Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 19:04     Subject: Re:Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
I would make stuffed shells, garlic bread, salad and pumpkin roll. All is make ahead. So your clean up is done before guests arrive. And it’s not that hard.

This is actually my Christmas dinner menu - it’s my kids’ favorite. And my spouse just asked me to make it for a family party (35 people) a few days before Christmas - they really love my stuffed shells.
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 18:45     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
We're hosting on the 23rd and I'm also not sure what to make. I think I'll crowd source prior what people are having on the 25th and make something totally different.

Fish sounds pretty good, or maybe pork belly.
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 18:31     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
Anonymous wrote:Roasts are the easiest. Agree with PP that you could just do a Prime Rib.

I don't eat salmon but when I saw how gorgeous and easy this is I wanted to make it for company: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=862589794786390


Fish in pastry can be smelly. I would try first before making it for dinner party.
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 18:26     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
I’m getting a honey baked ham for a similar sized dinner.
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 18:15     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
I think a whole slow roasted salmon could feel festive without needing loads of prep time. I’d also be happy with a pasta that’s not too everyday. Family meals for us at holidays are often beef or ham so I’d likely look forward more to something not wither of those.
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 18:10     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
Anonymous wrote:I would give *some* thought re: making it as safe as possible (flu/covid/cold .. getting sick right before the holidays). You don't have to mention you have it on your mind, but I would offer individual plates of hors d'oeuvres. Avoid sharing serving utensils. Plated would be safer than buffet. Just think ahead re: what will be touched, breathed-on. And personal space.



Respiratory viruses are airborne. Cracking a window and running an air purifier would do more good. Everyone is going to end up touching some of the same things unless you're disinfecting the front doorknob etc.
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 18:08     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
We typically do prime rib on Christmas.
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 18:05     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
I would give *some* thought re: making it as safe as possible (flu/covid/cold .. getting sick right before the holidays). You don't have to mention you have it on your mind, but I would offer individual plates of hors d'oeuvres. Avoid sharing serving utensils. Plated would be safer than buffet. Just think ahead re: what will be touched, breathed-on. And personal space.

Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 16:48     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
Anonymous wrote:Roasts are the easiest. Agree with PP that you could just do a Prime Rib.

I don't eat salmon but when I saw how gorgeous and easy this is I wanted to make it for company: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=862589794786390


PP here again; fwiw I don't know about that cheese stuff in there with fish, lol. I'd probably just use some pesto or some lemon & garlic or something and call it a day.
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 16:44     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
Roasts are the easiest. Agree with PP that you could just do a Prime Rib.

I don't eat salmon but when I saw how gorgeous and easy this is I wanted to make it for company: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=862589794786390
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 16:33     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
This sounds amazing and is great in terms of festive colors… https://www.theoriginaldish.com/2020/12/13/creamy-red-pepper-pasta-with-burrata-herbs/
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 16:29     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
I’d be excited to eat salmon, because it’s likely my family’s Christmas dinner will be some kind of beef.
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 16:20     Subject: Re:Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
I’d do a prime rib roast and a few sides. Along with a couple Appetizers and drinks.
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 16:10     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
Tenderloin is easy and festive and goes well with make ahead sides.
Anonymous
Post 12/02/2023 16:08     Subject: Dinner party for 8 a few nights before christmas
Ideas for a menu? What would you be excited to eat?

I try to avoid doing a ton of last minute cooking and prep. I like to be relatively free once guests arrive but of course there are always the last minute things.