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Original poster

Dinner for 18, wwyd?

31 replies

MyBlueDiary · 31/12/2023 10:09

I'm planning a birthday dinner for my husband. We'll be about 18 people. No veggies, no one with any particular requirements, we are all happy and adventurous eaters and I am a confident cook.

I'd like to focus on the foods my husband likes best. He loves beans and vegetables, happily eats meat but is not one of those men who has to have it at every meal, doesn't much like mushrooms or fish. Much prefers a homely, let's-all-tuck-in vibe rather than cheffy stuff and pre-plated meals.

I'd like to do three courses. I'd also like to make sure that I have the chance to chat to guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen so anything I can make ahead would be great (not soup though). Could order in a nice cake for pudding which would be both birthdayish and simple.

Any thoughts very welcome. Thanks.

OP posts:
ShirleyPhallus · 31/12/2023 11:30

headcheffer · 31/12/2023 11:09

Agree. Very easy to create a feast visually with Middle Eastern cooking, and there's so many great bean and veg dishes. It would be adventurous (as opposed to a veg chilli!!!) and great for a family style serving style.

An added plus is that loads of it is easy to prep in advance.

Show quote history

Thirded. This would look and taste delicious.

veggie chilli doesn’t quite say birthday dinner to me, rather than bonfire night dinner

Therealjudgejudy · 31/12/2023 12:54

Can I also come to pie night?!!

MyNameIsBatty · 31/12/2023 14:03

Afew different pies sound fab as does cake. With three courses I usually do a light salad for a starter- leaves, spring onions, avocado, raspberries or pomegranate with feta or stilton with a dressing of olive oil, balsamic, lemon, mustard, soy sauce and pomegranate molasses with some honey or sweet chilli to add sweetness.
Easy an can be made ahead.

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ivfbabymomma1 · 31/12/2023 14:15

TerfTalking · 31/12/2023 10:15

I would do a variety pie night. Cheese and onion, Quorn cottage pie, steak and ale, chicken and leek. Lots of easy side vegetables such as roast Jerusalem artichokes, green beans, peas, baby carrots etc.

big jugs of gravy.

This is such a good idea!!!!

ZenNudist · 31/12/2023 14:22

100% Mexican with 3 bean chilli Nachos guacamole a pulled pork dish fir the carnivores rice & taco shells & salads plus sour cream and salsa maybe some chicken wings

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