How to throw a simple but memorable dinner party

[whatevergirl]

One of my favorite thigns to make is a BIG pot of my “Savory Beef BBQ”. There are 15 ingredients in this recipe, and it is SO good. You make it the day before in the oven, then it cools down and then you shred it. Then before the party it can go in a crock pot to heat, and it makes the house smell awesome, but all the messy work (along with more intoxicating smells) happened the day before.

Doing every possible thing you can the day before helps so much, so you can have a clean house and be a relaxed hostess looking forward to the guests instead exhausted, hoping they will all be late.

I made this for years with venison as my (now ex) husband was a prolific deer hunter, and I was constantly asked for the recipe. I made it recently for the first time with what the recipe calls for - chuck steak. Which means you serve a crowd-pleasing delicious meat main dish (particularly the guys like it) that everyone wants seconds of, and its cheap. Its a great crowd pleaser.

Serve it on with rolls, with side salads - something fresh and green and easy and colorful - or corn or other vegetable dish you make ahead. I used to make fresh green pea pezacata ahead of time but that recipe book is in an unpacked box and I can’t find it online.

Besides something green, you can also serve salt potatoes. They are easy and everyone loves them. I cook nice small baby reds, sliced once the long way, in salt water, drain and dump in a pretty dish, top with butter.

That said, there are 15 ingredients to the BBQ recipe so I’ll type it out only if you think you’ll use it!

Oooooohhhhh this sounds so yummy!!! I am thinking of doing Italian, as I do a lot of bbq’s…but this sure sounds like a bqq with a twist. Thank you for this idea!

 

[whatevergirl]

*Okay, here is the mock menu for now…

Appetizer: antipasta and melon wrapped prosciutto

Dinner: a vegetarian eggplant lasagna (eggplant instead of the pasta) and regular lasagna with the noodles

Salad ala my sister in law

Garlic bread (probably use EM in FL’s link)

Dessert – I REEEEAAALLLY like your idea dulcissima for the lemony flavored dessert. Another thing that is nice and light is rasberry sorbet and vanilla icecream, with a biscotti stuck in it. Light, and with an Italian flare…?

I think this could very well be a hit! *

 

[dulcissima]

Dessert – I REEEEAAALLLY like your idea dulcissima for the lemony flavored dessert. Another thing that is nice and light is rasberry sorbet and vanilla icecream, with a biscotti stuck in it. Light, and with an Italian flare…?
I think this could very well be a hit!

That’s funny because I was thinking about suggesting lemon and rasperry sorbet with a biscotti. Dark chocolate gelato and raspberry sorbet is another good combo. Definitely easier than pie, and nice for a summer meal.

 

[whatevergirl]

I would like to clarify something before I make my suggestion:

If you know your guests well, as in you know their likes/dislikes then this advice does not apply…however if you do not know them that well then please consider this (even though it is less formal then sit-down service)

First: I am a picky adult eater and I am not alone. I have gone to some dinner parties with dread at the thought of embarassing myself and insulting the hostess by trying to politely decline the food. The idea of being handed a plate of eggplant, asparagus or other dishes that have been suggested here are unpleasant for me. I have tried these several times and can’t stand them. I am jealous of non-picky eaters because they have such a wonderful variety of foods they can enjoy and experiment with.

Unless I know people well…I always serve meals to groups like this buffet style. I have served italian food this way and it works great. I have three kinds of pasta, a white sauce and usually two red sauces (one chunky and one smooth) then I will have sauteed chicken and also meatballs along with bread and cheese on the side. It is amazing to me how happy people are at being able to pick-and-choose their own food. Even people who are not very picky generally have their own preferences (lots of sauce, not much sauce, etc) and they get to prepare their own.

Go ahead and have a fancy dish for people to try and have fun! My only suggestion is to have buffet-service because I promise you there are a lot of people like me in the world and they would appreciate that a great deal.

It might not be the formal sit-down service that you were hoping for but you will for sure have people that are satisfied and relaxed! Hope this helps a little.

The eggplant would be for me. Ok fine, so that’s a little selfish. I guess I hadn’t thought it through that maybe eggplant wouldn’t go over so well…I think my sister in law would love it, but not one of my dh’s brothers. I really like the buffet idea…we did that for Thanksgiving, when we had company…we set it all up on the island out of the way, and everyone could go back up as many times as they liked. Ok, I like the buffet idea…A LOT. Thank you…I hadn’t thought of meatballs…my only question with that is…how do you keep them warm? I don’t want to be frying while the company is there…I sometimes bake my meatballs…so what do you think about that? Bake or fry, and when? And…do you use veal in your meatballs? My husband already asked me not to experiment on his family haha meaning…don’t use veggie mix or turkey meat for the meatballs. He knows me too well, scary. lol

 

[whatevergirl]

That’s funny because I was thinking about suggesting lemon and rasperry sorbet with a biscotti. Dark chocolate gelato and raspberry sorbet is another good combo. Definitely easier than pie, and nice for a summer meal.

