To Ask Guests To Bring NYE Food?

[ChicMintUser]

AIBU to ask guests to bring food to my NYE party?

I’m hosting NYE this year and I’m already dreading the sheer volume of foods I’ll need to buy. I’ve always been high-energy and very lean (I prioritize fitness and honestly, my body just doesn't require much fuel to thrive. I intermittent fast from 5 pm to noon the following day).

The problem is my guests. They are lovely people, but they seem to treat New Year’s Eve like a competitive eating trial. Last year was a bloodbath, I put out what I thought was a generous spread and it was inhaled within twenty minutes. I'm talking platters of cheese, fresh fruit, delicious charcuterie, imported European crisps, sandwiches, etc. By 11 pm people were looking at the empty platters like I was starving them, despite the fact they’d already consumed more calories in one sitting than I do in three days.

I want to be a good host, but my internal gauge for "normal" portions is clearly broken compared to the average person. I find the sight of mountains of beige food quite off-putting, to be honest. I don't want to spend my evening watching people descend into a food coma while I’m trying to actually celebrate.

How do those of you with "normal" appetites handle catering for the "bottomless pit" crowd?
Do I just buy out the local Costco and accept the waste? How many sausage rolls per person is considered "enough" for people who don't know when to stop?

Am I a total Scrooge for wanting to serve elegant, light nibbles rather than a buffet that looks like a Viking feast? I just can’t wrap my head around needing that much fuel to simply sit in a living room and wait for a clock to strike twelve.

Is it unreasonable to ask guests to bring the snacks they like instead of buying a pile of food I would never, ever eat?

Quite a bit to coordinate /get out keep hot tho no?

Late night brioche quality bacon/ farm shop local sausage baps are an excellent idea though I think - and easy to get out and serve

Brioche is an abomination with bacon.

Not sure I’d recommend chilli as a finger food 🤣 😉 , was suggesting it because it’s easy to make, filling and most people like it.
The Op wanted to know how to fill her hungry guests 🤷🏼‍♀️

I think any food goes for NYE, as long as it’s tasty, if it’s a sit down dinner, then jazz up the menu by all means, but I’d not be offended by someone serving chilli on NYE. I’d be happy to have whatever the host had wanted to cook, certainly wouldn’t be judging it as a ‘week night meal’ and not good enough.

We’re different then

"Bring and Share" is very normal in my social circle. No one would expect the host to cater for a whole party.

Also burgers. I do not want a sweet bun. I want one with structure that is plain.

I would bake some rolls on Wednesday. Easy to make a few dozen soft white rolls.

You can stay at home with a few chunks of organic watermelon and feel fabulous.

This actually made me cackle. I’m not sure I’ve ever cackled before. 🤣

This is the strangest thread.

You seem to have done a 180.

You were always lean and then actually lost the weight.

People eat too much but now you’re doing two meals and nibbles….

I find it hard to believe fitness is the focus when you drink alcohol.

I hope you’re ok OP. Don’t host if you’re feeling stress due to it.

😂 OP now thinking you’re absolutely messing with everyone !

I asked for advice and am receiving it. Isn't that the point? I suppose it's better if I'm rigid and just complain that everyone is hungry? I got solutions and am thankful for them.

Please stop with the "alcohol and fitness don't work" nonsense. It's NYE, of course I'm having a few drinks!!

You said your food ran out in 20 minutes and your guests were hungry.

Bad host.

No, I just have a bread maker darling! I often bake for the local retirees association or the local women's shelter.

Whatever you decide, make sure that your guests know what to expect. You're now talking about a full meal plus nibbles. People who came last year might arrive full on the assumption that it's the same deal again. All options are fine so long as people are aware.

A roast chicken and trimmings!? For NYE! Just get a load of pizzas please 😭

Definitely spangly Christmas bullshit right there.

Well, yes. As someone pointed out that wouldn't actually feed that many people!

Is this bread real 😬

And if you make the rolls and buy decent meat it’s better than standard beige party food. Winner.

Hard disagree!! It’s the best!

Yes that's true. I will amend the group chat to make that clear. No empty stomachs or grumbling this year! And double the drink 🤣

The bread is not real.

You sound incredibly judgemental and a terrible host tbh.
They have come to celebrate with you, at your invitation, and your main concern is how terribly gluttonous everyone is.
You shouldn't have invited them.
It's ok to offer to host a pot luck/bring n share whatever type event. But you should make that clear when you issue the invitation, not just before.

So you judge their weight and their living situations. You sound really pleasant.

The OP's party is a much a real event as Tom Hardy turning up at mine tomorrow for afternoon tea.