Dinner party menu help

LindsayB0505

We are having two of our couple friends over for dinner later this week.  I need help with deciding what to make.  Usually we do some version of BBQ (steak, ribs, etc) but I want to do something a bit different.  Bonus points if you link to recipes.

NittanyLionLaura

How about Mexican? You could do a taco/fajita bar. 

shortycole2

These are my favorites when we have a people over for dinner:

 Mongolian Beef - http://www.pinkbites.com/2009/01/mongolian-beef.html
I usually add red bell pepper strips and have rice as a side.

Lasagna Rolls - http://www.ivillage.com/chicken-and-cheese-lasagna-roll-ups/3-r-60638
I don't really like marinara, so I usually pour alfredo all over the rolls... ha

These ones are from Kate:

Bacon Pierogi Bake - http://katesrecipebox.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/bacon-pierogi-bake/

Baked Chili Cheese Dogs - http://katesrecipebox.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/baked-chili-cheese-dogs/
Obviously a messy, more casual meal, so depends on your plan, but they are really good!

ktwed09

When we have people over, I like to do dishes that can be made ahead so that I don't spend the whole time in the kitchen. Here are some of my favorites:

Italian: Chicken (or eggplant) parm, spaghetti and meatballs, baked ziti, lasagna. If you're looking for an easy and AMAZING appetizer, try this one: 

http://www.pink-parsley.com/2010/11/baked-fontina.html

I made this twice in the last week for two different events, and it was devoured both times!

 Another one I like to make ahead is chicken enchiladas. There are tons of recipes out there, but I like this one:

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/02/chicken-enchiladas.html

 

Kate&Mark

I like to do stuff that doesn't require a lot of actual hands-on cooking when people are there. A few of my favorites:

Crockpot Beef Bougruignon

Baked Ziti with Sausage

Beef and Guinness Stew I adore this, but it does take a while to cook. It's mostly just simmering for the last hour or so, though, so if you time it right it's great for company.

Add a nice salad and a loaf of crusty bread with any of these and you've got a meal.

LindsayB0505

Thanks guys!  I suggested Lasagna or a similar baked pasta dish to DH and he asked if we could have Chilli, so we are going to go with that.  Also requires little work while the company is here.  I'll be bookmarking a bunch of these for future reference though.