After a very indulgent week of birthdays and holidays and houseguests, I am ready to scale back to the simplest type of meal, which for me means a week of Protein + Veggie dinners. Tonight, I think, we will be dining on Chicken + Broccoli because that’s what I have in the fridge.
However, I have also briefly lost my mind and planned not one but TWO dinner parties for consecutive weekends. This always sounds so fun in the abstract. I am feeling more settled in our house and it truly is a great space for entertaining – our back yard is especially entertaining-friendly, when the weather is pleasant. We have friends and family visiting from out of town and it feels right and good to invite them over for dinner. I want to do this. I am looking forward to ti. And yet, when I get down to the nitty gritty of Hosting People for Dinner, I fall right back into the old conundrum of WHAT IN THE WIDE WILD WORLD DO I FEED PEOPLE?
You know I like to cook! To the extent that any human can enjoy planning meals day after day after day, I enjoy it. I am not, however, a particularly good cook. My husband is the type of person who will eat almost anything, so I have no real gauge of whether anything I make appeals beyond my particular picky palate.
When it comes to hosting people, I want something that I can prepare – almost totally – in advance. I do not like people helping me in the kitchen, and making sure everything is nearly done before they arrive makes this a non-issue. I want something fairly foolproof, since our guests are not regulars at our dinner table; I don’t mind, so much, experimenting on my parents or even my in-laws because I know they will come back, and they also have prior experiences against which to weigh this one. But the dinner guests we’re hosting over the next couple of weeks are NOT regulars; in fact, this is not only everyone’s first time at my house, but their first time eating anything I’ve made, ever.
The things that come to mind are simple, everyone-likes-them meals like tacos or burgers. And yet I feel like those are TOO SIMPLE?! We have been to dinner at one of these people’s houses before, and they made us grilled steaks, which seems MUCH fancier to me than tacos. It feels like we should respond in kind??? This is so dumb.
I feel like the most obvious answer is GRILL SOME MEAT, but our grill is… special. And by special I mean: it cooks everything unevenly, probably due to the fact that the burners light only in the back half of the grill, and sometimes one of the burners won’t light at all, but if even a tiny drop of oil slides off into the flame the resulting flare turns everything in proximity to charcoal. I have been over every inch of this grill, inside and out, and without buying ALL NEW PARTS, I think we are stuck with This Is the Way It Is, and “the way it is” seems to be “highly mediocre slash inedibly charred.” Oh, also, this weekend I opened the grill to turn it on and THERE WAS A MOUSE ON IT, so I think it may be a while before I feel like I have properly sanitized it for food-cooking purposes again.
Sometimes I turn to salads. In fact, I’ve been turning to salads a lot lately, to the point that my husband is growing weary of our repertoire.
I don’t want to use our oven, because I will melt. But I am WILLING to use it. Not that I have mastered the way our oven cooks things yet, either.
These are not the kind of people where “let’s order takeout” would be appropriate; I certainly have friends who would be fine with that, but I think these guests might be a little miffed if I didn’t cook. Hmmm. Maybe I could order some catering and pretend I cooked it???? That feels wildly dishonest but in a possibly-doable way?
You would think that, after a good decade of having people over for dinner and stressing about it in advance, I would have a little stockpile of things I feel comfortable cooking for company. And yet, I don’t even have ONE THING. When I think back on past dinner parties, I see only things that didn’t turn out, or things that don’t seem appropriate for this time of year (chili) or these specific people (tacos).
This is a question I have asked you many times over the years – and I should probably just go back and read some of those posts, instead of writing the same whine yet again and asking for the exact same advice I’ve never taken before – but what do YOU want to eat when you go to someone’s house? What is YOUR go-to Meal For Company?
My biggest food fear when going to someone’s house is probably a casserole of some sort. I dislike casseroles, as a rule; too many things mushed together, too squishy. Plus, casseroles often seem to contain tomatoes, which is a food I cannot bear to eat, even out of politeness. So I think my preference when I go TO someone’s house is several discrete things, so I can take what appeals without (hopefully!) hurting anyone’s feelings. Like a protein and a side dish and a salad. So that’s what I like to serve, hoping that everyone will at least find SOMETHING edible. But I also want it to be GOOD, something I like, something the company likes. Argh.
