Anonymous wrote:Make your own taco/burrito bar.
That way you can accommodate almost all preferences and allergies.

I would do this. It's easy enough to prepare most of this stuff ahead of time and reheat in the microwave. It's always a great hit w/ everyone and easy to buy almost all of it at Trader Joe's (e.g., tortilla shells, salsa, shredded cheeses, sour cream, ground beef, chicken, red onions, peppers, taco shells, taco sauce, mushrooms).

This could be one of the last warm Saturdays before fall really sets in. I'd vote for hamburgers. With little kids I'd skip the hot dogs, but I'm also super cautious about choking hazards.

Sides can include store-bought or homemade coleslaw, potato salad, potato chips, green salad. For dessert you could have cookies or send the kids outside with popsicles.

Anonymous wrote:Make your own taco/burrito bar.
That way you can accommodate almost all preferences and allergies.

Fun!

Factor in the mess factor with kids that age (so I personally would not put spaghetti). Lasagna is good- how about hamburgers and hot dogs or bratwurst? Nice weather to grill..

Lasagna is another good one. You can make it the day before and just pop it in the oven. It's also forgiving if it comes out of the oven a little early and people aren't ready to eat yet. Serve with a green salad and some garlic bread. Easy clean up too.

Make your own (salad) platter bar. You can grill steak/chicken/salmon and have some green salad ready. Then people can skip the greens or add them, add meat, cheese (bleu, cheddar, parm), grilled asparagus, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, peas, beets, pickles, olives, croutons. You can truly make the meal you like with lots done on the grill or prepped beforehand.

Make your own taco/burrito bar.
That way you can accommodate almost all preferences and allergies.

Anonymous wrote:Is this an everyone sits down and eats together at the same time thing, or a more casual put out the food and people grab plates at their leisure? That would shape my response.

The former. Though I imagine it will be a kids eat in the kitchen and then adults eat after in the dining room. The menus need not be the same for both groups.

Is this an everyone sits down and eats together at the same time thing, or a more casual put out the food and people grab plates at their leisure? That would shape my response.

I like 17:24's ideas! Meatballs can be awesome.

Kids are all between 3-8

No food issues that I am aware of. And I had the same thought about grilling -- I think it is supposed to be nice weather, so I could.

We entertain a group this size all of the time. Our group doesn't have any dietary restrictions other than picky kids. These are a few things we've served over the years:

Spaghetti and meatballs (homemade meatballs and sauce)

Beer can chicken on the grill

Grill-roasted beef (this is a favorite)

Pulled pork (smoked with our grill smoker attachment - this requires almost 24 hours to prep and cook)

How old are the kids? Going to be great out, grill! Maybe order a couple pizzas too though. The parents of allergic kids can deal with their own kids. That isn't your issue.

Ohh, a challenge! A few questions first:

Are there any dietary issues or allergies to worry about?
What is your cooking level?
Is grilling an option?
Do you have a spouse/partner/older child who can help you with stuff?
What are you best at making?

What can I make? Suddenly I am panicking.

Ideas?