As I asked in the event thread here, we have three choices for the dinner. If you're planning on coming, please vote for which you'd like!

You can never have too many Xmas Dinners!!!!

Will the meat be sourced from Pontarlier?

Again whatever is easiest.
It's the company that counts.

I agree with Sky - whatever blocks the smallest number of people in the kitchen for the shortest time, so that everyone can enjoy the occasion together.

All things being equal in terms of time and effort, I think the fondue chinoise and raclette options are more "convivial" than the turkey roast.

I'm sure we can arrange something for you.

I don't mind what we have really. Never had fondue chinoise so don't really know what is involved.

Is it not when you have raw meat, put it on a stick and fry it in oil at the table

No, that's fondue Bourgignon.

It's similar, I believe. Broth instead of oil, no? (I've never tried it, either).

I voted Raclette. Do you have a proper raclette thing?

Like this

We have a proper raclette thing similar to that one, that holds 2 half cheeses, but without the horns (sadly- this one looks so cute). I could then borrow and beg from the cheese shop and neighbours. I have to say that if we are more than 12, cooking turkeys with all the trimmings could be very hard work and I'd have to borrow neighbours ovens (I have 2). It would also make sure Porsche and his very much better half could come too.

Yep, thin slices of meat dipped in boiling broth, then eaten with various sauces (like the bourguignonne variety).

We also have a raclette thing that looks like that, only not as chic with the horns and I think it holds a cheese like that. I also have a proper raclette knife. Not that I know what I'm doing with it.......... Depending on when this is, I'd love to come and bring the husband (if he's not embroiled in end of semester nonsense).

Raclette is very easy too... isn't it? Just need cheese, accompaniments and electrical sockets.

I was thinking about having the 3 choices and the complications of trying to coordinate 3 different style meals - lots of work and lots of stress.
I suggest that maybe the top choice picked is the only one - or to not have Odile running around, everyone who is coming brings something yummy and a bottle each and then we can plonk it down, pull the crackers, get the hats on and party...................

I will do whatever anyone wants but felt like making a suggestion - I am easy and just want to enjoy everyones company

Kate and I are happy to come earlier and help with the work. If we choose the turkey, I can bring a large Christmas pudding, with suitable pots and pans. Is it going to be at lunch time or at dinner time?

Maybe we could have a small Raclette grill for any vegetarians, then they could join in with cheese instead of Turkey?

4th of December lunch-time.

ahaha I now know who you are Sbrinz! And thanks for the offers of help.
We are off to the UK for a couple of weeks in a couple of days- and will pick up this thread when we return. If we are many more than 12- turkey and all the trimmings will really be out of the question. We can seat 40-44- and have 2 ovens, but even so. Will pick the option when we see all the votes and the numbers on our return. So far it looks like fondue chinoise- have a few metal fondue pots, but can borrow as many as necessary from neighbours and friends. Of course if this is the chosen option on our return - those who wish to can bring their own meat and will have a dedicated pot depending on dietary requirement. Will fine tune all this on return.

If raclette wins the day, I can bring one of those portable electric ones where you heat the bits of cheese in little plates that you slide under the grill. Good for 6 people, though obviously not "the real thing".

We've got one of those we can bring too.

Smakerjack we are not going to offer 3 options. We will do the most popular one and of course we will be helping Odile with all the prep etc. She's doing enough just providing the venue.

I think we should make Odile do more work. She's retired anyway!

Nice of you to think of vegetarians like us...