Taco or burrito bar is super easy....just need a lot of bowls for stuff, ha. Make some beef and then some shredded chicken , have all the toppings and the shells and tortillas and you're done. Chips and quac is a nice touch.

If you are going the casual route, I recently had a panini party and it was fantastic. Just set out a wide variety of breads, cheeses, veggies, fun spreads and BAM delicious and creative dinner party

Anonymous wrote:Your idea sounds great. No need to be Martha Stewart. What people remember is the conversation and atmosphere. The food is secondary. Takeout pizza would work too. With 3 yo twins, I would be amazed that you even considered a dinner party and would be flattered to have made the cut.

Couldn't agree more--great advice here!

Another thread mentioned the party packs from Rio. I thought that sounded like a great idea for a dinner with other families.

Get some premade stuff from Trader Joe's or get stuff from Balducci's or Wegmans so you don't have too much prepping to do. Do the desserts night before or morning of.

Set everything out buffet-style plus a kids' table covered with butcher-block paper, crayons, stickers and dollar-store toys if the kids will be present.

Put out nonperishable snacks and dips (think tapenades or mayo-free salads or dips) in the sunroom or patio.

Prep the coffeemaker in the morning for coffee with dessert.

Set up a self-service bar including some nibbles too like almonds and Chex mixes.

Sounds great. For the veggies, you could also marinate and grill some veggies. They taste better when you leave them over night. Just some oil/vinegar and seasoning.

Summer rolls? These are fun. You just put out the wrappers and bowls of water and various toppings. Think classy taco night.

I was planning a small dinner party that turned into 10 and then into 20. I'm wimping out and getting a couple of catered main dishes. I want to spend time with our guests rather than in the kitchen. I think your plan sounds completely fine.

Your idea sounds great! I'm also a big fan of the whole make your own taco or taco salad thing. You could serve with cheese enchiladas which would be easier to make than lasagna.

I was going to suggest some kind of soup, but I think that grilling stuff is a great idea as well. Not elaborate stuff, but it's pretty easy to chop up veggies for kabobs or toss burgers on the grill. For dessert, my favorite grilled sweet is grilled pineapple.

It isn't hard to make your own BBQ. Pork shoulder at a low temp on the grill or in your oven for 6-8 hours plus a simple sauce, cole slaw and hamburger buns. Glorious, simple yet impressive. Roasted veg pasta salad or some sort of potato salad. All of these things could be made ahead of time (day before, morning of party, etc.) and brought to the correct temp just before the party. The meat just needs a couple of quick checks to make sure everything is ok and to check for final doneness. You can cut it up after kids are in bed the night before. Throw in a simple green salad and store bought dessert and you're golden!

Your idea sounds great. No need to be Martha Stewart. What people remember is the conversation and atmosphere. The food is secondary. Takeout pizza would work too. With 3 yo twins, I would be amazed that you even considered a dinner party and would be flattered to have made the cut.

Costco frozen and premade food items. Yum.

Ive invited a few friends over for dinner that has now turned into a dinner party for 10 and I'm not sure now what to serve. I also have 3 year old twins so not a lot of time. Is take out BBQ a horrible idea? I was also planning on making a veggie lasagna for those that don't eat meat and dont want BBQ. I've been putting off having friends over because of kids and time, but life is too short to put stuff off but I also want to make everyone happy.

Would love to hear suggestions on what you serve for dinner parties of this size.