Post # 1

Member
245 posts
Helper bee
Hey everyone. My inlaws are all coming over for christmas eve, and my initial plan was to make lasagnas. Well I found out today that everyone has stuff going on that day so they’ll all be stopping by at different times. DH’s aunts will come by earlier in the day because they have plans later and DH’s grandma, mom, dad and sisters will be coming by later (mostly at different times). Well this messes up the dinner plans but I feel bad not having any food out…especially since some of them will be over for the dinner time hours.
I should mention I have a 3 month old at home too. So they’re all insisting I don’t cook anything because I have too much else to worry about. I have to work that day till 3 (DH will be home for the aunt’s visits) so it’s not like I can spend the day cooking different things. I was going to pre-make the lasagna’s this weekend and freeze them but they’re all insisting I don’t put in that much effort. Ok, but then what do I make? I can’t have NOTHING for these people!
Anyone have any good (easy) recipes for a buffet type thing I can leave out in a crockpot all day? So the aunts can have a lunch, and the people coming over later can have dinner? I’m not very creative in the kitchen, I guess so I can’t think of anything. If anyone has any suggestions, that would be GREAT! Or should I just give up and order some pizzas? Ugh, nothing can ever be easy with the holidays!
I should mention…one of DH’s sisters is a vegetarian. I don’t need to center the entire meal on her, but I do have to have a separate option so she doesn’t miss out on food too.
Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!
Post # 3

Member
9142 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
- Wedding: November 2013 - St. Augustine Beach, FL
@BeatlesFan629: Chili bar. Make the chili in the crockpot/slow cooker and have it ready for when people drop by. Keep the condiments like sour cream and cheese in bowls in the fridge so you can take them out when people stop by.
Post # 4

Member
9142 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
- Wedding: November 2013 - St. Augustine Beach, FL
For the vegetarian you could do a separate small veggie chili this weekend.
Post # 5

Member
46329 posts
Honey Beekeeper
@BeatlesFan629: vegetarian chili. It can sit for a long time
see this post for some recipes amd links:
anyone got cheap easy crock pot meals?
Post # 6

Member
310 posts
Helper bee
I like the chili bar idea. Pinterest also has a good selection of crockpot meal ideas.
Post # 7

Member
245 posts
Helper bee
Thanks everyone! I like the chili idea. I didn’t even think to look at Pinterest…duh!
Post # 8

Member
7652 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
@BeatlesFan629: Chili is a great idea. You could also do a shredded pork or pot roast in the crockpot as well. If you wanted a potato, you can wrap potatoes in tin foil and put them in the crockpot too.
Post # 9

Member
8584 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
you could still make the lasagna if you want.
what about meatballs. i like sweet and sour. 1 jar chili sauce, 1 can whole cranberry sauce, for every 1lb of meat. throw in crockpot.
what about having cheese, crackers, veggies, and assorted dips.
or doing a deli tray.
Post # 10

Member
7312 posts
Busy Beekeeper
- Wedding: October 2011 - Bed & Breakfast
Potato chowder comes to mind. Serve with bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream on the side for toppings. Add some fresh brown bread, and call it delicious.