Christmas meal planning

[unebaguettepastropcuite]

If you were told that this was what a parent was expecting for a Christmas meal you were hosting, what would be your reaction? Anything not provided by hosts would be brought along by said parent. But everything needed to be included because "otherwise it's not a proper Christmas"

Bearing in mind 6 adults, 3 of whom are non-British and have other traditions

Sausage rolls
Cheese and pineapple
Duck pâté on toast

Roast Turkey with stuffing
Brussels sprouts
Carrots
Roast parsnips
Roast potatoes
Mashed potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes
Peas
Bacon
Bread sauce
Cranberry sauce
Cocktail sausages
Party Roast Ham

Mince pies
Christmas pudding + cognac decorated with holly
Custard
Whipped cream
Brandy butter
Trifle
Fruit jelly

Cheese and biscuits
Cheddar
Stilton
Camembert
Salted butter
Bread rolls.
Pickled onions
Branston pickle
Chutney
Fruit and nuts

Elderflower cordial
Mulled wine
Sherry
Port

Sauternes, Chardonnay
Claret, Burgundy
Irish coffee
Spiced tea. Marsala chai.

I’d honestly stay at home and have your own cosy little Christmas without any dramas.

@HollyandIvyandallthingsYule

I’d honestly stay at home and have your own cosy little Christmas without any dramas.

We're talking of hiring ourselves a little cottage in the middle of nowhere

Give the said parents a list of everything they need to bring and tell them that they will need to take what doesn't get eaten away with them. If nobody eats it, they'll have plenty to eat for days!

All those things might be what make 'a proper Christmas' for that person, but at the host's house it is the host's own traditions which take priority.

If I were the host I'd print out a list, highlight all the things they won't be providing, send it to the fusspot and tell them that they are more than welcome to bring anything with them if they would like.

Have they specified which particular Christmas crackers and table decorations they want yet?

Where are the Yorkshire puddings 😱

My DH can't have any of his traditional stuff, as that's not considered "proper". I have pointed out he is being pushed out.
Hosts are about to have a baby. That and their new house is the reason they want to host.
If I were them, I'd be saying it's all too much and cancelling everything

Why so many different things? Side dishes I can understand, but 3-4 puddings and cheese??
I think they're actually moving in, OP...

@PurpleDaisies

Bearing in mind 6 adults, 3 of whom are non-British and have other traditions

What’s this got to do with anything?

Looking at your list again, having pate and toast as a starter is standard. Sausage rolls and cheese and pineapple bit kids for but not ridiculous.

Apart from the excess mash, sweet potato mash and bacon, that’s a fairly standard Christmas dinner.

A couple of types of pudding with accompaniments isn’t unusual.

Cheeseboard standard for the evening is normal.

Lots of drinks is normal for Christmas Day.

Being so specific about what they want is a bit rude but at least they’ll bring extras. You seem really offended that people want to eat a lot on Christmas Day.

What's it got to do with it? Three of them (ie half those present) will be eating something they don't particularly want, and their own likes will not be catered for.

The parents are only coming for lunch, not staying for the duration.

After a massive blowout turkey roast I can barely make room for a mini mince pie, let alone a platter of cheese and biscuits, pickles, fruits and nuts, Christmas pudding, trifle, jelly, whipped cream, brandy butter and custard.

Better add Rennies and a multipack of loo roll!

''After a massive blowout turkey roast I can barely make room for a mini mince pie, let alone a platter of cheese and biscuits, pickles, fruits and nuts, Christmas pudding, trifle, jelly, whipped cream, brandy butter and custard.''
Good point. I always have mince pies available, but nobody has any until Boxing Day. Because we're stuffed. I can't manage so much as a Quality Street usually.