Christmas

[Klara]

Umm - sorry - I know it's only October, but I've just agreed to cater for DH's family again this year - all 10 of them, because a) dh's father has died this summer so it'll be his mums first xmas on her own and i can't see her being overly enthustiastic about catering for everyone, b) i'll be 6 months pg and don't want to traipse halfway across the country to see them all as i'll be too tired, and c) if I don't do it we'll end up being offered something distinctly unapplealing as none of his siblings can cook (as was demonstrated at a recent get together after which dh stated "never again").

So....my question is - what to cook. I don't really want to do a huge sit down as it's so much work and i will be knackered - dh suggested more of a buffet style Xmas lunch.

Any ideas? So far can't get past pudding ideas - a Buche Noel, champagne jelly and a trifle. Thought about making a big tureen of soup for starters - parsnip perhaps. Main courses no idea.....still want it to be Xmassy but as make ahead as possible.....

all ideas gratefully recieved

klara

Hi Klara. I catered for 11 at Christmas a couple of years ago and did the usual fayre, but like a carvery. All the food was put on the breakfast bar in the kitchen, everyone filed past to help themselves then we all (just)managed to sit around the dining table. It worked really well.

Cheap food warmers kept everything warm, and people went back for seconds when they wanted - less hassle for me.

I tried to do as much in advance as poss ie chestnut stuffing made a week before and frozen, just needed heating up.

As we have the main meal in the evening, (as dds birthday takes up the morning (!)) I cooked the turkey in the morning, carved it and served it cold. This freed up the oven for everything else.

I found this worked v. well, it was really just like doing a roast on a large scale, and imo much less hassle than fiddling about with buffet food.

Soup is a fab idea for starter.

Mulled fruit sorbet was a delish pudding, light after a big pig out, and gluten and dairy free, so suitable for everyone!

Hope this helps.I'm glad i'm not the only one thinking about christmas already!

thanks Betty

My husband thinks I'm mad - yesterday the Xmas cards arrived. Will start writing them out in a couple of weeks - have the tree planned and ordered and am planning to make a gingerbread house this year too. I admit it - I am a Christmas junkie and i love, love, love it. I like the whole Dickensian feel to the thing!

Klar

Depending on your finances you could always cheat and get your deboned, ready stuffed turkey in M&S ready to cook, and also the stuffing, sausages and bacon, and veg. I did this last year and it was gorgeous, without any hassle.