Christmas Buffet

[kat83]

Hi, im not really an experieced cook, but im throwing a little christmas party for about 8-10 people, im wanting to do a buffet, but want to do something a bit more special than sarnies n sausage rolls. I have quite a limted budget want want to make it a bit special. Any ideas?

[Rubyschmoo]

Always look in the 'bargain bin' bit of supermarkets, they sometimes have nice stuff there. That as well as places like �1 shops, Lidl and so on which have European stuff at a fraction of the price of stuff in M&S and so on.

To start with re: yummies, there's always crisps and nibbles from the above, then cut up some carrots (cheaper than pre-cut) for dips and so on. You could always make some fancy ice cream by buying a good supermarket version and adding your own ingredients and making it Ben & Jerry's style with bits in it.

Good luck!

[redcrx]

a lot of the supermarkets are doing some lovely buffet nibbles and on special offers too. Certainly worth a look.

[mischief121]

supermarkets ie tescos are doing a lot of different party food at the moment.i am a chef and have been for 22 years.hope this helps you.

[Eve]

How about getting a joint of meat such as a ham like gammon ham with lots of salad items, potato salad, coleslaw and crusty bread and such and a veggie option.

Stew is a good winter warmer with crusty bread.

[kat83]

Thank you to all your replys, they have all helped me out loads, and i really like the joint of ham option, as it would be a real centre piece!And i will be having a look at Tescos buffet bits too! Thank you again for all your ideas!

[hartley]

Whilst sharing an impoverished student house we threw a bit of a posh dinner for friends. We managed to magic up some impressive looking canapes to go with glasses of cheap fizzy wine. They were dead simple a cheap.

I lightly flattened several slices of white bread with a rolling pin and cut circles out of the using an egg cup (or you could use a proper pastry cutter). Lightly toasted the little discs of bread and then topped them with a variety of stuff. I remember we did toppings like very finely chopped tomato and onion, pate, cream cheese with ham and the classic wafer-thin beef with horseradish. Classy.
I'm sure with a bit of imagination and a budget of slightly more than �2 you could come up with some better ones.

[redcrx]

that last post just reminded me of things like potato skins filled with chilli (bulk the mince out with lots of beans).

Use the spare potato to make little fish cakes and add a sweet chilli sauce for them

or mini toad in the holes or use the idea of the beef with horseradish in a tiny yorkshire pudding.

[kat83]

The last two answers are really helpful, and sound like they will go down a storm, will start experimenting with them immediately!! Thank you so much!!