Should I make tacos? I should probably just make tacos. But maybe I will make balsamic pork instead? It’s easy; I can make it in the crockpot, and most everything else can be made ahead of time. We top it with a variety of toppings (caramelized onions, kalamata olives, feta cheese), which makes it fun. I can serve it with pita and hummus, which most people like. Hmm. Maybe this is a good choice for one of the dinner parties. But what do I for the other one?!?!?
I think tacos are a great summer dinner party idea. When my in-laws were in town a few years ago, I fancied-it up by making salmon tacos – just throw a few salmon fillets in the oven, spiced up with taco seasoning if you like – and then the cooked fish goes in a bowl along side all the other taco sides, prepped in advance.
How have I never had salmon tacos before?! I love fish tacos but haven’t tried salmon!
I think tacos are a great summer dinner party idea. When my in-laws were in town a few years ago, I fancied-it up by making salmon tacos – just throw a few salmon fillets in the oven, spiced up with taco seasoning if you like – and then the cooked fish goes in a bowl along side all the other taco sides, prepped in advance.
My first question is, is there any guest list overlap between the two dinner parties? If not, definitely think about making the same thing twice, cutting it down to one decision. But I think a taco bar is an excellent option, so people can customize as they want, and try different things, and so on.
There is a little bit of overlap, plus, they are consecutive weeks so I think my husband wouldn’t be on board with a repeat. BUT if there were more distance between the two parties, I would be all over this idea!
I would have the same fears about feeding people I have not ever fed.
Our barbecue is also uneven, because it’s old, but same effect. The one thing we can do reliably is grilled corn for a salad-ish dish, because unevenly-grilled corn cut off the cob comes out perfect. I have done it with cilantro-lime dressing, chili-lime dressing, or as a Mexican street corn salad, and it’s always a hit.
I absolutely agree about discrete things that can be taken or not. Jumping on the taco bandwagon, you could always do a few different proteins (barbacoa beef, shredded chicken, fish) which makes it upscale in my opinion.
But really, if they’re any kind of people, they’ll be happy as heck just to be there with you. I understand that is hard to feel, but keep repeating it to yourself anyway?
A taco bandwagon is my kind of bandwagon.
You are right, of course. I even mentioned to one of the guests that I was a little nervous about having him over because he is such a foodie, and he said very firmly that it’s NOT about the food. I am going to keep reminding myself of that. (BUT IT’S HARD.)
Hosting people is so hard!! I think the taco bar is a wonderful idea. People can pick and choose what they want, and there should be something for everyone. For the 4th of July, my niece had a big salad bar, and it was amazing. There were items I wouldn’t normally buy, so it was a real treat to try some new things!
A salad bar DOES sound amazing! What a fun idea!
Always tacos. Tacos are delicious and they are make your own so if someone (ahem, Ryan) wants to fill their taco shell with nothing but cold shredded cheese, they can. I made tacos yesterday for Alex’s birthday party and it was very popular.
Ryan and E are two peas in a pod. She eats taco shell filled with cold shredded cheese on the regular. Sometimes for breakfast.
A taco bar is an excellent idea–lots can be prepared ahead of time and people can customize. I always look at my own desire to have a good time at my own party and too much cooking takes away from my ability to socialize and relax!
You know what, Margaret, I love this perspective. Too much cooking DOES take away my ability to socialize! And I should be able to enjoy the party, too, right?!
I think tacos are great too -can do margaritas and guac and make it a full mexican theme! And then do the pork thing for the other. Salmon / salad / asparagus / some kind of grain can look way fancier than it actually is, too and be super easy. And can start with a cheese plate. The best dinner party I ever had was probably when I made fried chicken from scratch. But it was a ton of work.
FRIED CHICKEN FROM SCRATCH?! Wow. That is an undertaking! I bet it was amazing.
YES. Margaritas and guac. This is sounding better and better. And you are totally right that salmon / salad / asparagus / grain feels elevated but isn’t super difficult to pull off.
