Catering for a pool party

[ChaosMoon]

For my husband's 40th I've hired a hot tub and we're having friends over. There will be about 10 of us. Some are vegetarian, all are happy to eat veggie, so there doesn't have to be meat.

But I'm drawing a blank on the catering. Probably because I'm out of practice and possibly because I'm over thinking it.

The thing is I'm don't think some of my friends will want to over eat or get bloated if they're in swim suits. Equally, a day of alcohol + got tub really needs decent food.

Any suggestions?

You could do a veggie chilli or lasagne. Salad, coleslaw, French bread and a cheese board.
Easy to make the night before too so you can enjoy the day.
Have nibbles out too so people can graze and soak up the alcohol.

Can all 10 comfortable fit in the hot tub out of interest?!

@Toanewstart22 it would have for the 9 of us that we originally planned for but numbers have settled slightly. I'm going to set up a deckchair and for spa next to the hot tub in case everyone else is in at the same time. 🤦

Thank you @IAmSantaOhYesIAm those are both good shouts. I've just remembered that one guest has a gluten intolerance though, so that rules out the lasagne. Glad I remembered that one...

* I'm going to set up a deckchair and for spa next to the hot tub in case everyone else is in at the same time.*

Are you in the Uk? They will be feeezing!! Do you have a couple of really powerful patio heaters?

I know! It's so far from ideal.

It'll be under cover and only exposed to the elements on one side. We've got thermal matting for the floor and there will be many blankets etc. I'm working on a patio heater, although the remaining space will be so small that I'm not sure where it'll actually go.

Stupid extra person. Maybe they won't come...

Honestly op

I think hot tub parties are wonderful if ALL can comfortably fit in hot tub

I went to one years ago. All I remember is not being in the hot tub and freezing my ass off

Oh god. I think we'll just have to split camps.

I should have stuck with my guns and made it a surprise. That way DH couldn't have messed with the guest list. He was talking about inviting someone else as well this morning.

I'd cancel it, but it's already paid for.

Why don’t you set up a “spa/chill” are inside the house with face masks, nail polish, magazines and so on?

Now that is genius. I've got a foot spa that I was going to get out, but I can definitely play on that a bit more.

@Bunce1

Why don’t you set up a “spa/chill” are inside the house with face masks, nail polish, magazines and so on?

Fine if just women But men as well?

This is a list of ideas

Grapes
Fruit bowl
Sandwiches
Crisps
Cheeseboard

If you invited me I wouldn't go in the hot tub (not a fan) and would end up sitting by myself in the cosy house with all the wine and the cheese!

😂 That would be a valid life choice @ApolloandDaphne. We've just redecorated so it's a nice house to sit in, too.

Thank you for the suggestions. I think I'm going to go with a veggie chili and nachos, with lots of snacks like @languagelover96 suggested.
Cheese and fruit all the way.

Are you sure it fits 9? I think you'll all be very close. I always assume it's like camping where a tent that says it sleeps 6 sleeps 4.

Anyway food wise I'd probably do a large pulled pork and pulled lamb (cook overnight in the oven) and then a selections of salads and rolls.