What to do foodwise?

[Madmog]

We've invited a really good friend and his new girlfriend. DH originally suggested 7pm, but our friend has asked if we can do 5pm onwards to make the most of it being warmer. That's fine, but obviously we'll hit teatime. DH not expecting me to cook loads of food from scratch immediately after work, but I think a takeaway will soon cool off.

Any ideas for some nice easy food? Two verging on veggie, but DH doesn't like cheese so no point in cheese/nice breads.

Can you make something the night before that can be eaten cold? Eg quiche/pasta salad etc.

And can your DP help at all?

Chilli with rice or jacket potato, bread and salad. (Veggie chilli?) you could cook the chilli the night before and reheat.
Or lasagne? Same principle as the chilli.

Greek style mezze? Olives, dolmades, nuts, breadsticks etc. from 5pm. Then some falafel / halloumi / (veggie) meatballs etc. with pitta breads, hummus, and a Greek salad at supper time.

When I do this I make the Greek salad ahead of time, then it’s just a few things to heat in the oven or under the grill before serving.

I’d do something you can just reheat and serve in bowls with some accompanying bread.
E.g. chickpea tagine with flatbreads
Veggie curry with naans
Tuscan bean stew with ciabatta