I would love to visit someone’s home for the first time and eat tacos! What a fun summer idea. I would love having dinner at your home. 🖤
I would love having you!!! I feel like having blog friends over would be so much easier than having Other People, you know?
YES!!
agree with SHU– salmon seems harder than it is. Everyone loves tacos tho! But also catered food you can pass if as homemade is always a win. I love the Whole Foods deli for this– especially their sriracha Brussels and garlic green beans.
I always forget about Whole Foods, but that is an excellent resource.
Summer is great for all the fresh, in-season fruits & veg. Cut up some awesome heirloom tomatoes with whatever you serve. Salmon, salad, fresh bread, tomatoes, whatever else is fresh at a garden stand (corn, peas, green beans, etc) and you’ll have a beautiful, delicious, easy dinner.
Would you believe that I have no idea where to even FIND a garden stand?! There must be some. I haven’t even heard a whisper of a farmer’s market, but again they must exist! I should probably figure that out.
You know what, I went to a party recently where the hostess made a Mexican themed dinner and had all sorts of things for tacos – veggie and beef and chicken and pork, and she had all the toppings set out, and everyone made their own soft taco, and it was AMAZING. So maybe you should! It was so much fun, plus margaritas.
When we have guests, I am almost always the only vegetarian, so we grill things. My husband has a smoker and a charcoal grill, and if we have a crowd he does a brisket, or a pulled pork, and then I make a zillion side dishes. It’s always a winner. It’s a huge time commitment though, he takes like 12 hours to make a brisket.
Everyone is so hyped about the tacos, I am really warming to the idea! Fun plus margaritas sounds pretty awesome to me.
Your grilling suggestion is exactly the same suggestion we got from our neighbors, who are MASTER entertainers (and fabulous cooks). They always grill or smoke things and it is amazing. I think my husband would welcome an excuse to buy a smoker.
If he’s up for spending the money, a new grill might be a good purchase….in my mind more practical than a smoker, but maybe not?
I think a new grill is unfortunately a down-the-line purchase. The one we have is a ginormous built-in thing (I was so excited about it when we first saw it! I had no idea it was in such poor shape!) so I think it would be prohibitive to replace at this time.
I like the taco bar idea, and everyone can make their own. And if you put out extra lettuce, if someone is low carb they could even make a taco salad. We do that around here sometimes.
Yessssss taco salad. Very good reminder.
the nice thing about tacos is they cater to so many preferences/requirements. Gluten free? No problem. Dairy free? Easy! Vegetarian? Beans for the win. Spicy/mild, choices of toppings. And my rice cooker makes a crazy large batch of rice for rice bowls, too! HOWEVER, I have never made a taco bar for a party. My husband likes to grill, so we do that, which is fine too, but not as fun!
Such a good point! There are so many options!
I’m pretty sure you’ve gotten all the ideas you need by now and have made a decision. But- have you thought about getting a new grill??? It seems like it would be a justified purchase, and might ease this situation in the future.
Oh Jenny, I would LOVE to get a new grill. It’s this monstrous built-in thing that would be super expensive to replace, so I think we have to live with it for awhile.
Everyone likes tacos, they’re the best bet imho. One other thing I did once, was to order BBQ (shredded pork) from a BBQ place, but then made the sides – a salad, a fancy mac & cheese, and a dessert. So it seemed like I made the whole meal but it felt easier to me somehow. Hope you have fun at your parties!
Oooooh that sounds like a great idea! Definitely a great option!
Taco Bar seems like the all around winner. Not that I believe you are not a good cook, but it also seems like you really shine at desserts. Tres leches is light, summery, easy to make, and fits your theme.
Enjoy your company. It really isn’t about the food. The food just gives us a way to be together.
“The food just gives us a way to be together” is striking me as a really lovely and profound sentiment this morning! Thank you!
A taco or baked potato bar is a our go-to. OR chili/soup with some sort of salad. The thing is that we don’t eat meat and centering a meal around meat is such a typical American thing and we just can’t do that. But if carnivores are coming to our house, we can easily create a small bit of taco meat/chili with ground meat for them. It’s versatile, is easily gluten-free, and then people can serve themselves buffet style, so if someone doesn’t like X ingredient, they can skip it!
