I would do taco bar. You don't have to do a lot of prep and it is something both kids and adults like because they get to choose their own items to include.

I would do finger food as suggested above. And stuff that is not too crazy messy.

Cheese plate, platter of breads or crackers with sliced cherry tomatoes, basil, mozzarella,

Maybe some "sliders" with tiny buns and meatball in it.

grapes and strawberries

Make the little hot dogs wrapped in biscuits. Hebrew National makes them as does Trader Joes. Put out mustard for dipping. Everyone and their mother loves them no matter how fancy they are. Ball some cantaloupe and honeydew and watermelon. Cut up carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, etc and out out ranch dressing. Make a baked ziti. Looks impressive but not hard to make at all. Make garlic bread. Have three bottles of red and white each. Plus water, seltzer and milk. Ice cream for dessert.

How about a finger food dinner? Single meatballs, canapés, crudités, etc.

do you have to serve dinner for happy hour (pizza, burgers). can't it just be (heavy-ish) appetizers/snacks?

No outdoor grill? I have no idea. Maybe order some pizzas from a nice place and make a very big antipasto salad.

Do you have seating for everyone?

Homemade pizza? Get some dough from trader joes and some yummy, maybe unexpected toppings. Maybe some adult toppings like goat cheese and figs and some more standard. And voila!

we don't have a grill - not an outdoor one any way. we have a stove top grill pan - not sure it will be enough for all those people

Burgers and dogs on the grill. Make a nice salad. Put out some chip and dips. We do this like every other weekend. Just have a lot of cold beer.

Grill? Hamburgers/hot dogs/chicken/sausage etc?

Some neighbors are coming over for happy hour Friday evening. Any suggestions for a easily thrown together but still thoughtful menu. There will be 9 adults and 7 kids (aged 2-14). I work half day tomorrow so will have some time to prep