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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

BBQ

51 replies

houselikeashed · 20/07/2019 11:31

I'm doing a BBQ for 30+ people. We only have a normal size charcoal BBQ. I was going to keep it simple with just sausages and burgers on the BBQ with roasted vegetable couscous, tom and mozzarella, salad, mini sweetcorn cobs, and (oven cooked) chicken.
Now DH has barged in and wants kebabs, prawns, and homemade chips. He says sausages and burgers is a kids BBQ and he'd feel shortchanged if all he was offered was that.
What do you think?

OP posts:
ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 20/07/2019 11:34

I wouldn’t feel short changed. If your DH wants more then he can cook it. If cooking space is an issue then he can go and get disposable bbq for his creations.

Do you need veggie options too?

PineappleSeahorse · 20/07/2019 11:35

Kebabs are nice but I'd be perfectly happy with sausages and burgers.your BBQ sounds lovely to me. I assume that he's happy to do all of the prep, cooking and clearing up for all of these extra dishes then?

LittleBearPad · 20/07/2019 11:37

The chips definitely aren’t an adult option!

I think if you have good quality burgers and sausages and lovely buns for hamburgers with cheese, salad etc to be added then you’re good.

I’d skip the prawns as faffy for so many people. Kebabs - maybe but I wouldn’t worry too much.

Of course if he really wants kebabs and chips etc then there’s nothing stopping him getting and making them!

Rubbinghimsweetly2 · 20/07/2019 11:38

Sounds lovely op, what time do we all need to be there Grin

Original poster
houselikeashed · 20/07/2019 11:43

Thanks guys!!

Ha Ha! I'd love to invite you all!!! 4pm at my house!

OP posts:
Sparklesocks · 20/07/2019 11:45

Honestly I don’t expect anything super elaborate at bbqs, as long as there’s enough food im just happy to be fed Smile

TulipsTulipsTulips · 20/07/2019 11:45

Personally I love a laid back bbq. The moment you make it complicated is when you stop enjoying it. My poor mil, who is lovely, can never enjoy a bbq as she spends the whole time on elaborate salads. Simple and chilled is what it should be all about!

EssentialHummus · 20/07/2019 11:54

The moment you make it complicated is when you stop enjoying it.

This. One/two things on a bbq, couple of salads, crisps and drinks unless the person bbqing is very competent at more sophisticated stuff. Otherwise you end up waiting 30 minutes for half an undercooked sausage.

TwistyTop · 20/07/2019 12:45

Ugh, having all of that stuff going on sounds overly complicated. You won't have any chance to relax, you'll just be cooking all day and stuff won't get the attention it needs to be done nicely. Also where are you going to cook all of this stuff if you only have a small bbq?

I'd tell DH that you're more than happy for him to buy himself another bbq and handle all of the extra stuff he's suggested, and you will just stick with sausages and burgers. When you've finished and he's still fucking about marinating prawns and turning the chips you can grab yourself and g and t and wave at him from the table. Enjoy!

Deadlysinner · 20/07/2019 12:51

Who has chips at a bbq?!?!?!?!

Original poster
houselikeashed · 20/07/2019 13:00

ok. So lets say 35 people max.

Now I have to work out how much meat to get.
How much would you eat at my BBQ?
would you actually eat sausage, burger and chicken, plus salad bits?

OP posts:
Original poster
houselikeashed · 20/07/2019 13:01

Deadlysinner

My dh obviously!

OP posts:
ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 20/07/2019 13:09

It depends if they are huge burgers or skinny ones. I would allow at least one burger and sausage per person but not cook them all in one go so you can always get the out of the fridge if needed or freeze if not.
I don’t think you need chicken for everyone.

msmith501 · 20/07/2019 13:13

I cheat and cook everything in the over beforehand (including jacket spuds) and the use the BBQ to make give that authentic burnt taste. Far less hassle and I know the food is cooked. It also allows me to offer a wider range of food inc. veggie stuff.

F2Feee · 20/07/2019 13:17

One burger and one sausage is mean and tight. I think your spread sounds basic and bland op. More like something last minute not for 30 guests.
Cous cous salad? Er no that doesnt go with a bbq. Why dont you make chicken and veg skewers? Way better. You can then add more veg to it for any vegetarians.
You need better salads as well. A good pasta salad, potato salad , green salad sounds much better.

F2Feee · 20/07/2019 13:19

All of the stuff mentioned in my previous can be done the day before. You can put out a much nicer spread with no work on the actual day.

Buscake · 20/07/2019 13:22

I would suggest marinating loads of chicken thigh fillets and barbecuing them. They take minutes to cook, and go a lot further when all sliced up and served in pitta/flatbread so you won’t be stuck cooking for ages. Cook some chipolatas (quick and easy), corn on the cob on your hob, nice salads. Stress free!

Wingedharpy · 20/07/2019 13:23

What size of chip pan do you have to be able to offer home made chips to 30 people?

PineappleSeahorse · 20/07/2019 13:24

I'd allow more than one burger and one sausage but I don't see the issue with cous cous salad. Why doesn't it go with a barbecue?

FriarTuck · 20/07/2019 13:24

Do the chicken in the oven (and maybe the sausages) and then whack them on the bbq to charcoal them for the flavour. And sod the kebabs and prawns and chips. Stick some crisps in a bowl.

zonkin · 20/07/2019 13:29

What's wrong with cous cous salad? I like it and would eat it at a bbq.

Agree green salad too, but presume that is what OP meant by "salad". Agree potato salad would be nice. Or jacket spuds. Not pasta salad tho.

ShinyRuby · 20/07/2019 13:30

I agree that sausages & burgers with salads are more than fine, chicken is an added bonus! Why do men do this? It's a bbq not Masterchef! I'd never go to a bbq expecting kebabs & prawns. Definitely not chips!! I'd be happy & full enough with a hotdog & burger. Sounds lovely, hope the weather's good.

mynameiscalypso · 20/07/2019 13:31

I went to a BBQ last weekend and was so disappointed there were no burgers (even though there were burger buns FFS!)

zonkin · 20/07/2019 13:32

Posted too early. Kebabs would be nice. Do chicken kebabs instead of of the oven cooked chicken. Can still cook them in the oven and chuck on bbq for a bit of char. Prawns adding too much work. And chips, just no.

Personally I'd bung steak on too but I am a greedy pig and I love bbq steak

TheSandgroper · 20/07/2019 13:39

I agree with pp that home made chips for 35 pax is upsetting to the cook (always bad). Get someone to spend $5 at the chippie on their way. You will have nothing left.
Sausages can be cooked yesterday and reheated as efficient and safe. Burgers are best cooked freshly. Buy good ones or make well previously and freeze in shape. Baked veges are also efficient - potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potato, cauli florets, olive oil, garlic and herbs and into the oven. Again, do it previously and just reheat.
Chicken marinated and cooked carefully would be good but roasted and jointed can also be done ahead and smells really good. Some salad.

Charity shops will provide bowls and platters (yes, I know it means washing up but it's better than plastic and, in my family, the cook always finds someone getting stuck into the kitchen when needed).
Buy plenty of ice and keep everything safe. Tell dh that it's too hard to keep that many prawns safe so you aren't doing them. You don't want to be remembered for the wrong reasons.

Cakes for dessert. Finger food which means no cream. Just platters loaded with slices etc (see the thread here on protestant NI traybakes).

In my experience, success depends upon looking generous. Only have a few things but have plenty of them and all will be good.

Anyway, my 2cents worth.