HELP - I am so inept...

I am not a real kitchen gal...I mean, I can cook and there are things I can do really well, but when it comes to planning things...welllll...not so much ! So, in ealy March, my mother-in-law turns 80 and I would like to do a little dinner party for her. There would be 11 adults total. It would have to be something that I could make ahead as I have to be away during the actual day of her birthday.

Dessert is not a problem and I am really thinking about asking one of the couples coming to make some baked Macaroni and Cheese because she does it so well and everyone loves it. However, I am stuck on some other things to go with it.

Please...any ideas will be appreciated and accepted. I am soo inept...LOL

Comments: 12

Danielle P. Feb 10, 2008, 4:23pm EST

My tried and true go a long way recipe is baked rigatoni!! You bake it the day before and then just warm it in the oven for about 45 minutes before you want to eat. It always tastes better the second day. It goes a long way and you can serve a salad first and then serve it with piping hot Italian bread heated in the oven or rolls. If you want a recipe let me know.

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Priscilla (wishing I was in Costa Rica) ~. Feb 10, 2008, 4:25pm EST

Any sort of soup or stew would be great & could even be put into a crock pot & cooked all day....

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Pat S. Feb 10, 2008, 4:39pm EST

There are always lots of ideas floating around out there, but why don't you find out your MIL's favorite foods and go from there.................... :O)

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Ely B. Feb 10, 2008, 4:50pm EST

roast port will be good, you can put all the herbs and seasoning the day before and just put it in the oven for two hours... when the day come, & its a crowed pleaser too.

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Susan N. Feb 10, 2008, 4:53pm EST

Depending on what type of dinner party you want to have - our family favorite starts with a big meat tray and a selection of breads for a sandwich making smorgasbord affair. Then you have different types of salads, chips and dips and desserts as well as mac-n-cheese, baked beans, potato salad etc. We ask different family members to bring certian specialties and everyone seems happy. We can bring extra stuff too, nothing is EVER turned away!

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Trish A. Feb 10, 2008, 5:22pm EST

I like Pat's idea to ask what the guest of honor likes. If it is a surprise you could still chat with her about her favorite foods. Best of luck.

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Allana G. Feb 10, 2008, 5:31pm EST

You could bread some chicken cutlets and sautee ahead of time and then all you have to do is heat them in the oven. Those, with a nice vegetable and the mac and cheese would make a nice dinner. I'm sure there will be conversation galore, reminiscing, laughing and that is all you need: don't sweat the menu.

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Debra C. Feb 10, 2008, 6:20pm EST

When I'm going to be home to cook from scratch for a party (most of the time), I do. When not, I found that Stouffers family lasagna, etc. are a good solution. Most have to cook about an hour, but I will be home that far in advance, anyway.

Parties are about honoring the participants, and most will remember the people long after they've forgotten the menu. Pat and Trish are right, though, if there is a favorite food the guest of honor likes, and you can swing it, that will be remembered.

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Shirley U Understand Me S. Feb 10, 2008, 8:45pm EST

bake a ham...even cold, baked ham is still really good.

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Austin Cushing Feb 10, 2008, 11:25pm EST

This comment is to let you know that this content has reached ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations!

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Jennifer P. Feb 15, 2008, 9:53pm EST

When we do Mac & Cheese like that we usually have some kind of chicken with it. Good luck with your Dinner Party! And Happy 80th Birthday to your Mother-in-Law!!

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HELP - I am so inept...

Comments: 12

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