Having people of all ages over for dinner. Ideas?

Question

I was just told that we are going to be having friends over for dinner and im not really sure what to make for dinner. I'm having 3 adults, 2 teenagers, and 3 gradeschool age children. I know that some of the kids are picky eaters. What would be some ideas for safe dinner, that will please everybody?

Answer 1

A roasted chicken (add some legs on the side, so you have enough for 9) is a staple that will work with almost all... add a gratin - either potatoes, or a mac-and-cheese homemade gratin... (for the kiddies, and it tastes awesome for all), a nice salad (green is fine), and an apple pie... easy does it in these cases. If the teens are males, plan on large sizes...

If you don't like chicken, a baked ham??? best part is the leftovers are excellent, and keep well!!!

Answer 2

Assuming it's not very formal or stuffy or that a fancy dinner is in order you could a big salad bar type thing with all kinds of cut up veggies and cheeses and meats like ham, bacon, etc. and have different dressings plus have burgers and hotdogs or sausages on the grill with different cheeses for toppings, onions, mustard, ketchup, etc. That way picky kids can have lettuce and ranch with croutons on their salad and a plain hotdog but parents or teens could have it their way with more toppings.

Or do a marinated chicken shishkabob with different dipping sauces and stuffed potato skins. Green beans and maybe a soup that is universally good.

Or a taco bar/nacho bar where everyone tops their own. The Pizza idea was a good one too!

Fried chicken with the trimmings is good...who doesn't like that?

Also, you might have a box of Mac & Cheese on hand and when guests arrive tell the parents of the little kids that _________is planned for dinner but if the kids don't like that then the parents is welcome to make their own kid a box of mac & cheese...that way the kid gets it the way they are used to it.

Answer 3

try making some that you would like when you where a kid. Make the adults and teens something different from the kids.
all kids like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, fries and dessert.
for the adults bake chicken, ham with side vegetables and dessert. Try to remember that kids don't like the same thing as all adults do. Good Luck

Answer 4

Au gratin potatoes is a good side dish. Kids love them. I'd make a taco salad too. As for the entree I'd stick with chicken. (hebed and baked is good, or honey glazed) Sweet corn or corn on the cob. Desserts should be easy, kids love ice cream and I'd do strawberry shortcake too.

Answer 5

You can do a make-your-own-whatever buffet. Maybe make your own pizzas? Set out some crusts, a bunch of toppings, and then everyone can make what they want to and not eat what they don't. Or you could do a make your own taco/quesadilla bar and do the same kind of thing. Have a few different tortillas out, cheese, lettuce, meats (chicken or beef). Make it simple :)

Good luck!

Answer 6

Definitely a cooked mixed vegetables and a chicken, these are the universal healthiest. Then you can make baked/stuffed mushrooms and some others upon your desire.

Cake for dessert is a must!

Answer 7

Hamburgers and hot dogs are usually safe.

A big tossed salad
take out pizzas - some with lots of goodies, some with just pepperoni, some with just cheese
a simple dessert of assorted cookies

grilled steaks and chicken
baked potatoes
salad
garlic bread

Answer 8

If you know that some of the kids are picky, then ask their mammas what they will eat - then it will be easier to plan your menu to include something for everyone.

Answer 9

Everybody loves Macaroni and Cheese, don't they?!