Next weekend, Fri to Sun, in a big rental property in the Cotswolds. Around 20, inc. a 2 and a 3 year old.
Several of the guests will have a long drive each way.
First idea was a takeaway for the Friday night - still seems sensible - and a restaurant for the Sat night. However, nobody has looked into this and from experience, getting anywhere to cater for a big party at relatively short notice may not be easy, esp. on a Sat night. Not to mention that the 2 year old will not sit after eating - he's still at the wanting to charge around stage, which is not fair on staff or other diners.
Eating in would seem easier all round.
So I think it,probably best to make some simple things in advance, to take.
First thought was a big chilli con carne, but there's at least one in the party who can't take anything very spicy any more.
And there are two who have become very gluten intolerant, one of whom also loathes milk and cream, and won't eat anything that looks 'milky'. Though at least there are no veggies or vegans to think of!
So although it sounds very boring, I'm thinking of two really big shepherd's pies, and 2 equally big macaroni cheeses - I have enough big dishes - which I could make in advance and heat up.
I once did the same for FiL's funeral (!) - also in the depths of winter - when I had no idea how many would come back afterwards, and they went down fine.
However, open to suggestions for anything else reasonably easy/transportable/make-in-advance-able. I did also think of lasagne, but pasta would be no good for the gluten intolerant ones, plus there's milk in the sauce, so can't do that alongside macaroni cheese.
Should add that I am happy to cook!