These are the so-far ideas we've got. We're DIY-ing, as in, we're actually doing the work and hiring a couple of people I used to know who work in the restaurant biz for on the day. I'm NOT making family do the work (although a family friend has *offered* to make a shed-load of mince pies for us, because she can't make it due to illness, and my mum offered to make her signature lime cheesecake because it's quick to make and feeds a crowd). We're getting married in mid-December, so it'll be cold, miserable and rainy, which means COMFORT FOOD AHOY!!
So, this is what we've got so far! Helpful contributions are appreciated, contructive criticism is welcomed!
On arrival:
Glasses of something alcoholicky - either pimms, bucks fizz, champagney-cranberry, something along those lines.
Hot spiced apple juice
Teas and coffee
Nibbly bits, nuts, olives, breadsticks, etc.
Served buffet style:
Main Dishes
Mushroom Stroganoff (made the day before)
Chicken Stew (made prior, frozen)
Beef Bourignon OR Spiced Lamb Stew (all Halal, because we've got some Muslim friends), (made prior, frozen)
Side Dishes
Baked potatoes (on the day)
Couscous (on the day, really quick to make up!)
Roasted Vegetables (herby, mediteranean style) (made day before)
Big bowl of garden salad (On the day, easy-peasy and quick)
Beetroot, walnut, feta and lemon salad (works, trust me) (prep the day before, chucked in a bowl just before serving)
Bread rolls & butter (bought on the day, in baskets)
Dessert:
Mumma's homemade lime cheesecake (she offered to make it the day before, takes 15 minutes to make)
Brownies, pies, desserts, etc. from a local bakery (that we go to for breakfast every Saturday morning)
Drinks:
A choice of 3 cocktails (not sure which, probably a long-island iced tea, skittles and a grasshopper)
Wine (red, white, rose)
Beer (alcoholic, non-alcoholic)
More spiced apple juice
Soft drinks (coke, lemonade, etc)
Water
Possibly champagne, or mulled wine for toasts, depending on the arrival drinks
Cutlery will be placed in a jar in the middle of each table, along with napkins and a jug of iced water (which will be kept topped up by helpers). A couple of bottles of wine will initially be kept on each table, then removed/topped up as and when. Cocktails will be served, pre-mixed in jugs, into glasses by servers.
On the buffet table, more napkins and plates will be available, along with someone keeping an eye on the amounts of food in the chafing dishes. 5 chafing dishes, one for each of the three stews, one for the roasted vegetables and one for the baked potatoes (individually wrapped in foil, helpers will have placed these into the oven about 2.5 hours before serving and they stay hot forever, so no worries about H&S). Not 100% sure whether we're using disposable plates or not (probably not, to be honest), so the helpers will do some basic washing up/clearing away and bringing out pudding while speeches are going on, first dance, the the DJ will announce desserts are ready for those who want it, dessert, dancing etc to follow. We'll tidy up most things and go home, and then finish tidying up the next morning (because we've hired the place for the whole weekend).
Opinions, please? And the word tacky is banned!
