Dinner party menu

[Anonymous]

It seems that many of our friends have ventured away from the standard lasagna, steak etc. when having groups over for dinner parties. My cooking repetoire has not expanded much over the last ten years however I am looking to try something new. Would anyone mind sharing some favorite ideas for a dinner party, including not just the main course but sides, appetizers and dessert? Any ideas are appreciated!!!

[Anonymous]

See the honeycomb post for an absolutely delicious appetizer idea.

Also, completely in a different direction, but I recently tried this Spicy Basil Chicken recipe. It was very, very good and easy to make. I served it over fresh green beans, but you could also have rice. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Spicy-Basil-Chicken/Detail.aspx

[Anonymous]

You might check out Relish, a meal planning menu maker. They have dinner party menus.

[Anonymous]

I just googled "dinner party menus" and came up with a Celebrations site that seems to have a huge selection of menus, themes, etc. Probably others out there too.

[Anonymous]

We host dinner parties regularly for typically 8 adults and 4-6 kids. I generally make way too much food, knowing that we will have leftovers all week long. A typical menu includes:
Soup - usually a cream of broccoli or carrot (or sometimes both and pour them 1/2 and 1/2 into the same bowl - super easy but looks impressive), sometimes chicken soup
Salad - veggie salad with balsamic viniagrette
Roast chicken/lemon chicken/
Meatballs (or other type of meat including corned beef, pot roast, pepper steak)
Rice or potatoes
Green veggie - asparagus, green beans, brussel sprouts
Alternative side dish (non starch/non green veggie) - roasted tomatoes, rosted red onions, corn souffle, carrot muffins, cranberry crunch
Dessert - cake and fruit

[Anonymous]

How about picking a theme-Latin or Italian or seafood or food and wine pairing and then research and go with that? Depends on how labor intensive you want it to be.

[Anonymous]

One thing I do is to try to pick some parts of the meal to put cooking energy into and other things to make easy. For example, if I'm going to do some kind of appetizers that require cooking, I'll get a very easy dessert. Or if I feel like making a fancy dessert, I'll do easy appetizers like cheese/olives/bread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We host dinner parties regularly for typically 8 adults and 4-6 kids.

Wow.. you are awesome! I wish I felt I could have dinner parties.

[Anonymous]

OP, I would totally continue to serve lasagna or steak, if that's what you are comfortable serving!

The most important part of having people over is the company. I think anyone--especially with kids-- would appreciate having a hot, hearty meal cooked for them.

[Anonymous]

I was going to add that if you want to jazz things up, how about serving a different cocktail, appetizer, or dessert?

[Anonymous]

I think themes are fun. Since St Paddy's Day is around the corner, how about Irish food?
Starter: Irish soda bread with cheese or jams
Main: Shepherd's pie or Beef & Guinness Stew (recipe from Food network)
Dessert: Irish Apple Cake (recipe from Irishabroad.com)
After dinner drink: Irish coffee

German dinner party:
Starter: Flammkucken (Alsatian cheese tart- Epicurean recipe)
Salad: Simple fresh greens in a vinagrette
Main: Roasted Pork Tenderloin in Mustard Sauce
Starch: Spaeztle (homemade is easy but pkg also tastes good)
Veggie: Haricot verts or white asparagus
Dessert: Streusel (I would buy in a bakery)

[Anonymous]

I had friends over for dinner last weekend and did a Mexician theme. Main course was chicken enchiladas and beef tacos with a mexician rice. (kids could use flour tortillas for the tacos to make cheese quesdillas). Appetizers were a hot fiesta dip (corn, salsa, cheese) fruit tray (for kids) and a buffalo chicken dip (not mexican, but for my husband). Served margaritas and it was a hit!

[Anonymous]

I always start with a "theme" so I can narrow down my selections and it really helps. Also agree with getting some stuff pre-made -- I'm adamant that I not spend my entire time in the kitchen so I tend to serve things that can be made in advance so I can enjoy my company to the fullest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I would totally continue to serve lasagna or steak, if that's what you are comfortable serving!

The most important part of having people over is the company. I think anyone--especially with kids-- would appreciate having a hot, hearty meal cooked for them.

i agree, I love to cook so look forward to cooking for a crowd but we have friends that don't and it has NEVER bothered me. I enjoy being with friends and it is nice to be invited.