Anonymous wrote:I second the pasta idea. Baked ziti is super easy, and I'd do one with meat, one without, which satisfies vegetarians. Plus garlic bread, salad. Cookies/ cupcakes/ chocolate for dessert. For easy apps, a cheese plate is always easy. And absolutely no nuts.

Pasta is so calorific. Anyone have any elegant but not fattening ideas? We are hosting a total of 6 adults, five kids and I'm looking for suggestions.

Thanks everybody! I'm thinking I'll do two baked pastas: one tomato-based baked ziti-type and one cheesy broccoli chicken/sausage type. Does a tone have recipe suggestions?

Relax people - I would assume if a guest had a major allergy, they would share it with a host.

I second the pasta idea. Baked ziti is super easy, and I'd do one with meat, one without, which satisfies vegetarians. Plus garlic bread, salad. Cookies/ cupcakes/ chocolate for dessert. For easy apps, a cheese plate is always easy. And absolutely no nuts.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The phrase, "Keep it simple, Stupid" comes to mind (my mother said it to me a few times).

I'd go simple-yet-fabulous.

For appetizers I'd put out a veggie tray with some sort of dip, 2 or 3 types of crackers, 2 types of cheese, and one or two small bowls of candy in two different parts of the house, two small bowls of nuts.
Salad (dressings on the side), baked ziti, spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread. For dessert, I'd do a fruit tray (or fruit salad), a bowl of strawberries, whipped cream, and a tray of cookies or pastries.

No nuts.

Especially not sitting around in bowls.

Nuts are always a bad idea when you are having children over who you do not know very well.

YES. This is just what I was thinking! Good god, that allergy is so serious and there have been enough scary news stories lately that I would never have nuts sitting around with kids.

Anonymous wrote:The phrase, "Keep it simple, Stupid" comes to mind (my mother said it to me a few times).

I'd go simple-yet-fabulous.

For appetizers I'd put out a veggie tray with some sort of dip, 2 or 3 types of crackers, 2 types of cheese, and one or two small bowls of candy in two different parts of the house, two small bowls of nuts.
Salad (dressings on the side), baked ziti, spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread. For dessert, I'd do a fruit tray (or fruit salad), a bowl of strawberries, whipped cream, and a tray of cookies or pastries.

No nuts.

Especially not sitting around in bowls.

Nuts are always a bad idea when you are having children over who you do not know very well.

Chili with toppings bar. Hot dogs for kids, and for those who want a chili dog. Did this recently for a party and it was a huge hit. Pretty much everyone wanted a chili dog, which surprised me.

I did tacos once which was a hit but messy. I did ground turkey, shredded chicken (both with taco seasoning) and black beans as the fillers. With both hard and soft shells. And lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, shredded cheese for toppings. Then I laid it all out and had everyone make their own.

You could also do a couple of soup/stew options and salad and cornbread (traders joes has a fantastic mix).

Or meatballs and sauce can be made ahead of time.

Or lasagna - you can assemble ahead and just pop in oven and serve with salad (perhaps also have some Mac and cheese or any kids who don't like sauce).

I'd definitely buy dessert (either some goodies at a bakery or a sundae bar -- ice cream and toppings with each guest assembling their own bowl). Fondue is another option if you have a good way to serve it, since it's just melting chocolate in a saucepan. Buy a pack of wooden skewers and serve stuff you don't have to cut up too much -- strawberries, mini marshmallows, etc.

You can make the first course the day before if you pick a soup or a salad. Dips, too, if you want to set out veggies and crackers.

Love the roast and stew idea for the entree.

Mexican? Feed to kids 1st with tacos

Up the game with open face quesidillas for the adults with roasted vegetables

Roast is less fussy than pasta because all prep is done before the guests come. Two chickens, lamb leg from Costco, or beef. If you have a second oven, roast potatoes and/or other veggies to serve on the side.
Stews are in this category, too. You fuss some when the stuff goes in the pot, but then it simmers quietly, allowing you to clean the house and set the table. This is more casual than a roast, too.

LOL to 23:21. Now I'm totally craving larks' tongues.

I'm with 01:19--KISS and stick with crudites, pastas, cookies.

The phrase, "Keep it simple, Stupid" comes to mind (my mother said it to me a few times).

I'd go simple-yet-fabulous.

For appetizers I'd put out a veggie tray with some sort of dip, 2 or 3 types of crackers, 2 types of cheese, and one or two small bowls of candy in two different parts of the house, two small bowls of nuts.

Salad (dressings on the side), baked ziti, spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread. For dessert, I'd do a fruit tray (or fruit salad), a bowl of strawberries, whipped cream, and a tray of cookies or pastries.

Start with some simple amuse bouche - some homemade fuet in a sherry vinegar glaze, a financier of sour cherries in a wild boar nougar, etc.

Larks' tongues in aspic in a cloud of lovage as the entree.

For desert I would prepare a selection of custards and cremes anglaises.

I am hosting dinner for a group of people we do not know very well. 6 adults and 6 kids. I need something casual that will satisfy both groups and will not chain me to the kitchen. I am a competent cook, but I'm stumped at how to deal with that amount of food. To satisfy adults and children, but will leave me with the time and energy to be good host. Suggestions desperately needed,