Dinner For Large Groups
We have large groups of people over for dinner fairly often. Whether it be a holiday family party, hosting a group from the church, or inviting couples over for a game night, hosting large groups for dinner can be a breeze. And when I say, ‘a breeze’, you’ll probably have to work your little butt off for two days straight but I do not want you stressing about it. My plan of action is to make dishes that are easy to make ahead and do not require a lot of work while the guests are arriving.
Meal Planning for large groups
- Decide on your menu
- Plan to cover all the main dishes. Things come up last minute and people cancel. People will be running late. You don’t want to be stressing about when things are going to show up. So I cover the main things and then whatever anyone else brings will just make the evening that much better.
- Send out the invites and let your guests know how they can contribute to the menu.
Menu Ideas for Large Group Dinners
Taco Bar
- Plan several different types of tacos. Chicken, beef, shrimp, ground beef, vegetarian
- Prepare for allergies. I like to have flour tortillas, corn tortillas, crunchy shells, and/or an option to make a taco bowl.
- Provide all the toppings – sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cheese, shredded lettuce, sautéed peppers + onions, lime wedges, diced onions, etc..
What guests can bring: bean dish, rice, elotes, chips + salsa or guac, desserts, drinks
Pasta dinner
- Plan the main course. Spaghetti with meat sauce, fettuccini alfredo, stuffed tortellini, lasagna
- Double check with their guests if there are any allergies. There are some great gluten free options that make this menu easily adaptable for your guest.
- Provide an appetizers that guests can enjoy while you finish up the final details.
What guests can bring: a large salad, an appetizer, garlic bread, dessert, drinks
Grilling out
I shared all about hosting an outdoor party here and have lots of grilling favorites on my Pinterest Board. Whether you choose to do traditional burgers and dogs, steaks and shrimp, or yummy kabobs, you can cover the main foods and then invite your other guests to contribute side dishes, fruit, veggies and desserts.
- Decide which direction you want to go.
- This is easy to adapt if you have a vegetarian coming to dinner. Make some vegetable skews to throw on the grill, mushroom caps, or a yummy veggie burger.
- Make sure you have all the condiments needed. I love to use my large cutting board to serve all of my burger toppings. It looks cute and makes clean up super easy.
What your guests can bring: potatoes, corn, pasta salad, chips and dip, fresh fruit, a veggie tray, desserts, and most importantly, sweet tea.
BBQ
Pick a couple varieties of meat. I like to do ribs in my oven. I use my crock pot for pulled pork or BBQ chicken. I made brisket in the oven and it was melt in your mouth good.
Great sides dishes: potatoes of any kid – mashed, baked, or potato salad, baked beans, Mac n cheese (my mouth is watering already). I like to have Hawaiian sweet rolls for a little sandwich option as well.
Make It Easy
Buy a couple of frozen lasagnas from Costco, get a couple loaves of garlic bread, some bags of salad mix, and a couple boxes of brownies. Quick, easy, and delicious.
If you are having a dinner party and will be providing all of the food, these are great options as well. Prepare as much as you can ahead of time so that you’re able to enjoy your guests. Think through the evening to make sure it will be an enjoyable evening for your guests. Hosting is much more than an initiation and dinner. Make sure you have enough seating. Think of the flow of the ‘buffet of food’. Maybe play some background music. Make sure everyone has something to drink. Then just have fun. Create great conversations. Provide a game or two if that’s your vibe for the evening. You got this!