Buffet, but make it bougie

[Toomanyusernames123]

It’s DD’s 1st birthday this weekend & we are having a little party (mainly adults). I have ordered a fancy cake but need some easy inspiration for food. For DS’s previous 3 birthdays, I have spent a day and a half cooking a huge spread which I did enjoy doing, but now with 2 little ones to run around after, I just don’t think I’ll have the time to put the same amount of effort in. I feel like people have high expectations after the last 3 parties though - gah! So, please tell me, what are your best buffet hacks?! The fancier the better!

Yes I’m keen to know this too - sounds delicious!

Hi!

boil new potatoes in a little stock. When cooked through tip out and steam. Once steamed for a few mins use the bottom of a jam jar and give a firm bask to flatten/smash

meanwhile in a hot over have a tray with oil heating. Tip
the potatoes on with lots of salt and pepper, some garlic cloves and lemon zest. Roast for about 40 mins yntil
golden and crisping up.

dressing-
you can do whatever you like but I like-
finely diced
red onion
olives
gherkins
capers
artichoke hearts
parsley, basil, mint and corriander
lemon zest

then I make a basic French vinaigrette and. Mix that all together. Also nice with crumbled feta in this mix or little fried off bits of halloumi.

or you can make a more traditional creamy dressing but let the potatoes cool slightly before combining.

Bask- bash!
and a big pot of boiling water with some stock added. Sorry!!

I'd go Italian for this.

Huge Caprese salad- easy and I think it always looks lovely and fresh.

A caesar salad ( can cook chicken in advance or just buy a cooked chicken from the supermarket) I really rate the Cardini dressing.

I'd buy several stone baked pizzas m&s and aldi both do really nice ones. Serve already sliced on wooden boards if you have them.

A chilled pasta dish maybe if you feel it needs it. Even something simple like pesto pasta.

Antipasti

Crudités

A couple of Focaccia (I love the M&S one)

Olives.

Gelato and tiramusu for putting or just a big fresh fruit platter.

Basically you want to be assembling not cooking. I think it lends well to the weather at the moment too.

Fewer things that are really good and complement each other will always look better than a mish mash of bits and pieces. It also makes it easier to work out quantities.

Agree re reducing the amount of items and keeping it simple, especially if you are having the heat we are having this weekend. I’d be going with the crudités platter idea, with dips. Google or use Pinterest for some ideas for amazing presentation which will give you the ‘bougie’ factor. I’d also do an equally amazingly presented cheeseboard with a variety of breads, crackers and accompaniments. Agree with PP re assembling rather than cooking.

if you really want to make something, then I’d recommend good old coronation chicken (you can use the same dressing with chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative). I also love Delia’s chicken and grape salad

Sorry meant to add for either chicken salad, I woukd poach skinless, boneless chicken thighs in a stock with carrot, onion and celery the night before. Store in fridge with a little of tbe cooled stock for chopping & assembly the following. Freeze the stock for future use

Make sure you have enough veggie options for everyone, not just any vegetarians who are coming.

As a vegetarian, it’s pretty annoying to get to the buffet & realise there’s not much left that you can eat.

"Bougie"

Never heard anyone use this word in real life. Only ever heard it on The Apprentice last year and no one knew what they were on about.

Is it some kind of "influencer"/ Love Island style catch phrase I wonder...

Seems all other posters understood what OP meant by it after reading the requirements?

Im late 50s, completely out of touch with influencers, and I hear it all the time and know exactly what it means @ouch321 🤷‍♀️