To make my family sit outside and not cook?

[nolovelost]

Family are coming over for the first time today and it's clear that we're all sitting outside, due to me being vulnerable health wise. They understand that I don't feel comfortable mixing inside like other families can without health issues. But I feel mean because the weather is unsettled at the moment.

Shall I say that I'm not cooking or is that rude? I'm providing drinks obviously and cake.

Has anyone else invited people over and been really nervous about it? And yes, I probably shouldn't have done it but I've not seen them since January!

My parents have been to mine 3x. Each time have stayed in garden. When came for food weather was mixed so we ordered take out and sat under a gazebo

I'm not clear why providing cake and drinks but no food

What time are they coming, surely that dictates whether they are expecting a proper meal?
If you want to say something just let them know what you will provide not what you won’t be.

Up until now we've only visited people outside. We took our own food and drink and toys for the kids. There is nothing wrong with what you're planning to do.

Are they coming during a mealtime? If they're just popping in for the afternoon cake sounds great. Otherwise I'd give them a text now and ask if they're comfortable with you providing the food or they want to bring their own. Cue for them to say "don't worry, we're sorted/that would be lovely".

We have visited or been visited by a few lots of friends and family and it's been a really mixed bag of what people feel comfortable with. But I think the main thing is you have all you need so people can stay as long as possible. Hope you have a lovely time - once they're here I think it'll be a real relief just to see them 😊

Thank you for the replies. They are coming at half 1.

1:30 is an odd time, I'm guessing they're local so aren't travelling across lunchtime.

Just giving cake is fine as long as they know to have an early lunch before.

As long as they know to have lunch before, then providing an afternoon tea (cakes, biscuits, scones, maybe finger rolls and cucumber sandwiches) sounds absolutely fine.

You could go full Enid Blyton and add lashings of ginger beer?

I'd cancel to be honest. I wouldn't want my family to be sat outside in the cold. I understand you have health issues so they can't come inside, but I really don't think they will want to sit in the garden with weather like this?

Can you perhaps rearrange for another weekend?

The weather is pretty rubbish. I’d cancel.

I would cancel too, weather looks better next week.
Tea and cake is a lovely idea, no need for cooking!

Sandwiches and cake would be fine op.

We’ve sat outside any time we’ve been to see fiancé’s parents, and will this weekend too, because they’re over 70. We don’t tend to have drinks when we’re there, and haven’t had food. We live an hour or so away so we rearrange if it’s raining heavily, and just go for a quick catch up if it’s drizzly. If it’s nice we’ll sit outside for a bit.

As long as they know it’s definitely outside, they can make their call on whether to come or rearrange. It’s not unreasonable to be happier with them outside.

Depends what they're expecting tbh. It doesn't matter as long as you tell them beforehand. Tbh I would cancel if the weather is as grotty there as it is here. I wouldn't expect my relatives to sit out in the garden when it is chilly and there are showers. What happens if they all get there, get settled with a cup of tea and it rains and you won't let them in your house?

1.30 is an odd time-to me, that is over lunchtime.

How did you issue the invitation? Surely at some point you asked and then and said why don’t you come over FOR something eg coffee/lunch/cake or come after lunch etc

Who is coming? How many and do you if know they are eg sticklers for eating at 12pm?

I’m presuming you know them well enough (as you have invited them round at this time) that you can clear all this confusion up with a simple conversation though. If you are too anxious to do that-I think this get together is far too soon for you.

It's raining, cold and windy here. It would be miserable sitting outside eating cake in the rain. I'd have rearranged for a more promising looking day weather-wise before now. I'm assuming they do know that they'll be sitting outside?

Sorry just re read your first post and they DO know they'll be outside.

I think if everyone knows the deal then that’s fine; when we were first allowed to do it we had people in the garden and everyone brought their own picnic and I’ve known others to bring their own tea in thermos cups if they want to be particularly careful. Have them wrap up warm and keep it short. Only do what you’re comfortable with based on your health needs.

So you are inviting them over at lunch time but not providing lunch. They are your family so they will know you may do things oddly!