Thanks all. It can’t be fancy. Going through a major life transition/stressor and these women have invited me over. I like them and would like to extend an invite and it absolutely can’t take more than me putting things out easily.

I really like the TJ idea. I don’t drink wine (or anything else) and can ask them to bring their own. They drink.

Get a snack or sandwich platter from Grosvenor Market, pick up some wine when you’re there. This doesn’t have to be fancy.

Mini quiche from Costco, hummus and veggies, a small platter of cheese and crackers, some grapes and strawberries, focaccia and tempande. All store bought.

Serve some wine coolers or BYOB.

Anonymous wrote:Since you are near strathmore, Pescadelli in Bethesda has everything for Spanish theme- a good tortilla, gazpacho, Jamon, manchego, baguette and olives…

Thank you for this! I don’t know this place—yet.

If all of this seems to much work, order from Big Greek Cafe! Some kebabs, salads, dips and pita.

This is made for Trader Joes Or Pescadeli but that will be more expensive.

I would get all of this at Trader Joe’s - all of your work will be in plating or heating, no cooking involved.

make a charcuterie board- this is basically dinner so go all out, and leftovers easily keep for you for future meals. Takea big board (it can be a big wooden cutting board, or even a baking sheet) and arrange on it a variety of items - 3 cheeses (a blue, a manchego, a sharp cheddar are my go-to’s, honey goat log is good too), cut melon, proscuito and salami, raspberries, cucumber slices, olives, a jam or mustard, marcona almonds or pistacios. Add crackers and baguette slices. This should take no more than 15 min to assemble.

I like PP’s bagged salad idea (TJ has a ceasar and others, too, pick one that looks good), dump into a bowl.

Hummus or tzaziki and pita chips (this prob isnt even necessary)

One item from TJ frozen area that you can heat and serve - could be their “tartes” (aka flatbread pizzas), bake a couple varieties, cut into hand held size pieces and serve on another tray. Or spring rolls and dipping sauce. Or spanikopita if you put out the tzaziki.

Yes wine - if you aren’t a drinker, you could ask your friends to bring wine or else have a bottle per 3 people (realistically no one is having more than a glass in the 45 min before heading to a show). I’d get sauv blanc or rose for the summer night and make sure it is well chilled. Also have seltzer.

Since you are near strathmore, Pescadelli in Bethesda has everything for Spanish theme- a good tortilla, gazpacho, Jamon, manchego, baguette and olives…

Can you grill chicken or steak in advance?
Caesar salad with grilled protein is fairly easy. add store bought focaccia or grilled bread
Sangria is good or some berries and Prosecco
Cookies for a sweet finish. People will appreciate that you hosted. Keep it simple and you might create a fun tradition!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spanish tortilla (eggs, potatoes, onions), can be served room temp
Gazpacho
Fresh fruit salad or prosciutto and melon
Crusty bread
Olive oil
Olives
Bean dip like hummus or white bean
Simple green salad
Sangria (white or red)
Sparkling water that could be added to the sangria to lighten it up or plain with sliced limes

OP again. Thank you. This actually feels like a lot of work to me.

It's all relative, I suppose.
All could be store bought except probably the Spanish tortilla, which is a pretty easy dish and can be made ahead.

What kind of meal do you have in mind?

Anonymous wrote:Spanish tortilla (eggs, potatoes, onions), can be served room temp
Gazpacho
Fresh fruit salad or prosciutto and melon
Crusty bread
Olive oil
Olives
Bean dip like hummus or white bean
Simple green salad
Sangria (white or red)
Sparkling water that could be added to the sangria to lighten it up or plain with sliced limes

OP again. Thank you. This actually feels like a lot of work to me.

^^ I forgot to include manchego cheese

Spanish tortilla (eggs, potatoes, onions), can be served room temp
Gazpacho
Fresh fruit salad or prosciutto and melon
Crusty bread
Olive oil
Olives
Bean dip like hummus or white bean
Simple green salad
Sangria (white or red)
Sparkling water that could be added to the sangria to lighten it up or plain with sliced limes

I am planning to go to Strathmore for one of the lawn concerts soon (Latin music) w three friends. I live near and want to host a casual sip and casual dinner before hand from approx 5:30-7. Show starts at 7:30.

What should I serve that is easy, low effort and fun? I don’t drink and assume I should offer wine or sangria or some such beverage. Thank you! I’m new to this.