*I really like sorbet, I think it will be a pleaser. Don’t you love biscotti? I could make them myself…

YEAH RIGHT!

I buy a kind that is the real deal at a local grocery store here in Florida…they are imported from Italy. The name escapes me, I am upstairs, otherwise I’d go into the kitchen and take a look. You must try these if you love authentic, crunchy biscotti. *

 

[whatevergirl]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. I am glad to hear you like the idea of buffet!

For meatballs, I purchase seasoned italian sausage at the meat department of my grocery store. I roll large meatballs and fry to get them crispy on the outside. Then I usually bake for a while to cook thru. For buffet service I might place them in a crockpot on low with a few tablespoons of water in the bottom to keep from sticking, either that or take them from the oven straight to a bowl, they keep warm pretty well.

I wouldn’t worry too much though. Large meatballs really retain their heat for a long time. the pasta is what gets cold faster but not too much worry there as it warms up quickly once sauce is placed on it.

Hope this helps.

*Ah put them in a crockpot, on the buffet. Ok. I see. I like this idea, I honestly have NEVER used sausage in my meatballs. Interesting…I have used a veal, beef combo, and to my husband’s chagrin sometimes, veggies and turkey. lol Oh well, he is a meat and potatoes kind of man, what can I do?

I really like this idea. The company isn’t coming until late afternoon, so I could prep everything…way beforehand, and then about an hour before they arrive, start frying/baking.

My husband is a wonderful cook actually, and he plans to do something special, he is not telling me, it’s a secret.

One more question…with the crockpot and the meatballs…the meatballs won’t get mushy and fall apart sitting in the crockpot like that? *

 

[whatevergirl]

*Oh my gosh, so my husband and I discuss the dinner menu for the party tonight, and he wants to have a clambake??? Huh? He said why don’t we do different seafood choices? Not everyone like clams…ugh! I don’t like clams all that much…neither does dd.

DD and DS love the italian ideas you guys came up with. DH IS outnumbered.

He’s talking to me right now as I type…saying he wants to make clam chowder…oh my …I said, I don’t like clam chowder, and not everyone does.

I said, I have been thinking about this all day…he said I’ve been thinking about this all day. I said, I’m so sure you have been thinking about this all day, and he replied…I’m so sure YOU have been thinking about this all day. :slapfight:

Help! npatrol:

Okay, maybe we can compromise. But, how? How can we make fish and italian …somehow coincide here? *

 

[GratefulDad]

Clams!! Where in the world do you get good fresh clams on the Gulf Coast??? Maybe this is a case for Oysters to the rescue, no that won’t do either, we’re no where near a Month with an “r” in it, the water is probably to hot for good Oysters. If he wants seafood your could do shrimp or crabs if you want something a little memorable or you do that old Italian stand bye “Freshly Fried Calamari” LOL

 

[whatevergirl]

*haha Hi GD. A brand new seafood wholesaler opened up about 20 minutes from our home, so this is where this is coming into play.

I have a feeling this dinner will be memorable…but maybe not in a good way. *

 

[HouseArrest]

Okay is the dinner party over? If not I have an idea - chicken marsala. It is so easy - proven by the fact that I can make it and I am not the least bit interested in cooking! I think most people would like it as well. All you have to do is get some boneless chicken - you are supposed to pound it but sometimes it is easier for me to slice it the long way - do you know what I mean? Then flour and salt - sautee in about a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of olive oil. I don’t know why you’re supposed to use both…

Then when it’s browned (well it never gets quite “brown”) you just throw in about a cup of marsala wine and 8 oz or so of mushrooms and cover it - cook for about 20 minutes and it’s done. You can cut some small pieces and larger pieces. I also sometimes use two different pans and put mushrooms in one and not the other for people who don’t like them.

Hope it’s fun!

 

[Irishmom2]

Whatevergirl,

Since you like the idea of the buffet, it would be easy to just add a couple of seafood ideas (of your husband’s making) onto the buffet table. I have a major party once a year for the past 12 or 13 years and people LOVE a lot of choices!

