Supermarket Christmas party food is rubbish

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AIBU to think that, much as I like the idea of supermarket party food, it all looks brown, dull and unappetising?

I keep thinking I'll buy some canapes as a treat, but I see what's on offer and it doesn't really appeal to me

Every year I’m tempted by the idea but put off by the reality. There’s usually one thing in each shop I like and that’s it.

Not the same thing at all, but one Christmas food I did love was tsar-cut salmon from Waitrose. Discontinued and this year I haven’t found a delivery option that works. Gutted.

Agree, OP! It's all ultra processed crap, tastes of nothing but salt, and makes me feel physically ill! I do have a sensitive stomach, but DH also hates it and he's got a stomach of steel. It looks so unappetising!

Went to a Christmas party the other night, and the host server a table of it up. Horrible! Me and DH stuck to the homemade potato salad and bread rolls after having a nibble. Price of it is outrageous too! We just make our own!

Aw sometimes a bit of beige is nice- it’s comfort food to me. Love the vegan options this year!

M & S stuff is really good. The little pies, yorkshires and that range. All very tasty.

Never done any this Xmas party food. Besides you can only cook 1.5 packs of the 50 piece platters in the oven at once. When we have buffets - not at Christmas, other times of the year. We had quiches, salad - things like tomatoes, cucumber, peppers were in separate pots. Then cooked chicken portions, baguettes, pasta salad,

All of it looks really anaemic, but it is better once cooked

Thus year I'm going for blinis which I'll top with smoked salmon cream cheese and dill, or duck pate and cranberry sauce. It'll take minutes to assemble and likely be tastier than anything pre-made.

Well what do you expect New ? This mumsnet, home to martyr who cooks everything from scratch then comes on aibu to moan how tired they are from all the christmas preparation and making memories shite that most of the family /visitors ignored because they didn't gush the compliments.

For 22 years I have visited M&S to get party food for our Christmas eve buffet. For the last 3 of 4 years I've felt the range and quality has dwindled massively whilst the cost has gone up. This year I finally decided enough is enough and I've abandoned our tradition!
So, we are getting a takeaway. It will be cheaper, will taste better, and no washing up at all! Thinking a delicious Chinese with lots of sharing dishes. Should come to about £60. Where as my m&s shop has been over £100 for 1 meal and maybe 2 extra desserts! No more!

I agree OP. It’s shite food, looks awful, gives minimal satisfaction and is a complete rip off.

Give me a decent cheese board, interesting salads, great cold meats, bread and a proper pork pie from my local butcher and I’m happy.

Ultra processed Christmas crap.

I think it’s so expensive, and heating up lots of little things is a faff for clumsy people like me. I like lots of the ideas though so often use them for inspiration to make a single bigger version to slice up after cooking.

Interesting thing is that whilst yes it can be a bit beige and bland- bang some salads and quiche with it and some good cooked meat and bread and I've always enjoyed it - whereas being honest I've had some pretty revolting efforts from people who took pride in saying they made everything from scratch -

You could mix it up though - so buy some of the beige but then mozzarella, tomato and basil served or fresh fruit

the shit is is good for soaking alcohol

i agree but I’m generally not that into picky bits in general. I always prefer a meal.

I usually buy some fishy M&S canapés for Christmas, to have a couple of hours before a late dinner - I don’t do a starter. They’ve always been fine. I thought the mini Coquilles St Jacques looked nice this year.

I cook from scratch most of the year.

I WANT a beige buffet come Christmas so I can just sling it on a tray.

I have made a couple of beige offerings myself this year though. They are also in my freezer.

100% cheap UPF

Can't go wrong with a cheese board. Stilton, a decent Cheddar (leave the value stuff for cooking), Camembert and another cheese of your choice. Put some grapes and either a caramelised onion or Christmas chutney on the side.

Most of the Indian stuff in supermarkets is greasy. My friend (Indian) makes her own bhajis and samosas - all beautiful - not at all greasy.

You need carbs/stodge to absorb alcohol.

Love these. I could eat them forever.

My work Jacob join or fuddle was at lunchtime today. The savory stuff was great home made pasta salad, cream cheese and chilli sauce, lots of veggies and cheese and crackers. The sweet stuff was all supermarket cakes and tarts. I love fruit so next year I will make fruit salad and I don't care if I am the only one eating it.😊

I bloody love beige party food. Samosas, spring rolls, prawn toasts, things on skewers, things in pastry, things in tempura....I love 'em all. I like cheese and charcuterie and olives as well.

Ah,a balanced palate, @PonyPatter44 😉

Definitely!