Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Suggestions?

Hey everyone! My birthday is tomorrow, but I'm not going to be celebrating until Saturday night. We've invited a few friends over for food, drinks, and cake/dessert. I'll be buying a cake from a bakery, but I can't decide what food to serve my guests. Please help me!

What I DON'T want to do is spend the whole morning and half the afternoon preparing food, which is what I usually do when we have company over. I love to cook and entertain, but when it's my birthday celebration weekend I don't want to do that much work! So now I just can't decide what to make. I'm not totally opposed to ordering pizza or Chinese or something, but restaurant food is so often disappointing to me these days. What I'd really like are a few simple, party-worthy recipes that aren't too much trouble to make and that everyone will enjoy. 

If you have any ideas or suggestions, please share them with me so I can make a plan for Saturday! I'm really at a loss here.

(Drink ideas would be great, too!) 

Thanks in advance! :)



20 comments:

  1. Fondue is nice. Of course, you do need fondue pots, but if you can get them, you and your friends can cook a meal with them, and nothing beats a chocolate fondue for desert.

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  2. As your guests to bring a plate of food rather than a gift …bingo . Lots of different food

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  3. And ask them to bring a bottle , a gift for the best decorated one

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  4. We often have tacos for family parties because they are fun and easy and everyone can make them the way they want them. John's idea of a potluck / BYO is good too!

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  5. Ellen mentioned tacos. A taco bar can be a lot of fun. Just set out all the ingredients and let everyone make their own however they like it. If you want to keep it super easy have a grocery store cater it or at least make a few trays of food for you. An assortment of deli meats and cheeses along with some special breads for sandwiches is always good. No matter what you do, Happy Birthday Jennifer! Enjoy!

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  6. Say it is a free-for-all picnic and suggest they each bring picnic food for themselves only but then it can be swapped and shared so everybody ends up with something different or, if they want to, they can just stick to their own. That way you don't end up with far too much food, too many unfinished pies, preparations etc. You can provide the drink, soft drinks, tea, coffee, wine or whatever. Happy Birthday to my fellow Aries! xxx

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  7. Happy Birthday . I hope that you have a great time on Saturday.....I think that Rachel's idea sounds really good.

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  8. Dear Jennifer,
    Wishing you a lovely 21st birthday and I hope your party on Saturday goes well.
    Love & best wishes,
    Neil
    P.S. You did not offend me over at my blog and I thank you for reflecting upon Simon's life. Knowing you for as long as I have done, I never doubt that you always mean well.
    P.P.S. You could make a big pan of mild/medium chilli with ground beef, onions, chopped peppers etc. Then another big pan of boiled rice. A bowl of grated cheese and a basket of warmed pitta breads. Then it's done and ready for diving into.

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  9. I've been eager to hear other people's suggestions! A very happy birthday to you! Maybe, rather than a "meal", try the idea of a "board", like a charcuterie board, but it doesn't have to be meat and cheese. People tend to like to graze and pick, so different crackers, spreads, dips, veggies, fruit, cheese... and then whatever dessert you wish - purchased, so you don't have to put the time in, unless you want to. -Jenn

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  10. I am the worst person to ask, unfortunately! :)

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  11. Wraps! There are so many different kinds, many simply requiring assembly

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  12. I'm a believer in the 'keeping it simple' philosophy... cheese and crackers, veggies and dips. I know you didn't necessarily want pizza but it's so darn easy. Make the food as simple as possible so you can enjoy your birthday with your guests. Happy birthday, Jennifer!

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  13. I'm so sorry I missed this. Happy late birthday! Now I am the hors d'oeuvre Empress. I like to do tiny sandwiches. Nothing is easier. Two loaves of a substantial white bread, cheese, butter, cold cuts, olives, little fishies, capers, all that relish-dip-deli type stuff. All things that you just toss into the grocery basket. Make some light and savory and some toasted and hearty. Pile them up on a platter. People think you're fancy. OO look, tiny sandwiches! They're awesome.

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  14. There are some good suggestions here. Let us know what you did in the end.
    And again: Happy Birthday from one March girl to the other! 🤗🥰🍾

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  15. Oh and Happy Birthday, Jennifer!

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  16. I too hope these next twelve months are good one for you! Hugs !

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  17. Replies
    1. Hey John! I'm fine. I've been super busy at work, and stressed out over work, and too exhausted when I get home to sit down and blog. I plan to catch up with you all tomorrow! :) Thank you for asking. xx

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