Mumsnet users share who they'd invite for dinner after lockdown with Barilla

[YanaMumsnet]

This sponsored discussion is now closed.

Lockdown measures are still firmly in place and getting together with friends and family can feel like a distant memory, and it’s easy to daydream about what we’ll do once our daily lives begin to resemble our old version of normality again, including inviting friends or family over. With that in mind, Barilla would like to hear about how you’ve hosted and socialised during lockdown and who you’re most looking forward to welcoming into your home for a big bowl of pasta once this is over.

Have you missed hosting family and friends? Watch Barilla’s cookalong from last week and create a virtually () perfect Italian night with Gennaro Contaldo.

Here’s what Barilla has to say: “Italians love nothing more than getting friends and family around to share good food and good times. Barilla is the biggest family pasta-maker in Italy, so we’re proud to be right at the heart of those moments. Lots of people have been eating our authentic pasta on lockdown, all around the world. But we know the key ingredient is the other people around the table. So we’ve been looking for ways to help people play host – even if that means, for now, doing so at a distance.”

How are you hosting or taking part in social events during lockdown? Perhaps you’ve been hosting quizzes with friends, taking part in virtual cook alongs or group Zoom calls? Are you eager to host a dinner party with friends once this is over, or to simply have your sister over for drinks once the kids have gone to bed?

All who post below will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £200 voucher towards a weekly food shop (from a supermarket of your choice) provided by Barilla.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

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[Lindy2]

Just my mum. That's all I need.

[TaleOfTheContinents]

We've missed so many family birthdays during the lockdown, so I can't wait to get together with my parents-in-law, who live fairly close by. We usually go to their place because my MIL is an amazing cook and host, and it's nice to be pampered.

[Serin]

I'd invite my work colleagues.
Its stressful enough in my NHS team at the best of times but this has nearly cracked us.
I cant wait to meet up with them all in normal happier circumstances. Not dinner though, that's too formal, BBQ would be good or just drinks .
I'd also like to meet up with the cast of spring watch who have kept me going this last week (hardest week of all) and od make sure I was seated next to Steve Backshall

[kateandme]

my sister and brother.with homemade lasagne.big salad and garlic bread.

[locked2020]

My dad

[Laney79]

My parents. It would be lovely to sit down as a family again and eat a home cooked meal together. We've just started to wean our son too so would be lovely for nanny and grandad to join in the fun of solids with our little boy.

[Katesmate123]

My Mum, Sister and brother in law for a get together with wine and lots of good food and more wine! Missing their company.

[Addler]

My sister and my partner's family, to celebrate the new thats we're expecting our first child together.

[nutellafortea]

In my dreams I'd love to invite Peter Hitchens, Pamela Poppers and Lord Sumption for dinner. I'm finding their videos articles and interviews very conforting right now.

[RippleEffects]

I'm really looking forwards to eating a special meal with my DH when the DC are in bed.

I'm looking forwards to sitting and chatting about our separate days. About the things at his work, about things I'm working on in my own business, about things the DC have been upto and anything that isn't an under one roof already shared experience. Im looking forwards to being able to debate which country to visit for a family adventure. Im actually excited about the thought of juggling the calendar to ensure we have support in place for the DC to get them to school/ appointments (eldest and youngest have additional needs).

I'm looking forwards to feeling like I'm part of the world not in a fragile glass bubble that could shatter.

[HemlockStarglimmer]

No one. I'd send everyone out to stay with their friends and I would revel in the peace and quiet and eat a big bowl of pasta all to myself.

[Patrickstarr]

We’ll be having my sisters over as soon as this is all over. This is the longest I’ve not seen them for and I can’t wait to see them
Again!

[WowOoo]

Two of my best friends because they make me laugh so much. One of them is excellent at making desserts and will always bring something new she's tried.

[Iwantcollarbones]

My daughter is the first person I’m going to feed when this is done. She is over in the Channel Islands and has been unable to travel home. All she wanted for her 18th birthday family meal was mums chicken pie and apple crumble. My absolutely amazing db and sil did make her a homemade pie as I watched on via FaceTime but we are all waiting to celebrate her birthday in person.

[TheCatServant]

We have had a few virtual social occasions which have been fun. I am looking forward to getting together properly though with close friends when this is all over.

[BiggerBoat1]

My Mum. She's been all alone throughout the lockdown and she's missing family. She hasn't had any treats because she's not close to any relatives and the local Parish Council are shopping for her. She's from the generation that would be embarrassed to order wine or cake!
I plan to cook all her favourite food, she'll be with her grandchildren and then we'll play Trivial Pursuit which is her favourite. I might even bake a cake for her to take home!

[Mabelface]

My boyfriend, who I've only been able to see on walks! After that, my 2 boys who live away from home. We've been video calling and they're truly ridiculous on the calls. Fantasy guest would be Miriam Margolyes as she's just so bloody funny.

[SeasonallySnowyPeasant]

We’ve done quizzes with my family and church over Zoom.

I’m having my parents, brother, SIL and MIL over for dinner as soon as it’s safe!

[Sugarhouse]

Keeping in touch via FaceTime but can’t wait to have my mum over my baby has grown so much since she last saw her

[Cherrytangfastic]

My sister, mum and grandmother. Can't wait.

[foxessocks]

For dinner probably our best friends. I'm already seeing my parents socially disanced in the garden etc but can't see friends as too many of us with the children too.

[LJJ90]

The toy story animated cast, because after this year that's how delusional I'm feeling! Wowee

[SpillTheTeaa]

My mum! We often had lunch together. Missing her and our lunches

[BumpkinSpiceBatty]

My mum. She lives in Scotland 500 miles away and has various health issues. During lockdown she had emergency surgery to remove two clots in her brain. Very grateful it went well but it has been hell not being able to be physically close to her during this time.

[motherstongue]

DH, myself and DC (aged 21 and 15) have had a themed dinner each week based on different countries. We’ve had Greek, Spanish, French, USA, Scottish, Indian and Chinese all cooked from scratch. We’ve played music from each country too all through dinner. It’s been a hoot helped along with a bit of booze.
I would like these to continue afterwards but fear DS needs to return to Uni.
I can’t wait to have a big family BBQ (with some close friends too) and would like the chance to meet DS girlfriend who lives several 100 miles away ☹️