Catering for the masses

[FizzyBanger]

I'm going to be cooking for 14 people a couple of nights on the trot next month. I'm struggling for ideas of things to make that I can do partly/wholly in advance so I don't have to spend too much time in the kitchen on the day. Ideally, I'd like to offer two choices at each meal. I'm OK for puds but can't find any main course inspiration! TIA.

[AtleastitsnotMonday]

Cottage pie, serve with green veg
Lasagne, salad and garlic bread
Chilli (meat or veggie) with rice, jackets, tacos, what ever, guacamole, sour cream, salsa
Chicken, chickpea and apricot tagine with cous cous
Beef in red wine with potatoes of choice and green beans
Sausage casserole & mash
Fish pie and peas
Spanish chicken tray bake
Pork with shallots and apples cooked in cider

[foodiemama26]

Nice breads, a few salads such as roasted veg cous cous, tomato and caper, etc with a cheese board and cured meats. Leftovers from this are handy for people to help themselves to later on too!

Lasagne or chilli with salad and garlic bread.

Posh sausage sandwiches - variety of sausages with roasted or balsamic onions and chutney in crusty rolls with potato wedges.

Pulled pork with wedges and coleslaw.

A meat and veggie curry with rice, naan, chutneys, etc.

Meat and potato/ cheese and onion pie could be made the day before and reheat well.

A few tray bakes are easy to prep. Maybe Chicken pieces with new potatoes and onions with honey and mustard or mediterranean veg with garlic and herbs.

[Mrsevo1]

Chilli, curry, jacket potatoes, burgers, hot dogs, buffet with chicken strips, pizza, wedges and help yourself to munch of crisps etc with those tubs of brownies/cookies/Caramel shortbread things for dessert. It all depends on the type of ambience you want to set. if you're feeling flamboyant try this www.slimmingworld.co.uk/recipes/caribbean-pepperpot-stew.aspx. Not a slimming world person but this is amazing served with rice (ps I swap sweet potatoes for potatoes)

[FizzyBanger]

Thanks so much for your posts, and sorry it's taken me so long to come back to you. There are some great ideas here, perfect for what I need - thanks so much