I vote for balsamic pork for one of the parties. You know it’s good, the crockpot will probably keep it hands off so that you’re freed up to enjoy the party, and the chances are that your guests will be wowed.
For our family parties we all have no shame about getting pizza or doing easy hitters like burgers, tacos, or sliders but sometimes my SIL does something special like a pork tenderloin and those meals really stand out.
Well, you’re a step ahead of me because we never entertain. But tacos sound great, especially if it’s a taco bar where people can customize. I would definitely not take offense to a casual meal.
We have a similar dilemma when we’re at the beach with extended family, though. What do people who are not in our family of four eat? This year I am feeling it more than usual because last summer my mom criticized something I made. She’s kind of known for not having a filter, but she’s never done that before, so it was jarring.
I would LOVE tacos if someone had us over for dinner! I usually go with Gyros if people come over, but we haven’t had any dinner guests for a long time. And also we have to use the oven for Gyros. The other thing I’ve done on hot days is meat in a slow cooker to make fake pulled-pork or pulled-chicken sandwiches and a bunch of salads. That’s good for no oven time. But man oh man I would love tacos!
Stress about what to serve, I think, is probably the biggest hinderance to having people over. You just need to remember, that although, food is integral to a dinner party, they are really coming to see you!
That being said, taco bar or cater something in – for one or both parties. Seems to be easy – everyone likes these things usually and it takes a lot of stress of your plate so you can enjoy your guests.
In college, I loved being invited to dinner by church friends who would always serve the same “company” food. It was comforting knowing exactly what to expect each time. One house served spicy chicken with the yummiest spinach and orange salad. Another house served eggplant parmigiana, a fresh corn side and the coldest Greek salad. That being said, we fed our last guest fajitas, so we too are on the taco train.
Tacos are always a hit. For all ages. I’m laughing about your husband who’ll eat anything. Mine’s the same. He’s no help deciding menus for guests either.
When we were at my SIL’s house in KC a few weeks ago, she had a taco bar thing one night for dinner. It was so fancy. I had not idea all the little sides that could go with tacos. She had more than one protein and so many other options. It felt fancy and it was easy for everyone to choose what they liked on their plate without seeming finicky. I’m sure whatever you do, it’ll be great. *Oh, and we eat a lot of casseroles here, but I would not serve a pile of much when we have guests so I do get the stress. Our regular meals are not ‘having guests over’ meals. Bummer about your grill. Coach’s grill is excellent and that’s a life saver.
There isn’t a human on the planet who doesn’t love tacos. I was gonna say at first grill some chicken, make some Cole slaw and maybe some baked beans and fresh bread. But if you can’t use the grill….
I have no issue cooking for myself and my husband, but when I need to cook for others, all of a sudden I feel like it’s the first time I’ve encountered a kitchen before. 😬
In the summer, we tend to grill and we keep it very very easy – we make brats and/or burgers typically and then I make some sides like maybe baked beans in a crockpot and a fruit salad and something else. I am not looking to wow anyone and I think I get a pass since I have young children so no one is really expecting to be wowed. Outside of the summer months, I make Mexican food – typically either tacos or enchiladas or possibly both depending on the size of the group. I like that most of the meal can be made ahead of time and everyone like it and can make a taco or taco salad to their liking!
I hope you come up with something that isn’t too stressful. While others have made elaborate meals for you, don’t put pressure on yourself to do that, too. I think grilling steaks is a tough one unless you know the people really well as you’d have to know people’s preference on doneness and we are just not good enough at grilling to pull that off. Remind yourself that they are there for your delightful company!!
This is exactly why I hate hosting people, lol. I feel like we have such similar personalities where we spiral over all the logistical things required for EVERYTHING. Hosting people just gives me so much anxiety so that’s why I don’t do it. I hope your dinner parties are a success – you have so much great advice here!
Who doesn’t like tacos?? I’d come to your house for tacos… and it’s an easy dish that is somewhat easy to prepare and customizable for each guest. I think it’s a win-win. Some chips and salsa – done!