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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To just do nibbles for my 40th and not full buffet?

43 replies

zozzle · 26/08/2012 13:55

Have hired a rugby club for my 40th and a DJ for a disco. There will be a bar. It is 7.30pm-12pm but I guess people won't start turning up until 8pm.

If you were a guest would you expect a full buffet or could I just get away with nibbles (trying to keep cost down)? The venue holds 100-150 people.

OP posts:
minikimmi · 26/08/2012 13:56

The buffet is the only reason I go to these things. Could someone pay for the buffet as a 40th gift? By nibbles, do you mean bowls of nuts on tables??!

mumofthemonsters808 · 26/08/2012 14:02

What about a hotpot with crusty bread,usually a local bakers will provide a helping for as many people as you require and the cost is very reasonable.Goes down a treat especially during the winter. I don't think nibbles will work another option is to make a huge chilli and serve with rice.

doblet · 26/08/2012 14:09

I'd expect to be fed!

mamalovebird · 26/08/2012 14:09

I'm organising a surprise party for DH's 40th and I'm doing fish & chips in a cone for everyone. Don't really want a buffet to avoid the whole queuing thing as it'll feel like a wedding plus while there are seats, it's not a sit down meal type of place, so people can eat whilst standing. Everyone gets the same, and the price per head has halved as a result.

MrsJREwing · 26/08/2012 14:10

I would expect some sarnies etc.

debka · 26/08/2012 14:12

I'd expect to be fed too, sorry.

We had pies from the local (excellent) butcher and peas and mint sauce at my engagemnet party, was lovely.

hobnobsaremyfavourite · 26/08/2012 14:13

I would want to be fed too.

thekidsarealright · 26/08/2012 14:15

I wouldn't expect food! Maybe just put it on the invite to manage people's expectations?

Nospringflower · 26/08/2012 14:15

I wouldn't expect to be fed Smile

ImaginateMum · 26/08/2012 14:19

For DH's birthday I got loads of yummy fresh bread and then had it on the table with cold meats, cheeses, pickles, tomatoes, olives, etc. (mostly from Lidl - their salamis, hams, pickles are very good). Looked very festive and did not cost much. I probably spent around £100.

Then later in the evening, the pub brought out hot sausage rolls, pizza, spring rolls, etc which was about £2 per head.

It wasn't offered on their menus to do it this way, but they were quite happy to accommodate. People seemed satisfied with what they got, and it was much cheaper than buying the full buffet.

ENormaSnob · 26/08/2012 14:19

I would expect food tbh.

I would be Shock and Sad at no buffet.

FourEyesGood · 26/08/2012 14:22

I think it's fine to just offer snacks (hate the word nibbles!) but you should make it clear on the invitations.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 26/08/2012 14:22

Depends what you mean by nibbles.

I don't like buffets but would be v happy with a veggie sausage sandwich or a cheeseboard and less happy with a few peanuts!

Pinkforever · 26/08/2012 14:27

Sorry but you will look like a right tight arse if you dont have some grub at a party!! At least do a few sandwiches,sausage rolls etc.

MrsJREwing · 26/08/2012 14:30

I didnt want to be as blunt as pink.

I remember an aquantance invited people to a chrustening, people all over country and abroad, she offered the top tier if her wedding cake and a cup of tea. The guests comments were along the lines of Pinks.

giveitago · 26/08/2012 14:31

Nibbles - it's a party - there's a bar and that's the main thing. Better to have shop (or bar) nibbles than trying to organise catering that can be expensive and often 'orrible.

You're gonna be 40 - spend the time partying and not organising 'posh' food. Enjoy yourself and your guests will enjoy as well.

But if nibbles means only nuts and crisps think again. Depending on who guests are I go for veggie but you can get a few quiches and cut them up, crisps, nuts, olives, french bread cut into small slices, mini (can't remember the name but they are in breadcrumbs with egg in the middle or mini sausage things for pork eaters) and all the stuff that mini suggests. So much party food out there - just go to the supermarket - stock up - open the packets and put on plates? Isn't that easier?

ENormaSnob · 26/08/2012 14:34

I too would think you really tight.

Especially as I would presumably paying for my own drinks, transport and gift etc.

MrsKeithRichards · 26/08/2012 14:35

I had a massive pot of stovies at my party, went down a treat!

MrsKeithRichards · 26/08/2012 14:36

What about close friends and family organising a dish each?

McHappyPants2012 · 26/08/2012 14:39

I would expect food.

But I would do my own cold buffet

MrsJREwing · 26/08/2012 14:39

There was a thread, you reminded me of, it was very funny. A lady was having a shared 40th party and she was buying loads of crisps from lidl and carrying them home by bus in ikea bags. She was also freezing cupcakes.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 26/08/2012 14:44

Mrs KR - we went to a party once where the food was either stovies or veggie stovies. It's not something I'd want to eat everyday and it's certainly not the prettiest plate of food - but it went down v well and was much nicer than lots of trays of sausage roll and cold quiche type things.

giveitago · 26/08/2012 14:50

ernomasnob - you should be on that marriage thread. It's all about tightness!

TiggyD · 26/08/2012 15:18

You need to get some food. Secondly, it will stop people getting drunk.

What the fuck is a stovie?

Cheap sausage rolls, sandwiches and lots of crisps and carrot sticks and Doritos with humus for the middle class guests.

MrsKeithRichards · 26/08/2012 15:19

It was my 18th, think my mum was just wanting to line everyone's stomachs to slow down the rate people were getting drunk!