Please criticise my Xmas menu

[Roushi]

Just planning my contributions to the Christmas meal. I have been given appetisers and drinks.

I am just trying to strike that balance of making the day special but obviously not wanting to go overboard as there is so much gluttony on Christmas anyway.

Plan:

Appetisers
antipasti wreath
brie and cranberry parcels
Christmas tree shaped cheese ball and crackers (this was introduced to me by an American ex - not sure if it’s well known here but it is essentially a blend of cream cheese and other cheeses in the shape of a Christmas tree, some people add Boursin)

I reckon the above is good as it will take no time to make plus they can be picked at for a while and should not spoil. I was thinking of doing more canapé style food but I feel like it’s more of a pain in the arse to do.

but is obvious with my choices I’m kind of taking the easy route?

Drinks
Mulled cider
Berry cocktail of some sort
Champagne, wine (I’m not buying)

I am also going to make a white chocolate and raspberry Yule log which has sort of become my specialty. I enjoy baking and the person on pudding is fine with me doing so.

Is there anything you would take out? There will be no kids and 8 adults.

I always find mumsnetters think of things that don’t even enter my mind

I know to many this post is a bit unnecessary but I just get stage fright with food on big occasions.

Thanks in advance.

This all sounds lovely OP, especially the white chocolate! I'd try and include blue cheese somewhere, just to offset the general soft taste of the other cheeses. Or maybe inculdr some sharp cheddar?

> You can never have too much cheese so good job on that front.

> As PP said, where are the sausage rolls? I love an old fashioned sausage roll at Christmas.

> I personally can't stand mulled cider. I can drink my body weight in mulled wine but I'd b gutted to see only mulled cider on offer.

> What are the non-alcoholic drink options?

> Will there be soda or tonic to top off and take the edge off wine or champagne?

> I hate to be that person. Sorry. But a we bit of greenery to go with the appetisers would be nice. Just a few sticks of carrot or a few leaves smattered here and there.

I really want to make a cheesey Christmas tree thing! How do I do it?

The cheese ball thing sounds horrible! Sorry, I'm sure some people don't think so. Cheese is more for after dinner though, or boxing day?
The brie parcels are good though. What about some smoked salmon? I know it's not very exciting but I think it's nice to have before a big lunch. Soda bread. With a winter salad using shaved sprouts, chestnuts, pear, radicchio/bitter leaves, green lentils with some pancetta and pomegranate seeds?

It's a lot of food for 8 and a bit on the heavy side with all that cheese.

It looks amazing, I want to eat some now! It's a lot more superior fayre to our family.. it's only either melon or ham or prawn type appetizers. I think something crispy texture might also be nice like little vol au vents with filo pastry.. I suppose that is what your brie parcels are. Good luck

Do you know what everyone likes?

I think these will look gorgeous, but I personally cannot stand olives so would be a bit gutted if they were joined to almost everything because you can still taste them if you take them off! (Same with gherkins which I think I can spot there, but I know I'm fussy!)

And yes to something without soft cheese. Plus even some simple mince pies would be nice as it's traditional.

Sounds delicious, @BobbyBiscuits - when shall I arrive ? 😉😁

Sounds very good. Maybe add some smoked salmon on crackers / toasted bread? Or some dips with vegetable crudites? Celery, peppers, carrots, apple? Hummous is always a winner, maybe a beetroot dip for colour!

Sorry if this goes against the grain but I think cheese should be for after the main meal and dessert not before. I love the ideas though, very clever.

This sounds far too healthy to me for Christmas!

OP I think your menu sounds great.

I'm sure most people would be delighted with it, I'm a very fussy eater and I don't think I'd eat a single thing there 🙈 it looks beautiful but I'd maybe have something a little bit plainer too just in case.

I think it sounds quite ‘heavy’ for before a Xmas lunch. If I was given the brief appetisers I’d have thought salmon/pate canapés and champagne/ winter cocktail or mulled wine. I also think Italian meats don’t necessarily go with a Xmas lunch, but that’s my personal preference

I'd struggle on that menu, I don't like cheese at all and not a massive fan of anti pasti either, my family and close friends know so would offer alternatives. It all depends though on how well you know your guests and whether they like the planned food

Yeah it didn’t register at all that my plan could quite easily be mistaken for a cheese course. I may do the cheese ball tree but just have it as something for later in the day.

A 'cheese slut' 😂😂

Sounds fab to me, I'm also a cheese slut

https://themodernnonna.com/christmas-tree-cheese-ball/ :)

Plenty more versions on Pinterest

There’s a lot of cheese! But I suppose if everyone likes cheese then that’s fine. You’ll know their dietary requirements and preferences better than us.

Sorry but that cheese tree looks absolutely vile. Wreath is a good idea. You have a lot of cheese so I’d replace the cheese tree with something non-cheese related. Not everyone loves cheese and it’s usually served for desert (cheese and biscuits).

No criticisms, I wish to attend - also a fellow cheese hoe !

I think that as you have an antipasti plate it will balance out the cheese.

Too much cheese and not enough vegetables for me.
Beetroot hummus is festive looking.

I'd be happy with that, personally.

Assuming you have no vegans and everyone will be drinking alcohol?

I'd add something really plain and boring too like crisps, cocktail sausages or cucumber and carrot sticks in case you have anyone fussy coming.

I see too many olives and not much charcuterie in those photos, other than that I think is plenty.

I'd happily eat most of that. But it does seem a bit heavy for before a Christmas lunch. Assuming they all have breakfast, if they eat that then lunch at 2 it's a lot on a short time. Most of your offerings are what I'd bring out at about 4 or 5 to be picked at for the rest if the day instead of an evening meal.
Are you thinking sit at the table starter, or wandering around with a nibble and a drink chatting? Cos if its more of a formal starter I'd go a fairly light soup and fresh bread. Id probably do a small amount of 2 or 3 to cover all tastes and do soup flights 😅. (Love soup)
Or something like brushetta maybe.

For more canapé type of thing I think I'd go stuff on a stick. I'm a pleb an love cheese and pineapple. Cheese and tomato, ham and tomato. Olives (bleugh, don't let them contaminate the cheese please!), salami, cucumber, tomatoes, pickled onions, olives, any cheese or meat basically could be made into a combination of different mixes on cocktail sticks and be quite light.