Easter Lunch in the Garden - suggestions?

[DancesWithDaffodils]

My parents have announced that if the weather looks promising, and it is legal to have 2 households meet in a garden by Easter, they are making the 5 hr drive to see us.

Has anyone got suggestions for something a bit Easter-ish that can be eaten easily without a table - it will be plates on knees for adults, and plates on the lawn for the kids.

Ideally, Dad would like roast lamb with traditional English sides.....
Kids are pretty adventurous. No dietary requirements (except Dad and DH will not class it as a meal without meat).

Yikes, a 10 hour round trip banking on the weather? Erm...first thing would be a patio heater! And a gazebo.

BBQ? You don't want anyone tucked away in the kitchen if everyone else is outside. Lamb kebabs and salmon on the bbq. Herby potatoes and spring greens.

I'd also just get a table! Why on your knees?

Yes definitely get a table or move the kitchen table outside if they’re making such a journey?

Slow cooked lamb, pulled, and served in baps?

Lamb kleflico with herby toast potatoes, Greek salad, tzaziki, olives etc. Slow cook lamb shoulder overnight basically.

There is not going to be an outside table. We had one for 4 years before it fell apart. The only thing it got used for was growing seedlings. Kitchen table is an island.
I know it's a long way. It's also been a long time since we could meet up, and its the anniversary of my brothers death. Please can we stick to the question?

Thank you Summa and minnie. The slow cooked idea is a great way to front load any kitchen work, meaning less kitchen time when they are actually here.

Slow cooked lamb or pork as previously suggested with loads of sides, bread rolls, salads, corn on the cob
And ice lolly’s or cornettos/magnums for dessert.

Hope the weather is fab and you have a lovely time.

Slow cooked pork, bread rolls, stuffing, apple sauce - like a hog roast type thingy?

If slow cooking, pulled pork or lamb could work, load in buns with some coleslaw on the side. Don't do too much that needs heavy cutting with a knife and fork! Or a curry or chilli type dish? Easily eaten from bowls with just a fork/spoon.

This is stunning and not a lot of faff www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/164629/slowroast-persian-lamb-with-pomegranate-salad
I serve it with couscous, salad and flatbreads

Alternatively, you could do lamb koftas and serve in pitta bread www.gousto.co.uk/cookbook/lamb-recipes/lamb-kofte-herby-tabbouleh-tzatziki-pitta with tzatziki

They shouldn't be driving for 5 hours! Goes against the 'minimise travel' guidance.

We are doing the same thing and I'm going for afternoon tea...salmon and roast turkey sandwiches, homemade quiches, scones etc.

They shouldn't be driving for 5 hours! Goes against the 'minimise travel' guidance.
They are remembering their child who has died and want to share this occasion with their surviving child and her family
Please have compassion for families who still grieve. The loss of a child never goes away
OP I've just googled the Persian Lamb recipe and it sounds lovely ( may do that myself)
It sounds like the important thing is you are all together on this day, sod a table

I was just going to suggest a BBQ, but some of these sound delicious!

That's ok then @springisintheair2021 everyone's got their excise to break the rules haven't they!

@HollyBollyBooBoo go and find a teacup to stir a storm up in, you are obviously missing a sensitivity chip.

@DancesWithDaffodils I know what it's like to lose a brother, you and your family are very much in my thoughts.

What about a bbq?

@HollyBollyBooBoo

That's ok then *@springisintheair2021* everyone's got their excise to break the rules haven't they!

Hope that made you feel happier in yourself

How about some new potato salad, minty crushed peas, or some kind of tabouleh that you can serve with barbecued lamb leg steaks? You could load everything onto plates in the kitchen then add the lamb (also useful for any non meat eaters), take it out to eat on the rug on the grass? Maybe get some wood fruit crates to use upside down as tables for drinks etc.

And yes triple yes to gazebo!

Following as I have family visiting too (only an from an hour away though) and have been wondering the same - slowcooked meat with rolls sounds lovely!

Ooh even better the slow cooked lamb. I'm definitely going to try the Persian recipe upthread!