Boxing day, anti-anticlimax buffet, what on earth do i serve?

[MadCreamLady]

This will be to 11 adults and 5 children, so apart from a good bottle of brandy for me (i'll need it), what should i serve? They are my ILs and my mum - all used to boring traditional food, so was thinking of having something a bit unusual, but that they wont turn their noses up at either.

I was thinking of lots of french bread, a big vat of chilli, some salad and traditional party foods for the children? Also, would need an alternative to chilli in case ILs fussy.

Also, how do i entertain them and make it special. Every year the whole family descend on my MIL and FIL and they end up run ragged, both xmas and boxing day - i would have them xmas day but its not logistically possible, so a boxind day buffet where MIL would be BANNED from the kitchen and not allowed to pick up anything to put it in the bin (you know what they are like) is something i would really like to do, it would be good for my mum too.

Any bright ideas, things to do - we live by the sea, they live in london, so maybe a walk, but FIL can't walk more than about 100 yards so would mean him being left on his own - which he might actually appreciate, but might not, so that would have to be played by ear, plus they are cold wusses iykwim.

I would say lasagne. You can make all the bolognese before christmas and freeze it. Then just make the white sauce and throw it all together on the day. Everyone likes lasagne. Then maybe just serve some salad, bread and some homemade potato salad.

But personally, I love chilli, so have you got room for another? Think the party food for the kids a fab idea too.

We are doing a christmas pass the parcel, where you fix the music so everyone gets a personal present when they unwrap it and a forfeit. Never ceases to thrill. How about family games - have you got a playstation? Buzz is great.

The games are going to be awkward the children are 20m, 3.5, 4.5 and 11. So the little ones should be easy - there is no playstation really either. MAybe i will suggest that the oldest one brings his with him or something. I really want to involve him though as he is a troubled lad who has panic attacks He is a good boy though, but will just sit quietly in the corner

I am doing boxing day buffet for 9 adults 3 children,it will be 2 slow cookers with turkey curry in one, beef stew in other, rice ,bread ,mince pies ,cheesecake,oranges in caramel and cream. I am working a night shift christmas day, so food can be cooking in slow cookers whilst i have a sleep.

We have brunch at about midday when people arrive - cooked breakfast (serve yourself), croissants and toast, fruit and yoghurt etc. Easy to prepare, a change from the day before, and everyone loves bacon, scrambled eggs etc. Kedgeree too if you can be arsed!

Then later tea - egg sarnies, crumpets, and cake. Perfect!!

But all the other ideas sound lush too.

we always have the leftover meat with chips, salad and various condiments- pickle, pickled onions, coleslaw etc. last year i had roast duck and lamb for xmas day so finished it off boxing day as well as a cooked ham. blackforest gateau, mince pies, christmas pud and christmas cake for dessert with about 3 varieties of cream- double, clotted, squirty and brandy sauce for the pud. mmmmmmmmmmmmm cant wait.

oooh, this is all making me hungry

Turkey curry recipe anyone?

leftovers! It has to be, plus a ham, and chips!