Boxing Day Buffet

[Lovemy3kids]

Hi MNetters

Can I have your suggestoins please? I am having the family round for dinner on Boxing Day and I am doing a buffet....what food do you have at your buffets?

There will be 7/8 adults and 4/5 children (from 7-15 y.o)

The list I have so far is the standard sausage rolls, cocktail sausages, mini-pizza's, crisps, dips, meats, cheese, colsaw, mince pies.......any other suggestions?

TIA x

It is a lot of work for boxing day I have found in the past. Are you set on a buffet (remember fridge space being at a premium) or would you consider a hot dish such as chilli or curry with rice and bread? Much easier for larger numbers.

If you are sticking with a buffet then some crisps or breadsticks, crusty bread (you can buy those part baked rolls/breads at the supermarket), some sort of greenery so lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrot sticks, celery, peppers etc. Egg mayo or devilled eggs?

Quiches, salad, baguettes, smoked salmon...

You've got all the obvious things.

use up your left overs making a Coronation Chicken with the remaining turkey to go with the other things you mention.

Or you could change tack completely and go with something like chilli (made well ahead of Christmas and frozen)

We're not having a turkey as we are eating out on christmas day....maybe I should buy a small turkey and cook that too???

I think I will have to stick with the buffet as have some very fussy eaters in the family who wouldn't appreciate chilli or curry - and I have one guest who is wheat/dairy/gluten intolerant too

in that case ... personally, I'd avoid turkey. I only suggested it assuming you might have turkey to use up.

I have a friend who is wheat/dairy/gluten intolerant - just serve plenty of simple meat/salad as they won't be able to eat the pastry dishes unless you are making your own pastry with special flour. Perhaps suggest they bring their own bread ? My friend takes rye bread/rice cakes with her wherever she goes just to be sure she can bulk out whatever's on offer, I don't think it's a big ask, takes the pressure off both of you.

You have a lovely selection already, maybe add a simple salad (serve the dressing separately unless you're making it yourself so know there's no gluten/wheat in) and maybe a fruit salad - or even just some satsumas? I hope people will offer to bring things to help out too

Won't suit the gluten intolerant one but this Christmas pie is lovely and freezes really well so can be made in advance. I always think a homemade pie makes an impressive centre piece for a buffet.

Thanks for your suggestions....you've all been really helpful :)

Was going to say; glazed ham, potato salad, green crispy salad and pickle but.......Oh My at CHRISTMAS PIE!

If I had a gluten free guest I would also make sure I bought gluten free cocktail sausages, think Sainsburys or M&S did them last Xmas

A whole poached salmon always goes well with other seafoods and makes a change from all that meat. Different breads, salads and cheeses are good too.