Food for a crowd

[Lookondownfromthebridge]

We're having a birthday party for DD (2) next weekend, children's food is sorted as there's only a few but we have 20 adults to cater for.
I thought of chilli / curry but feel nervous about serving and keeping rice safely for so many people. Everything I think of feels a bit meh and boring.
One is a vegan but no other dietary requirements for the rest.
Any suggestions? Ideally something that I can prep or cook ahead of time. Is it cheaper to do a couple of big pots of food or do a buffet style sandwiches and salads? Help!

You could serve with bread. If you keep rice in rice cooker/ pan its not an issue for several hours. It just won't be piping hot.

Alternatively, quiche, sausage rolls or if you want less dishes, effort - sandwiches. You can also make up a few diff ones for variety.

I would do a cold piece of roast beef, a ham then potato salad, a couple of other salads (including a chickpea and grain one for the vegan), coleslaw, some bread/baguette and a cheeseboard.

You can sort it all ahead of time plus you get delicious leftovers :)

A pasta and/or couscous salad which can be served cold such as
www.foodnetwork.co.uk/recipes/tomato-feta-pasta-salad.html?utm_source=foodnetwork.com&utm_medium=domestic
www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/11690/10minute-couscous-salad
www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/anytime-pesto-prawn-pasta-salad
And a quinoa salad for the vegan and those who want it
www.taste.com.au/recipes/vegetable-quinoa-pilaf/152433a3-f867-4abd-86e3-ba97aed87211
www.taste.com.au/recipes/roast-vegetable-quinoa-salad/c9d91e58-9610-4978-aff0-cf1e1b6f5810
www.taste.com.au/recipes/thai-rice-quinoa-salad/6af753ef-7f34-4942-8a2a-213bdc0b2723

I second the cold roast beef/ ham route with salads and bread.... You can prepare the meat a day in advance (and some salads like potato or pasta) ...

I thought rice had to be served quickly, I'd be paranoid about poisoning everyone either way

Thank you all. Some great ideas there. A ham and joint of beef would go down very well with DH.

Baked potatoes or wedges with the chilli?

Stick with the big pot idea - much less faff than loads of buffet stuff.

You could do chilli with some tomato salsa, soured cream,grated cheese, green salad and crunchy bread - or with a load of baked potatoes.

Or do a load of sausages, cobs, salad and coleslaw.