The Christmas Buffet

[canihaveacoffeeplease]

Not a TAAT, but definitely a thread inspired by a thread...

I've never had/experienced/heard of a Christmas buffet, but it seems they are definitely a thing! So I want to know about them, I like the idea, although probably not instead of Christmas dinner, sometime else over the Christmas period. I totally get normal party buffets, but how does it work at Christmas, especially if it's just for family, not for a party?

So...tell me about them! What do you have? Where do you put it? What do you serve on? Where do you sit to eat? Hot or cold (and therefore how do you keep items hot or cold if it's out for a while)? Is it out all day (and what about meat etc getting warm?). Bonus points for Christmas buffet pictures!

We’re thinking of doing this for Christmas this year so I’m following for ideas

I’m planning to get some nice party food bits from M&S and Waitrose, probably pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, lots of picky party bits. If I can be bothered I might do some roast beef or chicken the day before too (we’re not big on turkey).

Also some nice fresh, crusty breads, cheeses and chutneys and two or three different desserts - probably one fruity, one chocolate and one traditional Christmas pud/cake.

I was planning to just lay everything out on our dining people so that people could help themselves. Then I’ll probably move all the chairs from our kitchen diner into our living room so that there’s (almost!) enough seating for everyone in one room.

Also planning to get some massive ice buckets for the garden to keep beers, sparkling wine and mixers cool.

We always have a Christmas buffet on Boxing Day, we invite family over in the evening have a buffet and lots of games for the children. I usually just buy Booths 3 for £7 party food platters, buy some crusty bread in the morning and fresh salad items and just shove it all on the table for people to help themselves. Dessert is usually something very decadent, lathams chocolate cakes and individual cheesecakes, a cheese board and fresh fruit skewers.

Oh I forgot, we serve it in the dining room but people eat in the living room because there’s more seating. I always use paper Christmas plates and napkins, wooden disposable cutlery and I just serve it on plates and dishes we have. I have everything cold ready for about seven then as people arrive I put the hot selection in the oven and just serve when ready.

We usually do this boxing day, leftover meat, pigs in blankets etc Salad , mushrooms a la greque. Crisps, other savoury snacks, tomatoes , cucumber etc.