I'm just stumped. Can you tell me what to make for lunch for 6 year olds and their parents|?

[oranges]

Not sure why but I'm devoid of inspiration for a relaxed, fun Saturday lunch, for a brace of 6 year olds and toddlers, and something for parents. Any ideas? Please?

spag bol

hummus and veg sticks for general milling around then lasagne maybe? keep back some of the tom sauce so if any of the kids particularly fussy you can whack on some pasta for them? bread and cheese and salad as well, with fruit salad for afters?

it's all prep-able beforehand, pretty much.

Bit of a buffet, slection of easy stuff to put on plates and help yourself. Rolls, cold meat cheeses, cold pasta etc.

Spag bol is a great idea. I though of lasagne but it takes me ages to make. Lunch is tmrw, so also need to shop and prepare in the morning. Hummus would be good.
Do I need to do pudding? And what's the policy on booze?

Lots of different bits and bobs for people to pick and choose from

3 or 4 cheeses

A plate of cold meats / salami etc

Loads of baguette or other bread

Olives, baby tomatos, crudites

A big salad for the grown ups

A couple of dips and some chutneys and relishes

Everyone's happy

Jamie Oliver's fish pie always works for mixed age range ime. Easy to do and no last minute phaffing required. Trifle for pud if you can be bothered.

go for the easiest thing possible. People remember the nice time, not the nice food, so as long as the food is suitable for the ages, just go for the easiest thing you can and enjoy the occasion

No way would I serve spag bol to a heap of children - I would be finding random tomato stains for years.

Lots of children go funny over food thats all mixed up and won't eat any if they see an ingredient they don't like.

In your shoes I would put out some protein (cheese, the roast chicken is a good idea, slices of ham) some salad things (all in their own little bowls) lots and lots and lots of bread.

I would make a cake for dessert and I'd make it quite "adult" as the children will be full of bread.

booze - yes, def.
I read a quote today -
"the secret of a good party is too much to drink, and a chocolate pudding"

sounds perfect to me.

especially if mr waitrose or MS makes that pudding

def second the vote for Mr Waitrose or MS

the spag bol relies on you having a big kitchen table, i think. my friend always serves up spag to roomfuls of children and cunningly avoids the problems of 'bits' by using the grater function on her moulinex for the carrots, celery, garlic and onion. works a treat, actually, although i personally prefer bits at my age.

i think whoever said 'let the kids fill up on bread' probably has it right tbh.

just wanted to say thanks for all suggestions here. Did roast chicken pieces, sausages and wedges in the end, witha kind of ratatouile and salad.
with icecream for afters. It really worked.