Food for family get together

[JoeMaplin]

Am hosting a family get together over the christmas period, 11 people including kids/teens. Some people don't eat fish, some dont't eat red meat, some don't eat anything spicy - luckily not the same people! Would rather avoid a roast as I'll be doing that Christmas day and want a sit down meal rather than buffet. I can do two things e.g meat and fish or just something chicken that would suit everyone, but I'm stuck for inspiration!! Thanks.

I'd go for a meat and veggie (or even chicken) lasagne, big green salad and lots of garlic bread. Means you can make in advance and sit down and chat while it bakes.

Thanks MrsJones, I should have said, I nearly always do lasagne for this particular group! Actually I have a recipe somewhere for a really nice salmon lasagne that I could do for the fish option which would be different.

Risotto - chicken, leek and Parmesan is a winner in our house, but I've also had my eye on this veggie risotto for a while www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/7767/butternut-squash-and-sage-risotto There are also lots of light lemony salmon of prawn risotto recipes.
Paella went down well at my last dinner party and fish pie is always popular.

A help yourself buffet would be my choice so you can offer a variety of food to their tastes, so mixtures of meats and also finger foods like pizzas etc we’ve always had those for our family meet ups and it usually works better than a sit down meal

Choice of salmon or beef wellington.
Paella (with adjustments as necessary!).
Fajitas.

Thanks for great ideas everyone.

Coc au vin. Buttery mash. Big tray of lemon, butter roast asparagus.

Hmmm that sounds delicious Hideandgo

Also liking the wellington/salmon en croute option

Chicken fillets wrapped in bacon, roast root veg, mash and gravy. All done in oven except for potatoes.

A beef or lamb casserole, or even a chicken one - with a tomato based sauce.

Something like smoked fish and broccoli in a white sauce.

Both made in advance, and reheated in oven in lasagna dishes (so serve straight to table/buffet spot for people to help themselves).

A large bowl of mashed potato (can be done as above - or spuds peeled and chopped small in advance and just boiled/mashed quickly at the time).

Large bowl of green salad, and a separate bowl of cherry tomatoes.

Maybe some crusty bread or garlic bread alongside.

Roasted chicken joints (part boned breasts or thighs are both good for this), done on a bed of veggies (onion, pepper, tinned tomatoes etc) with roasted baby potatoes. Can prep in advance and good enough to serve to table for people to help themselves. Or to serve up to them formally. But doesn't feel so formal as a roast and not a lot of running around when the guests are there.

Do they eat rice?
A chicken and mushrooms in white wine and cream sauce (can actually serve with rice, pasta or potatoes).
A curry for those who will tolerate spice.
Or a Chinese sauce for those who won't.
A beef stroganoff.

Again - pick 2 and let people help themselves.

Fajitas - you can make a veggie one and a meat one, both mild. Loads of extras on the table like salads, guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños, grated cheese, tortilla wraps etc and people can make their own.