Where to put the food

[fromtheshires]

So I'm finally hosting Christmas this year after not being moved house in time last year.

The table is big enough, the food is all spreadsheeted, the freezer in the garage is on and purchasing has ensued to spread the cost.

The problem is, what do we do with the food itself on the day?

My parents have always put the meat onto platters and the trimmings into serving bowls and plonked on the table for everyone to help themselves throughout the meal.

My in laws have always left the food on the island in the kitchen where you grab your food, go through to the dining room and then eat

Both have their merits, the first is easier because you can have a little bit of this and a little bit of that on your plate and just top up as you see fit. The downside is it's a bit like a bun fight for the serving spoons to start off with.

The plate up then sit means the table can be decorated and look nice but once you are done you are done as I consider it rude to then go back up for more as it's in another room.

I'm conflicted because I want the amazing looking Christmas table but I also want to put the food on the table for everyone to just tuck in and not feel like they have to load their plate because they can't get up for more if they want to have some more food.

What do you all do?

I make an obscene amount of pigs in blankets, mostly because I know they’re everyone’s favourite!

Having said that I’m now a veggie so I’ll not be indulging this year, but I’ll still make for everyone else!

We plate ours up after asking them what they want, they always clear their plates so it must be ok
As for seconds we always give them more after if they want it , they don't usually though [fgrin[
I do have a small Lack table right in the corner of the dining room, from Ikea which l put the drinks glasses the cd player and christmas cds and the serviettes and other bits for the table. It is a little Godsend tbh , l wonder if something like that would help you OP.
www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/tables/coffee-side-tables/lack-side-table-white-art-20011413/

Roast owl you say?

What's the most common type of owl to see in a kitchen?

Go on I’ll bite, what is the most common owl seen in a kitchen?

So I bring all the veg/accompaniments (Yorkshire's, sauces) to the table (in pre-warmed serving dishes).

I tend to split them up though (I've a big 10 seater table) so half the roast potatoes are at one half of the table and another bowl at the other, two boats of gravy iyswim.

It makes it easier in 2 ways - there's two bowls of everything for people to get at plus it's actually easier I tend find fitting more smaller serving dishes on the table rather than fewer really big ones.

I also don't put everything out though - I put out more than enough for everyone for a first round! I keep "seconds" of everything in a low oven so I can replenish dishes as needed and everything stays warm (everyone knows I do this so no-one is worried about nicking the "last" Yorkshire on the table - they know I have more keeping warm, same with the gravy).

As for the roast I tend to carve it at the table - it's nice to see it in its full glory (we prefer beef to turkey and a massive rib looks glorious). It means I can ask people how many slices they want as I serve them and it also sort of staggers the guests as they plate up their own veg.

Once done I take the beef back to the kitchen under a bit of foil to stay warm with a view that we will carve more for anyone who wants it (or realistically what happens is they go into the kitchen to help themselves - which is fine as I'm not jumping up and down every few mins).

I would plonk as much as possible onto the table, so people can help themselves during the meal.
Forget about having an amazing "Christmas table" once the meal is underway. Nobody will care. It will all be about the great food, conversation and family all getting together.
Merry Christmas! 🎅🎄

Thanks for humouring me YeTalkShiteHen - a Teat Owl (sheepish grin)

MrsEricBana haha that’s brilliant! DS1 is a fan of pun jokes at the moment and he’s just howled with laughter in response!

but once you are done you are done as I consider it rude to then go back up for more as it's in another room

Just make it clear that this isn't rude and you hope people will fetch more if they want it, and there's no issue at all.

Lay out the amazing Christmas table. Take pictures and feel proud. Then pile food on the table in every space there is. Tuck in. Have second helpings. Feel a bit sick and retire to the lounge. Eat more cake. You're welcome.

@YeTalkShiteHen or was he owling with laughter?

scottishfrisby dammit I really should have thought of that shouldn’t I?

We have enough dinner on the plate for one serving with spare meat,roasties etc then placed in the middle of the table - everyone gets the good stuff and then can pick at the others? We also have a buffet again in the evening ?

I plate up as i know exactly what everyone likes then i put all the extra bits on the table for folks to take if they want.

I want Christmas owls on my table this year. Making it a goal now.

I always put the food on the table. Never had a bun fight as everyone just takes turns and passes dishes around. Much prefer everyone to have what they want/ have seconds than me deciding.

I love a beautifully decorated table... I also love food... I purchased a sideboard for this very reason!

We struggle for space too OP! Usually end up playing up according to everyone's taste but have your serving dishes ready to put the excess into and take those to the table - people get a basic amount on their plates and there's the option to top up mid-meal. As a big chunk of it has already been played you can also use smaller serving dishes so takes up less space

I can't believe I've been doing Christmas wrong. I need to get an owl this year

Oh my....owl be getting ,y can’t...don’t I feel a too-whit?

Getting my coat *

Hostess trolley for £3 on eBay??
We got £80 for ours! Hadn't used it for years, except to store clutter in, and anyway it had to go to make room for my piano.

I used to use it for Christmas before I had a double oven - and before it dawned on me that the turkey will keep hot for over an hour (and carve better) if wrapped in foil with a tea towel on top, which gives plenty of time to roast parboiled spuds and cook the other veg/make the gravy.

At home (my DPs house), there are usually between 8-16 for dinner. DF carves the meat onto individual plates and a large roastie and some stuffing is put on each. Veg is placed on the table in serving dishes, maybe 3-4 different veg (1 bowl of each type). There are also 2 bowls of potatoes (mash in 1, roasties in the other) and a couple of jugs of gravy. Some leftover stuffing is in another bowl.

Anyone who wants more meat is encouraged to go cut it themselves (and even to carve extra and bring back a plate for the table).

But they have a large table so it's no problem to do that.

DBIL serves a fully plated meal for each person, and seconds are not really encouraged. (And any leftovers go to feed the chickens next day, so it's such a waste!).