, biscuits, whatever you can muster from your cupboards. It will be fine

ApolloandDaphne · 24/09/2024 22:09

I bloody love soup and would be delighted if you offered me some with crusty bread.

Overheater · 24/09/2024 22:06

amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 20:56

Yes I will be going to m&s, I think they're the only passble shop bought sandwiches in the area

It's only a petrol station one but they usually have a good selection.

@mum2jenny I would but dh is out tonight so I can't leave the house as dd is in bed.

I should have thought ahead earlier, I could have gone on my way home!
I can only think of what's right infront of me at the moment

You’ll be fine with an M&S petrol station they all have solid ranges. Plus buying them on the day means they’re fresher so a bonus you’re going in the morning.

friendlycat · 24/09/2024 21:59

It’s for one person!

Ohfuckwhatdoidonow · 24/09/2024 21:57

Do you know anyone who could do a costco trip for you?
If so, a pack of their cookies or pastries, a sandwich platter and a fruit platter and some crisps and you're done. They even have paper plates.

Or if they're a friendly bunch domino's?

Grumpycashier · 24/09/2024 21:57

MyBigFatGreekSalad · 24/09/2024 18:48

I'd order dominoes😂

Same

AbitOfProblem · 24/09/2024 21:52

You could also get sandwiches and things brought by tesco whoosh if they do that near you. It would save you an outing.

PondWarrior · 24/09/2024 21:49

MattDamon · 24/09/2024 20:41

If it's only one person, message them and say, 'Thought I'd grab some M&S sandwiches for lunch. Any preference?'

This! Silly and wasteful to buy multiple options

SnoopySnoopDoggIsTheBest · 24/09/2024 21:44

Can you do a CooP Shop Go or Just Eat order?
Coop Shop Go arrives in no time and you can do it now for a delivery in the morning if you have one near.
Just Eat also always very good for me.
I would do a platter of Cheese, Bread, Pickles, Vegetables, Houmous and a Fruit Platter too ... and some Gluten Free Bread as someone will be GF!
Good luck!

Doris86 · 24/09/2024 21:34

SmallSoupcon · 24/09/2024 18:48

Why don't you say "I thought we could Deliveroo some lunch" then it takes the pressure off you and means you don't have to pay for it all yourself either.

Great idea if you want your clients to think you’re a cheapskate who doesn’t value their custom.

cassy16 · 24/09/2024 21:27

No matter what time of day, I’ve had a meeting any longer two hours, there has always been some sort of food/refreshments available usually sandwich platters and fruit trays.

LuckyCrow · 24/09/2024 21:19

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines - previously banned poster.

Original poster
amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 21:19

Who'd have ever thought soup could be so divisive 🤣
This has cheered one tired, uninspired, unorganised lady up. Thank you for all the suggestions!

OP posts:
Easipeelerie · 24/09/2024 21:17

Solve the issue of meeting finishing at lunch time by having food out while you talk.

AgnesX · 24/09/2024 21:15

DaniMontyRae · 24/09/2024 19:48

It is a lunchtime meeting. 10.30 to 1.30 or longer.

Show quote history

Depends where you work obviously. Lunchtime meetings are meetings at lunchtime or start and finish at lunchtime... Meetings that start at 10.30 and finish at 1.30 aren't lunchtime.

21ZIGGY · 24/09/2024 21:15

Annielou67 · 24/09/2024 20:22

If you have the time and inclination what about a cheese and meat board with fruits and pickles. 3 cheeses, a pack of mixed salami, prosciutto etc. maybe some pate or smoked fish, olives, hummus, tomato/ grapes/figs. Fruit cheese, a nice chutney. Posh crackers and a baguette.

I wouldnt eat any of that so it could be a huge waste of time and effort. I'd prefer the soup!

TemuSpecialBuy · 24/09/2024 21:13

amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 19:06

Thanks everyone!

I am planning to make a homemade soup to tonight but I don't know, that just didnt feel right for a meeting.

Sandwiches and crisps seem to be the consensus.
I can drive to m&s in the morning although timings will be tight.

I knew I was being tight/ lazy, I promise im not usually but i'm just exhausted right now and looking for short cuts!

Don’t not serve soup at a meeting!!!!
it’s so messy and awkward to eat

cake / biscuits
fruit bowl
crisps

wraps and sandwiches from M&S is perfect

LuckyCrow · 24/09/2024 21:11

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines - previously banned poster.

worcesterpear · 24/09/2024 21:10

If it's only one person, could you do grilled cheese with your homemade soup? You could prepare it all beforehand and it would only take a couple of minutes in a frying pan.

Original poster
amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 21:08

@Easipeelerie everyone's just trying to be nice and helpful, which I really appreciate

OP posts:
Easipeelerie · 24/09/2024 21:05

Some of the responses on this thread are butt clenchingly twee.