Entertaining neighbours

You could make a lasagne the day before - or earlier and freeze then defrost - and serve that from the worktop. Pass round some garlic bread - bought and reheated in the oven with the lasagne - and a bowl of mixed salad.
Pudding - some form of tart from Marks’ with a jug of cream to pass round.
Very simple and all prepped in advance.
Nibbles with drinks beforehand.
All prepared ahead of time, once the lasagne is cooked it will sit for quite a while in a very low oven and come to no harm.
You should have a lovely evening with a very acceptable meal and a non-stressed hostess.

Oops, sorry, just reread your husband only likes English food - tell him it’s mince and cheese sauce, he can leave the lasagne if he wants or just serve him a portion with no lasagne in it.

Can't your husband cook?

Ooh, honeyrose, I'm so pleased to 'meet' you! It is great to know there's someone else out there who shares my lack of enthusiasm for cooking meals for people... I was beginning to think I was the only person in the world! I will follow this thread with interest and wish you the very best of luck!

Why don’t you just tell them you hate cooking and suggest a pub lunch together? I loathe cooking, it’s such a waste of time so I totally understand.

Supermarkets will make up platters of sandwiches, chicken drumsticks, and things like that.

They vary in price depending on what fillings you want, and come all laid out nicely on silver disposable serving platters.
If you really don't want to cook, it might be worth getting a few of those.

Cook’s chicken, ham and leek pies are very good and easy to pass off as your own particularly if you get one of their pie dishes too ! ( Shhh!)

One time when I had to feed people I bought a huge ready made boeuf bourgignon (my butcher very conveniently made and sold these in foil containers for reluctant cooks such as myself). I simply dusted off one of my own casserole dishes and shovelled it in... it was yummy. I managed to cook a few green beans and new potatoes to accompany. Nobody asked for the recipe or I would have owned up. Probably strawberries and cream for dessert.

Sneaky.
I like it...

Really good advice on here. I’d definitely go with the buffet option, ordering platters from M&S or Waitrose, or whoever. I wouldn’t bother cooking anything. As they’re neighbours they won’t be driving so you can provide some nice wine. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time.

The company is far more important than the food. The neighbours are coming to see you. Just do something simple and try and relax and enjoy it.

Nannytopsy

Cook’s chicken, ham and leek pies are very good and easy to pass off as your own particularly if you get one of their pie dishes too ! ( Shhh!)

Their pie dishes are inspired! OP, if you don't know, they come in serving sizes (2, 4 and 8, I think) and you just put the food in frozen, so properly arranged, heat it up and serve from the dish. They are white and rectangular, so very easy to reuse with your own dishes.

If you can get away with it in the kind of make up and expectations of the group, I used to sometimes have friends around (we all had lots of kids) and we'd just get fish and chips or pizza delivered. Then we got food and to spend time together without too much work involved.

pably15

no use worrying over this, a buffet would be lovely, personally I prefer a buffet to a sit down meal at someones house.

I much, much prefer a buffet. Marks and Sparks and a bit of home cooking, pretty napkins..... Some lovely flowers, an unflustered hostess, some low level background classical favourites.....

I’d opt for a buffet. Somehow I’ve lost confidence in cooking for more than four. My usual approach now is a buffet prepared and refrigerated a good couple of hours before anyone arrives which means I’ve had time to relax a bit. I tend to major on cheeses with crusty bread, a meat platter, salads (bought ) and a mix of (bought from M&S) ) mini fruit tarts plus berries, cream and some sort of chocolate cake. I rarely venture into sandwiches, hard work! Don't fret honeyrose no matter the content a buffet is very acceptable. The important thing is you’re relaxed and can enjoy your neighbours company.

Whatever you decide will be fine.

Just think how you feel when invited to another’s house for a meal.

Your first , second or even third thought isn’t criticism is it😊 - it is - good oh - I’m looking forward to a pleasant evening of chat , with food thrown in.

That is how you should approach it - concentrate on enjoying their company and see the food simply as an add-on.

Enjoy your evening.

Another fan of Cook. I rarely make a pudding these days as there is a great range to choose from. I'd make a delicious casserole which can be made the day before and reheated. Serve with a green salad and potatoes or rice or even some crusty bread. Don't do a starter just offer olives and quality crisps with the first drinks. Relax and enjoy yourself.

Do you have to have both sets of neighbours together? Would doing it separately and cooking for 4 be less stressful?

Or how about a cheese and wine evening?

Buffet or even afternoon tea!

Good luck, whatever you do will be lovely and it’s about the company.

Please don’t let it stress you

Buffet would be fine. Lots of good suggestions here. Alternatively why not buy three ready cooked meals for two such as chicken/ beef casserole, duck legs Roast beef/pork/lamb etc. in M&S or Waitrose. Heat them up beforehand and keep them warm in serving dishes. Accompany with ready prepared veg (M&S also do nice ready prepared frozen roast potatoes . Take everything out of the containers and keep warm before they arrive. You can also buy ready made gravy. Job done and they’ll never know.

I was rather disappointed when I clicked on this thread. I was looking forward to finding out what is so entertaining about your neighbours!
Mine are all very nice people, but quite dull.

I'm another fan of 'Cook'. Their food is good, you could buy just the main course, or the whole works, and take all the pressure off . The fish pie for four is delicious, you could have perhaps two differnt main courses and desserts, and cook vegetables in a steamer.

Why don't you confide in your neighbours and ask their advice, they would probably to please to.

If this is going to be a thing , what not suggest that in future the host provides the main and the other neighbours the starter and dessert . It’s less stress . Several friends of mine do this with their friends and neighbours.

You’ve had a lot of very good advice here.
I often entertain my family and understand the problem with the size of the table. To solve this I lay the table in a formal way and make it look very nice. Then I put out all the food and the plates on my worktop. You could also use a sideboard or any other suitable surface. Everyone serve themselves but sits at the table in the usual way. You can do the same with dessert. I think the suggestions of lasagna or a casserole, homemade or not will help with the stress. If you’re thinking of a starter maybe some simple bought nibbles eaten in the lounge area with drinks.