Perhaps your husband could make up some clam oreganato served on clam shells. (chopped clams, bread crumbs, garlic grated cheese…) Way better than the ones you get in the frozen food section. And they are make ahead things too.

Maybe he might try his hand at some fillet stuffed with crabmeat too. Also make ahead.

I have a recipe for a nice lemon pie that is very successful for company. And VERY easy and quick. It is a nice cool dessert after an Italian meal. Garnish with some fresh fruit (rasberries or kiwi) and it is a beautiful thing too. If you are interested I could send it–PM.

Anyway, just have fun. I am sure that people will be happy no matter what you serve. Use your good dishes, light a lot of candles, get some supermarket flowers and it will be very nice. (Oh, and have a glass of wine before they all get there! LOL…)

 

[whatevergirl]

Whatevergirl,

Since you like the idea of the buffet, it would be easy to just add a couple of seafood ideas (of your husband’s making) onto the buffet table. I have a major party once a year for the past 12 or 13 years and people LOVE a lot of choices!

Perhaps your husband could make up some clam oreganato served on clam shells. (chopped clams, bread crumbs, garlic grated cheese…) Way better than the ones you get in the frozen food section. And they are make ahead things too.

Maybe he might try his hand at some fillet stuffed with crabmeat too. Also make ahead.

I have a recipe for a nice lemon pie that is very successful for company. And VERY easy and quick. It is a nice cool dessert after an Italian meal. Garnish with some fresh fruit (rasberries or kiwi) and it is a beautiful thing too. If you are interested I could send it–PM.

Anyway, just have fun. I am sure that people will be happy no matter what you serve. Use your good dishes, light a lot of candles, get some supermarket flowers and it will be very nice. (Oh, and have a glass of wine before they all get there! LOL…)

Hmmm…clam oreganto…that sounds heavenly! Thank you for the suggestion. When he said clam chowder I was like…oh my gosh, you’re kidding right? lol I am a little disappointed I guess, because he didn’t seem interested in the menu, and then I have it all planned (well nearly so) out, and he wants to change things…oh well, such is marriage, a compromise. If this is the worst thing we argue over this year, I consider us fortunate!

 

[petitfleur]

The thing that makes a dinner party most membrable is the company!!!
Make sure you donr stress yourself out, and relax and have fun with your guests.
BTW I love Giadas recipes too.

 

[whatevergirl]

Thank you again, Monicad. DH and I will have to mull over the blend of seafood with the Italian menu idea. I know this, we are NOT having clam chowder! lol I just can’t imagine our guests eating that and the Italian, it just doesn’t go.

 

[Em_in_FL]

If you’re looking for a SIMPLE seafood option… what about salmon?
You can get some fabulous filets - marinade in olive oil, fresh ground black pepper, and some garlic salt - and bake in a glass dish for 20min at 375-400F… perfection! And really easy…

BTW - Where’s my invite? I’m getting HUNGRY here!

J/K… but wouldn’t THAT be a fun dinner!?! - The CAF crew would make for some great conversations!

 

[whatevergirl]

haha Yes, EM now THAT would be memorable, all of the CAF folks here coming for a party! And…you all could bring something, and I wouldn’t have to cook a thing!

 

[whatevergirl]

*YAY–we reached a compromise! :extrahappy: He is going to do the clam oreganto dish (grazie Irishmom!), as an appetizer…and shrimp cocktail. Yum! I will make the two lasagnas, meatballs, and dessert. Perfect!

He said that he is excited to cook ‘together’ in the kitchen. Me too, although I hope it doesn’t turn into an Iron Chef competition.

SO–What do you think of THIS menu, now? *

 

[MercyMia]

This menu sounds delicious! When can all the CAF members expect to get their invitation in the mail

 

[whatevergirl]

*Wouldn’t that be fun, mia?

I am happy too that this should be leaning on the inexpensive side of things, this dinner (thus the ‘simple’ aspect of it). Pasta, sauce, and meatball ingredients are all inexpensive…and dh can splurge with the clams and shrimp. He called me from work just now, obsessing over these clams! I guess he really wants to eat clams this weekend!

Thanks to all who gave me great ideas… :flowers:*

 

[armywife]

I have to add this since you were talking about an Italian/seafood menu. When we lived in Vicenza, we would go to Venice for dinner a lot and they would have clams in or on everything. Clams in the shell, opened, on pizza or just a simple alfredo linguine with clams in the shell on top. Soooooo yummy!!

My DH didn’t like this because by the time we went to dinner (the Italians eat very late) he was starving and hated to “work” for his food by digging the clams out of the shell. I always thought it tasted so much better.