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Original poster

Ideas for a Christmas Buffet

35 replies

SparklingGlitteryWine · 10/11/2026 20:07

Hello all. We (me husband and 2 children) are currently living in Temporary Accommodation which is a very small flat, no room for a table anywhere and really tiny kitchen. We are feeling a bit down in the dumps as we were recently offered a lovely new home and it unfortunately fell through and we back on the bidding list and playing the waiting game again. I do understand we are incredibly fortunate not to be on the streets, but because a big Christmas Roast Dinner is impossible for us this year, I'd like to do a special buffet to lift my family's spirits this year. I'd love a bit of inspiration to make something a bit special please. I know I could Google but I'd love to hear ideas with a personal touch. Thank you x

OP posts:
Original poster
SparklingGlitteryWine · 10/11/2026 21:09

OompaLoofah · 10/11/2026 21:07

This is the winning menu!!

I also second using paper plates and napkins to save on the washing up in this instance.

Now craving pigs in blankets and gravy 😋

Show quote history

And a bowl of roast potatoes to dip into gravy 😋

OP posts:
FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 10/11/2026 21:11

inigomontoyahwillcox · 10/11/2026 20:52

Last year DH and I (DD was with her dad) just did picky bits all day, and stayed in our pyjamas in front of the telly - was bloody lovely.

Pigs in blankets are a must, stuffing balls if your family like them, grab some roasties (they do goose fat ones that can be put in the oven/airfryer at Xmas) and some nice gravy to dip them in, ditto with Yorkshires for the oven/airfryer (maybe pop a couple of pigs in blankets in them once cooked with a spoonful or 2 of gravy and a dash of cranberry sauce over the top?), nice crusty french stick with cheeses and chutneys and some cooked meats (rotisserie chicken or cooked ham - Tesco do a pre cooked honey baked ham joint for about £6). Maybe let the kids choose the desserts; one of my fave parts of Christmas is "window shopping" with the various supermarket Christmas food brochures - maybe sit down with them and let them pick some mini desserts/chocolates/whatever takes their fancy out?

Throw as many blankets, cushions, duvets and pillows into the living room - put the food on the coffee table/on a blanket and have a cozy christmas picnic!

Really hope you have a lovely, memorable Christmas and that 2027 brings you so much luck.

FINALLY a proper fucking answer.

Original poster
SparklingGlitteryWine · 10/11/2026 21:13

Thank you all so much x

OP posts:
MrsMechanic · 10/11/2026 21:26

I was in a similar situation a few years back. Thought id failed my kids etc. We ended up going to Tesco buying all the random foods they wanted, not a vegetable in sight and cuddled up watching Xmas movies. They still talk about it now being one of their favourite memories yet.

WyrdHag · 10/11/2026 23:17

Could you do a little hot chocolate station for the girls?

Or mocktails with edible glitter?

Bananacrepewithnuts · 10/11/2026 23:22

SparklingGlitteryWine · 10/11/2026 20:34

What really matters is we aren't on the streets as it was not an easy task getting help from the council and we very nearly didn't. Our old house was sold by the landlord and we used to really go all out, lights and decorations out the front etc and lights up the staircase etc, and it's going to be very very different this year, and I know those things aren't what is important and we aren't on the streets or in a homeless shelter or some grotty hostel sharing a bathroom and kitchen and that makes us more fortunate than many. I have 2 girls my eldest is 13 and my youngest is 4, and my eldest daughter has been such a superstar and this year she will be part of the magic for her little sister. Hopefully next Christmas we will be in our forever home, we were crushed when our offer fell through. Sorry about the life story. I'm saying it's to keep my family's spirits up, mine too I suppose. It's only one day right? x

Hope you get your new home soon
X

LuubyLuu · 10/11/2026 23:38

I think the food will matter less to your girls than the atmosphere, and you could make the meal in your temporary accomodation very Christmassy using lots of candles / tea-lights, and maybe string up some inexpensive sparkling tree-lights.

Sprocket1 · 12/11/2026 17:30

If you lived in Dorset I’d invite you all to our house .my children are all grown ups I miss having little ones to share the magic with .we still have a lovely family time though

itsnotalwaysthateasy · 13/11/2026 20:36

My DD would love a picky tea rather than a full roast dinner.
Who said you had to have a full Christmas dinner? I have lived off 8 pigs in blankets on Christmas day for years due to my DD being with her Dad.
Ask everyone for their favourite picky bits and go with that.
It really doesn't matter so long as you are all together and are happy.

SoPhoebe · 13/11/2026 21:00

Sorry to hear you've had a rough time. I hope you still have a lovely day. My kids would love a buffet so I hope it becomes a lovely core memory. Depending on how much space you have, I'd make pigs in blankets and roast potatoes, and baked camembert and part baked baguettes. If you want to make it look Christmasy, Aldi have Christmas tree shaped chicken nuggets, tortilla chips and sprinkle covered biscuits. You could also get a pack of ice your own gingerbread men and get your children to decorate them for you all. If you have a slow cooker, Taming Twins' chocolate orange pudding is delicious and so easy. It's great with ice cream, custard, brandy cream etc.

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