What are you cold buffet table fail-safes?

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Catering for about 20 next weekend. Planning on a buffet table as we'll be out al morning.

Just sitting down to plan it now. I've one whose best to avoid dairy (not allergic) and another who's a "meat and veg" type. Rest of the adults fairly accepting of any menu.

There's going to be 5 children ranging from 3 to 12.

I'd be interested in what you'd provide, as ideas are always welcome!!

Nice bread and cheese.

Lentil, feta and tomato salad, gorgeous and dead easy - a couple of those vacuum packs of puy lentils, some cherry tomatoes roasted with a bit of salt and honey (can do in advance), a bag of rocket and feta crumbled in. Always popular.

Cold chicken maybe.

Home cooked ham/ cold poached salmon/ home made quiches/ baby new potatoes/ cheese board/ nice bread / salads

Thanks.

I think my first problem is trying to pander to everyone's wants!!

Big home-made slaw (Jamie Oliver's is good) and potato salad.

Pasta salad with pesto always a failsafe with kids.

A large cooked ham. Or coronation chicken made w real mayonnaise. Then salads.
Large traybake of choc brownies ( best made in advance) with berries and cream or ice cream. Soya or oath cream for non dairy eater.
Sorted!

Quiche is always good. For 20 I'd do both a joint of Hammond and a chicken, both can be done in the slow cooker in advance and then put in the freezer until the night before. I find bread rolls are easier, warbutons are pre sliced which makes things easier. Nice crisps and dips tend to go down well. Sausage rolls are always a winner, either make your own and freeze in advance or buy a frozen bag.

I'd do a ham and slice it; chicken drumsticks with garlic, lemon and paprika, a plate of deli meats/salami, etc., dishes of artichokes, olives, chutney, french bread, bowl of new potatoes, lashings of green salad, a mozzarella/olive/cherry tomato salad, couple of good cheeses. Then huge bowl of strawberries, meringue nests, chocolate flakes, whipped cream and icecream for the chidlers.

Chicken wings
Mini quiches
Samosas
Olive selection with hummus, taramasalata and pitta breads
Feta salad
Savoury rice dish
Mini pizzas for the kids
Baked ham

Great, think I'm definitely doing a ham, and as I dislike ham coronation chicken too (I love it)

Good point about the rolls, much easier than slicing bread.

Mini pizza is a good idea, I don't much fancy having to cook when I come in (it's all about me don't you know!!) but one batch of stuff isn't a hardship.

Meringue nests and strawberries is a brilliant idea for dessert. There's going to be a chocolate cake, but that's a great alternative. Thanks.

Getting some great ideas from here. Brilliant!

My mum does little sausages roasted in the oven with marmalade the day before and served cold. Sticky and yummy!

A good cheese board, some pate and crusty bread/crackers.

Yes, sausages always good. The marmalade sounds nice - think Nigella does something like this. Cheese and grapes also good and works well for adults and children without being complicated.

Use a whipped cream spray can. I love The children love spraying it on meringues and saves you prep time.

Chicken drumsticks
Sausages
French stick
New potatoes
Cold pizza
Salad
Savoury rice
Ready made posh quiche
Cheese board
Fruit salad
Could you ask each group of people to bring one thing? Either savoury or sweet. I always find that people are glad to help.

Most people are coming from overseas so can't ask them to bring something. Though I've someone offered to do a beef and ham they will add to, so thats the meat sorted. I'll get a salmon too.

I'll probably end up with a crazy amount of food!!

Chocolate covered strawberries are always a nice dessert! (Any excuse I get ill make these!) mind you it may get expensive speeding on how many strawberries per person etc