Help with luxurious New Year buffet...

[Springisintheairohyeah]

Ideas please for a luxurious New Year buffet for family - not really after frozen picky bits/hummus etc. more a few lovely centrepieces with some sides and help yourself desserts. Think Dickensian table laden with lots of lovely things, roaring fire, candied fruit, whole roasted ham (except we don't eat pork or have a fire, so that scuppers that, but hopefully you get the idea).

We have a large vegetarian/seafood only contingent, some will eat meat but no pork or beef. These are the things I have on my potentials list so far..

• Side of salmon
• Home made quiche/veg tart
• Smoked salmon with home made potato scones
• Smoked mackerel pate
• Crab dip
• Cheese and biscuits
• Mince pies
• Trifle

I love cooking but have a terrible habit of going OTT and stressing myself out, so some things that could be made in advance or assembled/pre bought would be good.

The reason I am thinking about this in October is because a) I am excited to cook for my lovely extended family and b) I usually do a big online food order from a free range/organic supplier with Christmas and new year slots that are already filling up fast

Look forward to hearing what everyone would add :-)

Marinated king prawns,scallops etc

Not mackerel....please. Individual coquille St Jacques? Marinated giant butter beans - not fishy but very nice.

Tabbouleh with pomegranate seeds always looks beautiful, as well as being delicious.

Mejadra goes very well with it

amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/oct/09/mejadra-recipe-yotam-ottolenghi

We normally do these with a sumac & zatar chicken, but it would probably work with a side of salmon too.

Roast figs with goats cheese and walnuts www.rominaslittlecorner.com/roasted-figs-stuffed-with-goats-cheese-and-walnuts/

Beetroot tarte tatin

Home baked ham/gammon is always nice as well as the salmon etc

What's wrong with mackerel? It's delicious and a great contrast with the salmon.

Fresh crab would be great. And lots of cheeses.

Creamy parsnip gratin

Creamed cabbage

You need to do a colourful Terrine!! Make in advance and look beautiful. https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/vegetarian/rainbow-vegetable-and-whipped-feta-terrine

It doesn’t scream luxury at the moment - especially trifle, quiche, and pate. I think these are more your traditional party buffet foods

Lobster, oysters, shell on prawns for a seafood platter (you can get these delivered). Ditch the trifle and mince pies and have a large pavlova bursting with berry fruits. Something like a vegetable wellington for the vegetarians, or a jewelled rice dish. It’s better if you stick to one theme rather than bits and pieces plonked on the table. Fewer options, but better quality. Keep the cheese board for later in the evening.

Iceland prawn ring surely??!

We love a broccoli salad here in a buffet. Finely chop the broccoli, add quartered cherry tomatoes and a couple of finely chopped shallots. Dressing I use mayo mixed with some lemon juice and crème fraiche to make it coated, then add in finely grated cheese to taste. (We often add cold crispy bacon pieces but leave those out if doing a veggie one and still lovely).

We also like falafel in a buffet for any vegans.

Frozen picky bits

This sounds gorgeous! How do you do your sumac and zatar chicken - just sprinkled on thighs?

I would do some crab or lobster rolls - can prep mix ahead and add to toasted brioche rolls later

Maybe some sushi, nigiri etc

Make sure the cheese isn’t tiny bits - big chunks surrounded by grapes, walnuts, celery, dark chocolate chunks etc.

is beef completely off limits? A rare roast beef and rocket salad always looks fabulous and tastes delicious

Says in the OP they don't eat pigs.

Huge dish of Dauphinoise potatoes.

@Saveitnotforme

We do this one, also a very similar version with fried flattened chicken breast, as DC can be fussy about thigh meat & bones www.panningtheglobe.com/ottolenghis-roast-chicken-zaatar-sumac/

Ooh that looks amazing thanks!

I always think it's better to try and create a theme rather than plonk a whole load of random things down. Also this is not screaming luxury at all !

I would take a look at Ottolenghis and get inspiration from there as you could then work in a variety that does all pull together ...
Chicken Dish as above
Side of Salmon
Persian pulled lamb
Mediterranean Salads - various
Flatbreads
Rosemary and Garlic roast new potatoes
Dressed Green salad leaves

Whipped Feta Dip with a couple of others

Cheeseboard

Pre bought decent puddings that look impressive with added own embelishments of berries etc.

Can you get a smoked, sliced turkey breast? The menu is very seafood heavy.

I've never been a fan. Each to their own.

Gosh that sounds brilliant, can I come? 😄

My suggestion is a giant pork pie to slice up and serve with various pickles.

That’s very every day.

That’s very every day

Ouch 😂

Who does Ottolenghi every day? Not me.