Birthday dinner

[Lanne]

I turn 35 next thursday and have somewhat randomly invited people for dinner on friday night. If i was being really honest - i don't even know how many are coming as I said families are welcome - or just the girlfriend.. so it could be 22 or it could be 12... oops

I have some american friends coming - we talk online but I am yet to meet them - i might meet them before dinner.. i might not!

I am already tired, and the next two weeks are huge at work (18 hour days 6 - 7 days a week).. so.. nothing fussy then!

I like having people for dinner, and never really find it a fuss and I am sure we will have a great night - but i am keen for some suggestions.

At short notice it will be roasted chickens/pieces and salads bought. and plated beautifully LOL .. but this quickie option has been used before and I think people are onto me

[thisisme]

Yay!!! I'm excited

I love your dinners Lanne

[rosierose]

People are there for you....your 35th........not for your cooking. Although I would be there just to see your beautiful food styling.....(oh and to say Happy Birthday)...

[Beverley]

Cook up a huge pot of beef mince with tomato, garlic, a little chilli etc...Buy heaps of Taco shells, grate a whopping bowl of cheese, another bowl of shredded lettuce and a few bowls of sauce...and let everyone help themselves. For fun get a Mexican birthday pinyata (sp?) and put a big bowl of ice on the table filled with icy poles for the kids for dessert. Serve the adults birthday cake and icecream! It is a standby I use when I dont know how many people are going to turn up...and has worked well in the past

[clp]

You could borrow some of my suggestions - get a side of smoked salmon somewhere you can find it cheap and get a ham and bake it yourself which you serve warm.
Platter platter platters

[Julie-Ann]

My secret to easy entertaining is to buy takeaway and put it into my dishes. If there is any left over we freeze it. Or the MYO Pizzas go well as any left over toppings can be used for other meals. Or used to make up some pizzas that can be frozen.
Have a wonderful birthday Lanne

[Lanne]

Well RR - consider this your official invitation to watch me plate up You would be very welcome!

I love the suggestions.. I will get myself together and do a head count and see.. maybe a big dinner can be skipped in favour of make your own/takeout/easy..

[rosierose]

Ah yes Lanne I am invited......thank-you yay!!!

Oh ok now to the problem of 1700kms?

I suppose it could be worse as if I were going to see J.A on her birthday I would need to do 3500kms.......

Really should've invested in a private jet instead of a citroen berlingo......

[Lanne]

giggles.. or you could drive?

we officially have 11 for dinner and I still officially need to decide on some food. I should also decide if i am going to squish 11 around our 10 seater or not (one 2 yo and lochs in the mix of 11) so squishing is possible.

I made the Donna Hay Truffle Cake - test run. it has cooked perfectly and so far .. i am salivating so.. hopefully it tastes as good as it looks.. it is the perfect birthday cake served with creme fraiche i think?

So i have dessert done

Maybe i should do a quick run to the fish and chip shop and just buy more desserts hehehe

[Julie-Ann]

How did the birthday dinner go Lanne? Did they like the table runner of doilies?
Most importantly - did you have fun?