OP here. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas.

Shrimp creole. Fajitas.

OP, how about a taco bar? You could make the beef or chicken ahead of time and just heat it up. Everything else would just need to be put out -- cheese, salsa or fresh tomatoes, sour cream, hot peppers, etc. Have taco shells or tortillas, maybe some homemade guacamole, and lots of lettuce if there are people in your group who may want a taco salad instead.

You can all take LSD? My friend Roger did that...work out okay for him.

Is this with kids?

Don't forget the kale!

quiche lorraine, provencale salad, good french bread, good butter, maybe some brie and grapes?

I'm Chinese and I cook rice in the rice cooker, then I prep a stir fry (cut veggies, marinate meat, premix sauce in a bowl and a slurry in another) and put everything next to the stove. I make an appetizer or salad. People sit down, I heat the wok, Cook the meats. Add the veggies. Add the sauce. Add the slurry. All told about 10 minutes. I bring the stir fry and rice to the table. I eat my appetizer/salad while people are dishing out the main course.

We also like this casserole: http://www.marthastewart.com/317393/chicken-lemon-and-dill-with-orzo
although the version that I printed out at home is not from Martha Stewart, but it's essentially the same recipe.

Fish tacos with cabbage slaw, guac, cumin sour cream, fresh tomato salsa or mango salsa. Serve with a couple of sides (we do sauteed corn and sometimes rice). Most can be done in advance and we just grill the fish and even the tortillas.

Big batch of cold pasta salad with chicken or shrimp? I did a "Mediterranean" night centered on pasta salad with chicken, black olives and feta. Works with orzo or regular pasta. Lots of easy sides -- hummus/pita, dolmas, etc.

hummus, tzatziki, veggies for dipping, pita/lavash, good feta, olive plate, baked eggplant dish, marinated shrimp, couscous salad.

good for summer with fruit-based desserts and nice sparkling wines.

Myself and my dh have started having about 8 people over every few months for an "after kids" relaxing dinner party. It is *very* casual - we are a laid back bunch. So far I have done chili, lasagna/salad and lastly enchiladas. All very successful since I could have everything prepped ahead of time, so I could also enjoy the evening. Any ideas for future get togethers? I was thinking an Indian curry up next, but that may be too much for the upcoming hotter weather. I love to cook but I will say my kitchen, oven, dishes, pans etc are on the smaller side so I have to keep that in mind. Also prepping ahead is key for me. Desserts are what I really love to do, so that area is never an issue!

Thanks in advance.