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Original poster

Supermarket Christmas party food is rubbish

56 replies

NeedToChangeName · 16/12/2024 18:07

AIBU to think that, much as I like the idea of supermarket party food, it all looks brown, dull and unappetising?

I keep thinking I'll buy some canapes as a treat, but I see what's on offer and it doesn't really appeal to me

OP posts:
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PhilosophicalCheeseSandwich · 16/12/2024 21:42

I don't eat meat, so most of a beige buffet is very unappealing to me. I am very partial to Tesco's frozen vegetable spring roll, though.

daisychain01 · 16/12/2024 21:14

StepawayfromtheLindors · 16/12/2024 20:17

100% cheap UPF

100% cheap overpriced UPF

Mum2jenny · 16/12/2024 21:12

Certainly if you have the time and patience, you can definitely make much tastier nibbles yourself. So far I’ve not found any supermarket offering that’s worth the price and/or worth eating. And I’ve tried a few as I’ve got a big gathering later this month.

ChanelBoucle · 16/12/2024 21:08

Agree. So much so that I went through the stress of making my own canapés for a party of 30 last Christmas. It was worth it though; they were delicious (shameless boast). I find the supermarket ones to be greasy and flavourless.

AhBiscuits · 16/12/2024 21:05

I agree that it's all really bland. I don't give a shit about it being unhealthy, it's just disappointing. Except pork pies, I bloody love pork pies.

PonyPatter44 · 16/12/2024 20:57

RetroTotty · 16/12/2024 20:53

Ah,a balanced palate, @PonyPatter44 😉

Spring roll in one hand, tempura prawn in the other - perfectly balanced!

Mum2jenny · 16/12/2024 20:56

ForestR1ng · 16/12/2024 18:10

Yes and it’s ££££££

Definitely!

RetroTotty · 16/12/2024 20:53

Ah,a balanced palate, @PonyPatter44 😉

PonyPatter44 · 16/12/2024 20:31

I bloody love beige party food. Samosas, spring rolls, prawn toasts, things on skewers, things in pastry, things in tempura....I love 'em all. I like cheese and charcuterie and olives as well.

Eyerollexpert · 16/12/2024 20:30

My work Jacob join or fuddle was at lunchtime today. The savory stuff was great home made pasta salad, cream cheese and chilli sauce, lots of veggies and cheese and crackers. The sweet stuff was all supermarket cakes and tarts. I love fruit so next year I will make fruit salad and I don't care if I am the only one eating it.😊

PaymentAccepted · 16/12/2024 20:25

Love these. I could eat them forever.

Supermarket Christmas party food is rubbish
Auburngal · 16/12/2024 20:22

pestoblush · 16/12/2024 19:59

You could mix it up though - so buy some of the beige but then mozzarella, tomato and basil served or fresh fruit

the shit is is good for soaking alcohol

You need carbs/stodge to absorb alcohol.

Auburngal · 16/12/2024 20:21

Can't go wrong with a cheese board. Stilton, a decent Cheddar (leave the value stuff for cooking), Camembert and another cheese of your choice. Put some grapes and either a caramelised onion or Christmas chutney on the side.

Most of the Indian stuff in supermarkets is greasy. My friend (Indian) makes her own bhajis and samosas - all beautiful - not at all greasy.

StepawayfromtheLindors · 16/12/2024 20:17

100% cheap UPF

RedToothBrush · 16/12/2024 20:14

I cook from scratch most of the year.

I WANT a beige buffet come Christmas so I can just sling it on a tray.

I have made a couple of beige offerings myself this year though. They are also in my freezer.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 16/12/2024 20:02

I usually buy some fishy M&S canapés for Christmas, to have a couple of hours before a late dinner - I don’t do a starter. They’ve always been fine. I thought the mini Coquilles St Jacques looked nice this year.

vincettenoir · 16/12/2024 19:59

i agree but I’m generally not that into picky bits in general. I always prefer a meal.

pestoblush · 16/12/2024 19:59

You could mix it up though - so buy some of the beige but then mozzarella, tomato and basil served or fresh fruit

the shit is is good for soaking alcohol

Crikeyalmighty · 16/12/2024 19:59

Interesting thing is that whilst yes it can be a bit beige and bland- bang some salads and quiche with it and some good cooked meat and bread and I've always enjoyed it - whereas being honest I've had some pretty revolting efforts from people who took pride in saying they made everything from scratch -

Avoidingthetwitch · 16/12/2024 19:58

I think it’s so expensive, and heating up lots of little things is a faff for clumsy people like me. I like lots of the ideas though so often use them for inspiration to make a single bigger version to slice up after cooking.

Glitchymn1 · 16/12/2024 19:56

Ultra processed Christmas crap.

IsChristmasOverYetPlease · 16/12/2024 19:55

I agree OP. It’s shite food, looks awful, gives minimal satisfaction and is a complete rip off.

Give me a decent cheese board, interesting salads, great cold meats, bread and a proper pork pie from my local butcher and I’m happy.

ThisMustBeMyDream · 16/12/2024 19:51

For 22 years I have visited M&S to get party food for our Christmas eve buffet. For the last 3 of 4 years I've felt the range and quality has dwindled massively whilst the cost has gone up. This year I finally decided enough is enough and I've abandoned our tradition!
So, we are getting a takeaway. It will be cheaper, will taste better, and no washing up at all! Thinking a delicious Chinese with lots of sharing dishes. Should come to about £60. Where as my m&s shop has been over £100 for 1 meal and maybe 2 extra desserts! No more!

needsomewarmsunshine · 16/12/2024 19:44

NewName24 · 16/12/2024 19:29

Going against the grain here.

Newsflash - people have different tastes and people like different things!

There is quite a variety of different party food about, and I've tasted loads of lovely things over the years.

Well what do you expect New ? This mumsnet, home to martyr who cooks everything from scratch then comes on aibu to moan how tired they are from all the christmas preparation and making memories shite that most of the family /visitors ignored because they didn't gush the compliments.

mambojambodothetango · 16/12/2024 19:40

Thus year I'm going for blinis which I'll top with smoked salmon cream cheese and dill, or duck pate and cranberry sauce. It'll take minutes to assemble and likely be tastier than anything pre-made.