I would make a really good homemade macaroni and cheese- the sort with a roux and hand grated sharp cheddar, sour cream, etc. Make enough for two days- like 2 pounds macaroni- would use cavatappi or other short pasta shape. Buy a Kirkland spiral ham- again good for 2 days with leftovers. Steam some haricots verts/ string beans already cleaned and trimmed. Toss with a little butter and some slivered almonds. Serve with field greens salad light vinaigrette. Offer inexpensive red wine or sparkling water. For appetizer, open a bottle of Prosecco like Lamarca and serve with mini quiches. Peppermint ice cream from Baskin Robbins and a chocolate cookie if no one offers to bring p dessert

I like the beef stew or spaghetti and meatballs suggestions, for both nights!

If you do spaghetti and meatballs, I’d keep them separate in case the child is picky.

I’d probably choose spaghetti and meatballs, and theme it as so:

apps- cheese, crackers, pepperoni slices (no cook, just assembly)

main- spaghetti (make right before serving), meatballs/sausage and sauce (make 2 pans ahead,freeze and reheat and let simmer while guests there), roasted broccoli with parm cheese (make ahead that day, serve at room temp), caesar salad (make ahead that day, dress before serving), garlic bread (prep and heat in oven before dinner with meatballs)

dessert- biscotti and angeletti cookies (I’d make ahead but I like to bake - I think buying a few fun cookies at TJs and serve on a playe with red and green foil hershey kisses would look very festive!)

An inexpensive chianti rounds this off.

Anonymous wrote:Make a big batch of beef stew that will be enough for both notes. Serve with a salad and whatever you land on for apps.

This. It's so easy and tastes good. Then you only have to cook once. Make, or buy, a cheesy potato gratin. Or any type of vegetable gratin. Garlic bread is easy to make too.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the older couple I'd do Mississippi roast. Cheap cut of meat, could not be easier if you throw potatoes and carrots in toward the end.

For the other group, big batch of black beans and rice, chips & guac/queso to start

NP. Do not serve this family beans and rice.

Are you kidding? That is my favorite meal. I eat with a salad with feta, walnuts, and sun dried tomatoes with a balsamic dressing.

PP here. Hey, I love beans and rice too. But I wouldn’t serve it as the main course for guests.

I would make beautiful red stuffed peppers for the older couple - looks beautiful and can be completely made ahead. Peppers have been on sale a lot recently. All you need with it are maybe some haricot verts. Make an artichoke dip with homemade pita chips to start - very inexpensive and nice (and also can be prepped ahead).

Like the spaghetti and meatball/sausage idea for the family - the child is bound to eat some part of it. Green salad with orange segments and almonds - again, child friendly and inexpensive. Crudite and dip to begin.

For either/both - get peppermint ice cream and make hot fudge. Or a simple gingerbread with whipped cream.