AIBU to think this dinner spread will be enough for nine?

[geminicancerean]

Nine people for dinner tomorrow, 6 adults, 3 kids. It’s going to be really hot. 5 of the guests will have travelled some of the day.

I’ve actually been unwell this week so have relied on M&S to do the actual work. DH isn’t sure my planned spread is going to feed everybody so I’d like some opinions

I have bought:
2 quiches (one bacon and cheese, one cheese and onion)
2 packets hot flaked salmon
Ingredients for big Greek style salad (cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta etc)
Big bag of green salad
2 big pots of pasta, pesto and pine nut salad
6 sausage rolls
Big bag of M&S wotsits
Big bag of M&S bacon crisps
Huge double punnet of strawberries
Meringue nests
Cream
oh and cake

The sausage rolls and crisps are for whoever wants them but I obvs had the kids in mind picking those - I know all three kids like these things and eat them.

So that’s it. I think it’s enough. DH suspicious and thinks we might need ‘extras’.

Over to you Mumsnet (don’t worry, I’m braced for criticism and I can take it!)

It’s not the taste, you’ve not got anywhere near enough food.

of you’re adamant you have and want to “stretch it” then why ask.

inviting people round and then stretching it is never a good look.

And now I fancy sausage rolls and new potato salad for my tea.

No it’s not enough. One punnet of strawberries for 9 people, the kids will destroy those by themselves.

The thing with spreads like this is that really you should have enough for some to be left over, not have the plates so empty that people feel they can’t eat what they really want to.

Some meat kofta or skewer type things?

I’m sorry to say it but where’s the hearty food? There’s almost no meat. It’s also not kid friendly. The sausage rolls sound like you’re not sure what the kids will eat as it’s bit very appealing for them and they don’t have much variety. Don’t add more quiche as that’s a particular type of food that a lot of kids won’t like and the adults already have a lot of it. You need another main option that the kids will also eat. Can you add a few pizzas or a rotisserie chicken? I’d definitely increase the meat.

It’s not enough even with potato salad as others have advised. I’d add cold cuts of meat, bread, a cheese board and pizzas for the children as a minimum.

No! That would probably feed 5 or 6 people at a push. Including the potatoes.

Strawberries here ⬇️ I also have a large punnet of raspberries that I hadn’t earmarked for spread but can obvs include.

There’s also a fucking massive cake (someone has a birthday)

I’d add a couple of roast chickens (cooked and served cold) and buy way more strawberries!

I would double what you have.

Sorry me dear but a big no.
Your guests will be peckish. Even if it is hot. Add in any drink and even more peckish.
Two quiches and two packets of hot smoked salmon will not feed them. You don’t say how old the kids are but young boys if there are any will eat loads.

Cheeses. Baguettes. Tortellini is cheap, easy to cook and filling. Just serve it as is.
Will they expect hot food ? Sausages in rolls that sort of thing. Wedgies.
Pouch rice cooked in a microwave won’t heat up your kitchen but you get tasty options. But you need to up the protein.

I’m going to disagree with most people here - I find that in buffet situations people tend to eat less than you think - the only thing I would agree with is to allow at least one sausage roll per person so maybe get another six. Just in case, you could have some bread and cheese in reserve as an extra course before strawberries and cake but you can probably use them for school/work lunches if you don’t use them.
Also agree with a PP that it depends a bit on the age of the children.

Are you a bit strapped for cash? If so then bread is probably the cheapest way to help fill people up. A few baguettes will pad it out well enough without costing a lot more.

You’ve got 6 sausage rolls for 9 people? And 1 bag of crisps?

from what you’ve said I reckon you’ve got about 50% of the food.

and for 9 people who are picking go for 4 big bags of crisps at a minimum. And 18 sausage rolls.

I think your understanding of fucking massive is a bit skewed. That punnet will give everyone about two strawberries each, maybe 3 at a push.

cmon, you don’t want to be that person.

more protein needed.

650g of strawberries will serve 2 or 3 kids.

Good idea to get a couple of pizzas for the kids too. No need to buy expensive ones.

Exactly! How stingy.

The kids (two of mine and another) are neurowonky and fussy and I think they will be very sausage roll, crisps and cake focused. But I think I’ll get a couple of garlic and cheese flatbreads too. I don’t know why people think I’m defensive, I’m just explaining my rationale for ordering - but I am making additions and happily accepting the advice!

No where near enough. More sausage rolls and more variety. Not very kid friendly either, dd1 (teen) would only eat the crisps and sausage rolls. Dd2 might have some of the salad. They're not keen on potato salad either. I'd probably add a pizza for the kids rather than more quiche.

OP,do you know the appetites of people coming?
It’s better to have more stuff than not enough.
Bung some chicken drumsticks/thighs or burgers in the oven. You can also make some kebabs for the oven.
A couple of pizzas would also be good.

Blimey you should’ve seen what I had for a
Bbq for 5 adults yesterday…..
burgers, sausages, lamb, chicken legs, scallops, prawns, pork ribs… I thought I’d been quite restrained as it was pretty much one of everything each other than sausages 🤣. Also salad, potatoes and home made coleslaw
I do like to treat my visitors !

Oh my.

Nowhere near. Picture a full plate of food and times by 9