What do I serve for lunch

[EarlyInTheMorning]

Lunch is a meal I usual skip (bad bad girl) but next week I have invited a couple of mums from school to have lunch with me at home. I have no idea what to serve. I want something that is fool-proof as I don't trust my skills, I don't want to be stressed, and I want to enjoy the company of my guests. But also, I do want them to sense that I've made an effort for them. Suggestions welcome please .

[Biltongmuncher]

Buy some soup, or make it if you feel up to it. Put a loaf of that bake at home bread in the oven; tastes great and makes your home smell lovely. Serve with a board of a few cheeses and pickle. Done!

[Susieloo]

Do you want to cook? If not how about a quiche you could warm in the oven and a green salad, French stick, maybe some pâté or cold meats too. If you want to cook a lasagne is fairly easy and can be made in advance so you just bung it in the oven, dressed green leaves and garlic bread to serve. Those spring to mind but will keep thinking.

[EarlyInTheMorning]

I'm going to sound really obnoxious here but I am not keen on the soup idea, the quiche or the jacket potatoes. A lasagna could work although I'll have to make it in advance. More suggestions please?

[CharlotteBronteSaurus]

don't cook - i wouldn't expect anyone to cook at lunchtime
i am veering dangerously close to the Antipasti thing, but just get lots of nice bread and cold cuts, and then fill up on cake.

[CharlotteBronteSaurus]

i forgot to mention that if the cake is homemade, people will appreciate the effort.

[Ragwort]

Home made lasagne and salad is always lovely, stick to what you are confident with and then you won't stress over it.

[Pourquoimoi]

How about a selection of sandwiches cut into triangles on a platter to put in the middle. A couple of platters of posh crisps, cake, fruit etc. you can prepare an hour or so before they come and put under cling film and unwrap when they are there. A bit like an afternoon tea at a hotel really.

At lunchtime they won't expect a hot meal I don't think. Platters of things mean they can pick what they like and don't feel they have to eat something to be polite.

[EarlyInTheMorning]

Yes that sounds very nice actually Pourquoimoi, why didn't I think of that?