Lunch for 14 on 28th Dec…

[oneplustwoplustwoplusone]

Looking for ideas for a betwixtmas lunch.

8 adults and 6 kids (4-15 yo) and will need to be buffet style. Normally would do a ‘main’ (chilli/pulled pork etc) with plenty of side bits for a group that size but didn’t seem very Christmas-y. Thinking people would be a bit over ham/cheese/picky bits.

I’m riddled with indecision! What would you want served at this family gathering??!!??

I think by the 28th people want normal food again so I wouldn't worry about it being Christmassy.

We are doing a big family thing on 28 th ,14 people too.
I'm doing honey and mustard gammon with fennel ,potato and cheese gratin and green veg.( peas and green beans)
I'm making the gratin today and freezing it.
I find it so much easier doing a meal like this for many people than lots of little bits and bobs that are just too much by then .
Dessert will be pavlova with whipped cream and sweetened chestnut purée
Drizzled with chocolate

I’m always a fan of a buffet/picky lunch. Sausage rolls, crisps, pigs in blankets, bread and cheese.

I’d do the chilli etc.

Hot dogs and pizza? With a load of salad and some sort of lemon dessert.

Bratwurst on the bbq and the kids can toast marshmallows after!

By the 28th I'm always ready for spice and fresh vege, so a veggie chilli with homemade guacamole would be great tbh.

Or sausage baguettes with stuffing, apple sauce, roasted corn on the cob and homemade coleslaw.

Or a couple of curries with all the trimmings.

Pigs in blankets brioche hot dogs with cranberry ketchup, caramelised onions and winter slaw

My pumpkin lasagne is perfect for this sort of thing.

Parboil chunks of pumpkin and slice. Make or buy your favourite Italian tomato sauce. Layer the pumpkin with the sauce, scattering in crumbled bacon or Greek feta for the salt hit. Top with breadcrumbs and cheese and into the oven until golden.

This freezes well, is filling and forgiving. And really tasty.

I’m not sure it needs to be ‘Christmassy’, people might appreciate the change by then. Will everyone be seated or eating standing/ balancing plates on their knees? It will make a difference to what it makes sense to serve

By the 28th I’m ready for a change from the Christmas buffets so would welcome a chilli, curry or something a bit lighter, maybe a tray bake or something fishy.

@OMGitsnotgood there’s seating for about 10 so the oldies and the kids can definitely sit. The 4 ‘most able’ can perch/balance or we can do two sittings

I think by that time people are ready for some less rich food. I’d do the chilli with a fresh salsa, soured cream and rice, baked potatoes and tortilla chips. A green salad might be nice to go with.

Chilli and rice/ bread/ salad or Lasagne and garlic bread/ salad.

Then I think lasagne is a good option, I find it difficult to eat if not at a table. Serve with garlic bread and salad. Or a pasta bake is easier to eat for those not seated, could serve with slices of pizza rather than garlic bread.

I’d also enjoy something like shepherds pie between Christmas and New Year, with peas and carrots. Easy to eat just with a fork.

Large leg of lamb - slow roasted
Cous cous
Roasted garlic new potatoes
Greek Salad
Breads/ Oils
Tzatziki

Big pavlova with whipped cream and seasonal berries