Baked ziti. Two big Pyrex dishes of it, with salad and garlic bread. Everyone likes that.

How about a Baked Chicken Pasta dish of some kind? I have made one from America's Test Kitchen "Best Make-Ahead Recipes". You can get the book from the Library - pg. 245, "Creamy Baked Penne and Chicken with Mushrooms"

You all are great! I ended up roasting chickens with sides of asparagus and twice baked potatoes. I made two chickens in foil pans that went next to each other (thanks for that suggestion)! Everyone ate something! Truthfully, next time I might just pick something up to avoid the stress.

Make ahead of time a ziti casserole. Include some sautéed veggies or spinach in the casserole. Have a nice green salad with it, and maybe some green beans if you want a kid-friendly veggie side. Get a box of Italian cookies and serve with gelato to continue the Italian theme. If you have sprinkles for the ice cream you are a hero.

Anonymous wrote:Is anyone else annoyed by this new trend of catering to various diet restrictions for a dinner party? Especially for picky eating kids. I think a true allergy is one thing but can't people just eat what they are served for one night?? And if you don't like something, avoid it. Being a host these days is ridiculous.

It doesn't bother me, but I like to feed people and I like to be a gracious host. I want my guests to enjoy their time at my home, and to enjoy their meal, so I'm fine with asking them if they have food allergies or aversions. I'm assuming OP asked her guests, they did not just volunteer the information. That I would find annoying, or if they're doing some fad diet or restricting their diet for no reason. But even then I think I could find something to make for them, or make some dishes they could eat.

What did you end up making, OP?

Roast chicken and a side of roasted veggies like potatoes, zucchini, etc. Then maybe some pasta and/or garlic bread to go with it.

Anonymous wrote:Is anyone else annoyed by this new trend of catering to various diet restrictions for a dinner party? Especially for picky eating kids. I think a true allergy is one thing but can't people just eat what they are served for one night?? And if you don't like something, avoid it. Being a host these days is ridiculous.

"but but but....my food aversions!"

Anonymous wrote:Is anyone else annoyed by this new trend of catering to various diet restrictions for a dinner party? Especially for picky eating kids. I think a true allergy is one thing but can't people just eat what they are served for one night?? And if you don't like something, avoid it. Being a host these days is ridiculous.

Exactly why I don't host. If I do, I'm grilling. You eat it or you don't, vegetarian or not.