birthday tea for ds next week

[Curlybrunette]

Evening all,

It's ds's birthday next week and some family are coming for tea and I can't decide what food to do. There'll be about 8 adults and 5 kids so too many to fit at the dining table, so I need either a) not too messy food if the kids will be eating sat on the living room floor/settee or b) something that won't spoil for the adults if we sit the kids at the table and let them eat first before we do. The children are aged 2-6 so a bit young to leave at the kitchen table to eat while we eat elsewhere.
I also want to prepare as much of it as poss either the day before or in the morning, so I'm not spending ages in the kitchen when everyone's here.
I don't mind if it's hot or cold food.
I'd rather not spend a fortune!

After all that what do you suggest,
x

What about a buffet, put a big plastic table cloth on the floor for the children to sit on and eat, avoid the mess, then adults sit on the chairs/floor/stand?

What sort of buffet food lilo, I'd thought about quiches (can make them the day before), I am conscious that I'll end up spending loads of time in the kitchen and missing the do.
I could make up sarnies and put them in the fridge

Personally, I'd keep the food very simple.... sandwiches, cheese cubes, mini sausages, chopped up fruit for the children. Cartons of juice with a straw to avoid spillage?

If you like quiche, then add a bit of salad/coleslaw and you're sorted? Optionally add pizza, for both? Birthday cake for afters?

It's about you enjoying the time with your guests, not cooking.

If the above's not what you had in mind, I'm sure others will be along and I'll have another think.