Low effort, substantial "nibbles" for drinks event

[SpaceOP]

We are having people over this weekend. I don't want to do a full meal as there are quite a few fussy eaters, and a couple of intolerances, plus there are 7 adults and 5 children and the whole point is to have a fairly fluid, flexible sort of evening. Usually in a situation like this I'm a big fan of some kind of slow roasted meat with sides that people can help themselves to as and when they feel like it but I can't face that after all the Christmas stuff and we definitely agreed no proper "dinner".

So do I do the MN traditional buffet of sausage rolls, bread, dips etc - but it just feels a bit boring and like, if I do it properly, more effort? I'm doing sausages for the DC so it's really just for the adults. I'll be getting an online order in from Waitrose so while I don't want to spend a fortune, I'm happy to leverage the Waitrose selection to get a few more interesting things if necessary.

Hit me with ideas please.

Thanks

Ive checked my inbox but I dont seem to have received the invite?

Probably just a glitch or something!

Let me resend.... <wink>

Fresh stuff, like strips of celery, peppers, carrots with dips like hummus, Boursin (slackened with a bit of milk, cream or veg stock) or a salsa.
Cheese fondu with all of the above plus bread cubes.
Mini Yorkshire puddings with sausage and horseradish or beef and horseradish.
Blinis with sour cream and smoked salmon or caviar.