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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To buy M&S Xmas main?

60 replies

DrMum83 · 09/12/2015 17:20

Is this lazy?

In laws coming for Xmas. They're real foodies and excellent cooks. I am not.
I want to impress but have an 11 month old and in between stopping her eating the Xmas tree and wrapping presents, I don't have the time nor skill to make something amazing.
I've seen on M&S site pre prepared mains, so goose or turkey or whatever already garnished and seasoned with lovely stuff and the accompaniments also look good.

The other option is to get the bird from local butcher but then I'd be stressing about timings and garnishing etc (M&S label on their birds is like an idiot's guide...)
Dya think I'd be wimping out doing this and dya think it would be as impressive?
( I realize in grand scheme of things that I'm lucky to have this as one of my main worries at mo)

OP posts:
DinoSnores · 09/12/2015 17:22

Certainly not!

We've ordered this for Christmas dinner and it is just for us.

christmasfood.marksandspencer.com/listing/mains/meats/A-British-Bacon-Wrapped-Rump-of-Beef-with-Honey-Roast-Chestnut-and-Thyme-Stuffing.aspx

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 09/12/2015 17:23

I say do it - without a second thought! M&S food is delicious, and you don't need any more stress! Have a lovely Christmas.

citybushisland · 09/12/2015 17:24

I say go for it - and i'm one who delights in making work for myself in the kitchen, cooking is my hobby and career. If you're not AND you have an 11 month old to run around after then my vote is, make your life a bit easier.

Leeds2 · 09/12/2015 17:27

I have had Christmas lunch from M&S before, and it was delicious. As is the one from Waitrose.

80sWaistcoat · 09/12/2015 17:27

I'd much rather someone did this because I know I'd get a lovely meal. Go for it. You'll be less stressed and more fun to be with.

Buttwing · 09/12/2015 17:28

I spent years crossing sprouts and peeling everything hand a up a turkeys bum the lot. Then one year when I was massively pregnant I couldn't be bothered so I m and s-ed the lot. Everyone said it was the best Xmas dinner I'd ever made. Bunch of bastards.

Original poster
DrMum83 · 09/12/2015 17:30

Thanks for support. I'll get the order in. Mouth watering looking at that dino!

OP posts:
Mumberjack · 09/12/2015 17:30

We always get a turkey breast joint from m&s or similar. There's enough to do on Xmas day without pissing about with giblets etc. It tastes lovely plus much less waste.

Smurfingreat · 09/12/2015 17:30

Do it! M&S christmas stuff is lovely, especially the garnish packs and the seafood terrine starter.

Original poster
DrMum83 · 09/12/2015 17:30

Butt - lol!

OP posts:
AnyoneButSanta · 09/12/2015 17:33

The phrase "in laws" suggests that you shouldn't have to deal with both the cooking and the toddler because there will be another adult to do one or the other task. In fact in most cases toddler wrangling would be the PIL's job while parents cook.

But if you want to cut a corner or two then go ahead - I bet even Delia takes the odd shortcut at Christmas.

howabout · 09/12/2015 17:33

Why aren't your in-laws bringing the food to bung in the oven if you have an 11 month old and they are foodies? Just the first thought to enter my head.

M and S Christmas Dinner is ok but ££££ more than DIY.

Crabbitface · 09/12/2015 17:34

Well if you are i am. I've already ordered their duck.

WorraLiberty · 09/12/2015 17:35

Will your DH not be spending the day with you?

Chococroc · 09/12/2015 17:35

We always go for an m&s main, it's lovely, saves on washing up and gives us all more time to enjoy the day, go for it!

Original poster
DrMum83 · 09/12/2015 17:36

They're bringing starters and dessert to be fair and I'm sure mother in law will interfere help out in the kitchen or keep the kid entertained...
Oh crap, feeling like I'm being lazy now having said this.....

OP posts:
80sWaistcoat · 09/12/2015 17:38

Good god you are not being lazy, just leaving yourself more time to do important stuff that actually matters. We did M&S christmas last year, the only thing I did myself was the roasties, parsnips and carrots.

Original poster
DrMum83 · 09/12/2015 17:38

Yeh DH there, he's on table laying, drink refilling and washing up duties. In fact, what AM I doing?
I'm a lazy cow aren't I?

OP posts:
shutupandshop · 09/12/2015 17:39

I do it every year

WorraLiberty · 09/12/2015 17:40

No, you're not a lazy cow at all.

But if you don't mind me saying, your Dh doesn't sound as though he'll be pulling his weight.

Laying a table takes minutes, as does refilling drinks.

If you're hosting together then why not cook together? You split the washing up or hope your PIL will 'interfere' and do it Wink

LittleMissAIBU · 09/12/2015 17:45

I work in M&S and trust me with the amount of customers we have had making orders, you are not alone Grin

You want to enjoy it, Christmas doesn't have to involve slaving away in the kitchen, make it as easy as possible.

And M&S food is lovely Xmas Grin

Duckstar · 09/12/2015 17:45

M and S food is the way to go. I did this 2 years ago and it was fab. Doing the same this year. I've gone for the deboned goose for main. Got all the sides etc as well. No slaving in the kitchen. Just pop in the oven.

Sallystyle · 09/12/2015 17:48

It's what I'm doing this year.

Me and dh don't want to spend all the time with a turkey again when half the house doesn't even like it and then the dogs smell of turkey farts for the next week.

I wanted to get a take-away but I was outvoted.

Original poster
DrMum83 · 09/12/2015 17:50

The, DH is a good un, he'll peel and chop and supervise DD until the in laws arrive. I trust his culinary skills less than mine!

OP posts:
Crabbitface · 09/12/2015 17:50

I did everything myself last year - home-made pate, soup, trifle, the works. I spent about 5 minutes with my kids the whole day. No chance am I doing that again - lazy or not - I want to play with the kids and their new toys and drink lots of lovely wine, not be sweating over a pot of custard. I'll be getting pre-made stuff as much as I can.