What should I serve to my 13 houseguests?

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by

Amy
in ,

Next week my husband will be in South Africa, loving every second of being a true football (as the rest of the world calls it) fan. He has been planning this trip for four years, just after we got back from the last trip we took so he could go to the World Cup.

I was a little nervous about being home alone for that long (Yes, I am a wimp.) and I love company, so I invited my mom to come stay with me. She was a bit non-committal, so I asked another friend and now my sister-in-law and her 7 children, that friend and her 3 children, AND my mom are all coming.

(This is why I have no problem announcing my husband will be away. My house will be so full, I don’t think any boogie men would even chance coming by!!)

And I couldn’t be more excited! My kids are going to love it. I am going to love it… I cannot wait for the guests to arrive. (Well, maybe I can a little. I have a bit of tidyingto do before they get here. The painters were here yesterday.)

But I digress…

Since I love asking you, my dear, clever readers, for advice, I thought I’d throw this one out for you:

What should I serve my 13 houseguests to eat while they are here? I would love to pre-prepare as many steps as possible so that I’m not rushed at mealtime.

I already pored over FishMama’s (who is a once a month cooking whiz) blog, Life as Mom, for ideas and even brainstormed with her on the phone. She gave me some excellent pointers so I think I mostly know what I’m doing. Or at least I have a few bases covered.

But I would also love to read your ideas… recipes, tips, whatever. Comment with links or include your recipes in the comments. Just help me as much as you are willing.

Thanks, y’all… I can’t wait to read what you suggest!

Oh, and if you are nearby and want to swing on over, just let me know. We might have a few square inches left.

Comments

11 responses to “What should I serve to my 13 houseguests?”

  1. sarah Avatar
    sarah

    for breakfast: overnight coffee cake and fruit salad!
    http://www.recipetips.com/recipe-cards/t–2075/overnight-coffee-cake.asp
    for dinner pulled bbq chicken sandwiches- put whole chicken in crockpot for 5-6 hours, or until meat falls off the bone, shred chicken, add favorite bbq sauce and you got chicken bbq, you could make pork bbq in the crockpot too, just put in a pork shoulder for the day then shred serve with chips, slaw, fruit, whatever summer grillin’ sides
    .-= sarah´s last blog ..trapped in the woods =-.

    Reply
  2. FishMama Avatar
    FishMama

    You guys are going to have a great time! You’ve got some great suggestions here.

    Reply
  3. GBerry @ BlackberryBlessings Blog Avatar
    GBerry @ BlackberryBlessings Blog

    Spaghetti with meatballs, macaroni and cheese,
    store bought lasagna, cold cuts for sandwiches,
    fruit salads, just plain fruits such as watermelon, peaches, berries

    How about breakfast for dinner!

    Hmmm
    Fourteen people will be fun to have around, but you’ll need a lot of food! Maybe the adults can take turns preparing a main meal…
    .-= GBerry @ BlackberryBlessings Blog´s last blog ..1 Blog Added to My Blogroll. =-.

    Reply
  4. Army Blogger Wife Avatar
    Army Blogger Wife

    Pulled pork in the crockpot. I’ve made 10 pounds for a platoon of Army guys and they devoured it. I make it with a cup of water, frozen pork and a sliced onion. Shred and add BBQ sauce.
    .-= Army Blogger Wife´s last blog ..Regular Jane =-.

    Reply
  5. Somebody's Mimi Avatar
    Somebody’s Mimi

    I use to make this before you were born (maybe after, too) it was yummy then and it is probably yummy now.
    http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=16960

    Reply
  6. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    First, keep it pretty simple. For dinner things like tacos or mexican is good. You can do the meat ahead and freeze it. They rest is simple to put together. Pasta is alway good and easy to feed a crowd. Add some bread and salad and you will be fine. You can easily freeze muffins ahead for breakfast and snacks. And remember that they are there to see you, so they probably will not care so much what you feed them. For kids cold cereal, hot dogs, and pizza are a treat. Enjoy your company.

    Reply
  7. Tracy Avatar
    Tracy

    Ok well I am a uk mum and love big gatherings. I premake mega batches of Bolognese mix and white sauce for lasagne and canneloni.
    I also do Chilli and freeze.
    Shepherds pies
    thats ok for winter not hot summer mm Have mega Barbie q
    how many days and meals?
    Make pancake mix in a jar so all you have to do is add liquid.
    taco mix freezes well

    quiches are ace

    oh bolognese can be used for spag bol

    any way happy times ahead I wish I was there
    Oh yes PRAY like you have never prayed before
    LOL
    .-= Tracy´s last blog ..V is for ………………………. =-.

    Reply
  8. Smockity Frocks Avatar
    Smockity Frocks

    Here are a whole big bunch of recipes for pleasing crowds:
    http://www.smockityfrocks.com/2010/04/cooking-for-a-crowd.html
    .-= Smockity Frocks´s last blog ..Sears Outlet $20 Off Coupon =-.

    Reply
  9. Amy @ Finer Things Avatar
    Amy @ Finer Things

    This breakfast casserole is a crowd pleaser! And… you make it the night before, and refrigerate all night. Serve with muffins and fruit.
    http://amysfinerthings.com/menu-plan-monday-family-favorites

    Will be messy, but you could have a “pizza buffet” and let everyone make their own pizza. Fun for the kids! Just line up the toppings and go. I make my own dough and let them squish it into shapes for their personal crust.

    Reply
  10. Somebody's Mimi Avatar
    Somebody’s Mimi

    Hot dogs. Salads. Fruit. Veggies. Yogart. Coffee. Any new WW recipes, meat loaf, spagetti, anything in the slow cooker.

    Reply
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