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Christmas

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Original poster

What would you serve?

29 replies

Dementedswan · 07/12/2018 15:47

On Christmas day I have 14 to cater for including 2 children. I don't have enough seating so serving up a traditional dinner is out. I thought I'd load the table up with Christmas goodies and people could help themselves buffet style.

Would you be happy to be served the following?

Turkey crown
Glazed gammon
Giant sausage roll
Coleslaw
Red cabbage
Pate and warm crusty bread
Festive salad
Roast potatoes
Dips and veg sticks
Tempura king prawns and sweet chilli dip
Smoked salmon blinks
Cheese board
Cranberry sauce

Chocolate reindeer cake
Pavlova
Spiced apple tart and cream

Is this too much, not enough? Or am I missing something?

Thank you if you read all that Smile

OP posts:
MiseryLoves · 07/12/2018 15:50

I’d add

Pigs in blankets
Stuffing balls
Some form of sprouts

Just for the Xmas feel.

Maybe ice cream for the children?

DontDribbleOnTheCarpet · 07/12/2018 15:52

It sounds lovely, but I reckon you need gravy and sprouts. Just because you (okay, I) always need gravy and sprouts!

Original poster
Dementedswan · 07/12/2018 15:54

Ooh yes sprouts! How can I keep them warm?

Good call on stuffing and pigs in blankets, thank you.

OP posts:
Cadburyssurpriseegg · 07/12/2018 15:54

Sprouts and gravy then it’s perfect.

Chewbecca · 07/12/2018 15:55

Personally I would try to make it a more coherent dinner. So I would drop the dips and veg sticks, the pate and the prawns. I don't want all those things on the same plate of food.
I would add pickles - beetroot, onions, picalilli.
I would also consider jackets instead of roast sounds for ease.
Would possibly add a cauliflower cheese.

I would consider serving the prawns and salmon earlier on as canapes.

And pudding wise - there is no Christmas pud! If not Christmas pud, how about adding mince pies?

Heismyopendoor · 07/12/2018 15:56

I would just serve your typical Christmas dinner. We’ve been to gatherings of 20+ for Christmas Day (big family!) and people just eat their dinner the same way you are planning for them to eat the buffet type food

MiseryLoves · 07/12/2018 15:58

Disposable foil trays??

Not tried doing it myself but would sprouts work shredded up and mixed in the coleslaw?

howabout · 07/12/2018 15:59

I agree with Heism. Think in terms of how your local carvery would do it.

Original poster
Dementedswan · 07/12/2018 16:03

Hmm maybe I'd be better off just doing a huge tray of roasties, tray of roast veg and pot of gravy on the hob. The roasties and veg can be transferred straight to table with the meats and trimmings and gravy on hob for people to help themselves.

But....then might it be awkward to eat off knees?

Hmmm I don't know. Help! Grin

OP posts:
XiCi · 07/12/2018 16:03

I was just going to say the same as heismyopendoor. I've been to a similar set up on Xmas day and everyone just ate their Xmas dinner on their knees and found whatever space they could. I'd rather that than a buffet. Maybe pass round the blinis and tempura prawns as appetisers?

Original poster
Dementedswan · 07/12/2018 16:05

Certainly would be a whole less faffing!

OP posts:
christmaschristmaschristmas · 07/12/2018 16:09

Personally I wouldn't be happy with it, sorry to say.

Why not do a more traditional Christmas dinner? It can still be put on the table 'buffet style' and people can help themselves.

Do:

Smoked salmon blinis

turkey crown
Glazed gammon
Red cabbage
Roast potatoes
pigs in blankets
sprouts
carrots and parsnips
stuffing
Cranberry sauce and bread sauce

Chocolate reindeer cake and Christmas pudding

christmaschristmaschristmas · 07/12/2018 16:09

And yes - no problem to eat it 'buffet style'

Original poster
Dementedswan · 07/12/2018 16:11

Ok so...

Canapes x 3

They can pick at those whilst I finish off

Turkey
Ham
Roast veg tray
Roast potato tray
Sprouts
Red cabbage
Pigs in blankets
Stuffing
Gravy
Cranberry sauce

OP posts:
Original poster
Dementedswan · 07/12/2018 16:12

Then desserts

Reindeer cake (That's more for children's benefit)
Pavlova
Christmas pud

OP posts:
Chewbecca · 07/12/2018 16:13

Are the roast veg roots? If carrots and parsnip - you're good to go.

howabout · 07/12/2018 16:14

Perfect Star

Original poster
Dementedswan · 07/12/2018 16:28

Yes root veg, carrot and parsnip with herbs maybe. Will have to have a look at some recipes. I usually just do them in a bit of olive oil salt and pepper as dc like them plain.

OP posts:
GVmama · 07/12/2018 18:10

Will people be eating dinners with gravy, on their knees Shock I'm not sure I could cope with that!!

I think your original menu sounded perfect (with the addition of pigs in blankets obvs).

Sunisshining5346 · 07/12/2018 18:11

It's the law to have pigs in blankets!!

GVmama · 07/12/2018 18:13

Could you pre-slice the turkey and cover with a bit of gravy for moisture, but not serve jugs of gravy on the table? I know how messy my children (and In-Laws!) are with gravy when they're eating at the table, never mind elsewhere!!

Blacktoffeecat · 07/12/2018 18:15

Can we have stuffing balls too please? Xmas Smile

Heismyopendoor · 07/12/2018 18:35

We have ate off of knees and sat on the floor :) just part of having lots of people over.

christmaschristmaschristmas · 07/12/2018 18:43

Sounds much better op Smile

Don't stress too much about it, if you need help ask someone and I'm sure they'll be more than happy...I always rope people in to help!

Original poster
Dementedswan · 07/12/2018 18:46

Ah no! Its my idea of hell having the mil as lovely as she is in my kitchen 🤣 actually her and fil will be the only ones who raise an eyebrow at eating off their knees .

OP posts: