Make-ahead dishes to feed 20-30

[Anonymous]

I'm looking for ideas -- we'll be hosting a christening luncheon and expecting 20-30 people, many of whom are kids. We'll be out of the house for and hour and a half or so before the luncheon (getting the baby dunked) so I'm trying to figure out what to serve that I can maybe keep in a warm oven (turned off) and serve as soon as we get home. Lasagna seemed the obvious choice, but do any of you have other recommendations?

I'm happy to cook but am not ruling out the idea of having main dishes catered/bought, so really open to any suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

Home made mac and cheese (SUPER easy...tons of recipies online)

Deli platters already put on "fanccy" plates that you just have to take out of the fridge

Snacks like cheese and crackers, cocktail/shrimp, etc that can be put together and just pulled out of the fridge when you get back.

Chili? (kinda messy, but definitely make ahead)

salad of any kind (lettuce, pasta, etc)

[Anonymous]

Croissant sandwiches and shrimp trays from costco. You can assemble the sandwiches yourself if you're trying to save money. Get the croissants, rotisserie chicken salad, lunch meat and some havarti cheese.

[Anonymous]

How about a spiral ham? You can leave it warming in the oven and then set it out with rolls and some good mustard. Serve with a big green salad and a fruit salad, which can both be made the night before. I'd probably have a veggie + hummus tray and maybe shrimp cocktail ready to set out as soon as you get back, so folks can start munching while you put the mains out on the table.

[Anonymous]

I do spiral ham, biscuits, Mac and cheese made earlier and placed in a crock pot to keep warm, crudités, cheese plate, pasta salad, spiced nuts, cupcakes or lemon bars. Sometimes chili.

[Anonymous]

Shredded chicken with BBQ sauce or pulled pork with BBQ sauce. All done in crock pot. Mac and cheese. Cole slaw.

Sandwiches would be way easier though if you have the fridge space.

[Anonymous]

OP here. You guys are awesome -- thank you for the great ideas. I actually have gift certificates for Honey Baked Ham because my old company gave out the certs in lieu of a yearly bonus. :/ But this would be a good way to use them...

Do you think it'd be weird to go sort of down-home style for a christening luncheon? It's right up my alley but not sure what guests expect. I'm all about the ham and biscuits and mac n cheese, and my husband makes a mean pot of pulled pork.

[Anonymous]

I'm one of the ham PPs. Do whatever you're comfortable with. For a christening, I'm betting your guests are family and close friends. They already know who you are. You don't need to try out new recipes or present a different palate for their sake. Buy a pretty cake, but serve food you and they like, and that you're good at making.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the ham PPs. Do whatever you're comfortable with. For a christening, I'm betting your guests are family and close friends. They already know who you are. You don't need to try out new recipes or present a different palate for their sake. Buy a pretty cake, but serve food you and they like, and that you're good at making.

Good point. I think Pinterest is the culprit...had me convinced I needed Georgetown cupcakes, matchy matchy decorations, haute cuisine, and monogrammed goody bags. I'm taking a stand: ham and mac n cheese it is! Thanks PP

[Anonymous]

Drop the goodie bags. Have a pretty bunch of flowers or small bouquets around where people are eating. Comfort food is in and eating great food is always a pleasure.