Boxing Day - entertaining suggestions

[SelenaMeyer2016]

Seeking ideas and suggestions as I have never hosted over Christmas or for so many!

15-17 Family members arriving between 2-3pm, ranging in ages between 4-70 and one very particular eater aged 37 (organic, free range etc). Expected time of departure about midnight usually.
This will be a day where we will exchange pressies about 4.30-5.30

I want family to feel really welcome and like the day is a celebration. None of us get to see each other that option so it special. Initial thoughts are that I will need to provide food twice - on arrival and evening, with a constant supply of nibbles.

I’m not a confident cook so have been looking at M&S but think that collection on Boxing Day is not available. We are in a restaurant on Christmas Day so cold meats not an option although happy to buy if traditional/popular.

Seeking suggestions on food, drinks and entertainment for a complete novice!

Thanks :)

The first meal could be a gammon joint. Two 1.6kg joints should be enough for all of you and ought to fit in most ovens. You could do one honey glazed and leave the other plain to give people a choice. Last year I tried a mustard and marmalade glaze which was delicious. I usually serve ham with a cheesy potato gratin and buttered cabbage. I've always paired Christmas ham with a Riesling.

The other meal could be focussed on a cheese board:
Four or five types of cheese
Different types of crackers/breads
Pâtés
Chutneys, pickles and relishes
Grapes
Quince jam, fig compote

Christmas cake and Yule log afterwards

You could do one meal as a pizza buffet? Posh ones, variety of different fancy breads, olives & garlic bread. Zero effort & a real crowd pleaser.

Do you have any prep time available and when??

I would do a huge buffet at 3.30 with cold meats, salad, bread, pigs in blankets, crisps, dips, quiche. Deserts our after present giving at 6. Pizzas and cheese board when people get peckish again at 9ish.

I’d make up some platters of yummy sandwiches that can just be pulled out of the fridge later. I think at family gatherings people don’t like to feel that one person is slaving in the kitchen and having a relaxed vibe is nice for everyone. You can chill out and enjoy a drink without having to organize another meal.

Ask someone to bring an extra kettle (or two) and an extra tea pot as producing tea and coffee for 17 isn’t easy

How will you manage for chairs and tables? With buffets I find that the older generation will want a table and chair, the middle aged will eat off plates on their laps and the teens will sit anywhere including the floor.

Try and make the main meal as easy as possible on you so you’re not stressed. The object is to give everyone a nice time, not to be the next Martha Stewart! Would you consider something like pulled pork or beef which comes pre cooked so all you have to do is put it in the oven for half an hour (instructions on the packet). M&S sides can probably be bought ahead and frozen too.

Thanks all!

Some really good suggestions that’s given me food for thought!

Completely agree about people wanting a table! Currently have table that seats 6 so thinking of using a pasting table and borrowing chairs/bring a chair.

I’m erring on the sit down and then buffet with cheeses, pates etc. But going to investigate the pizza suggestion.