Easy, make ahead NYE dinner party ideas?

[shortgreengiraffe]

We are hosing a dinner party on NYE. Around 15 people. A couple of non-meat eaters but otherwise pretty flexible.

I am not the most proficient cook and I would rather not spend all night in the kitchen. Any ideas for things that aren't too tricky and can be made ahead?

Thinking of a soup for starter as I can do that beforehand and just warm up, and I'll probably buy a desert as everyone will be too pissed to notice. But really stuck on the main, especially as I need a non-meat alternative. Really want something I can prepare earlier in the day and then just serve on the night.

Thank you in advance!

Chilli and a veggie chilli and baked potatoes?

Do the non-meat eaters eat fish?

Lasagne and veggie lasagne?

Yes non meat eaters fine with fish and I expect the carnivores would be ok with fish/veggie if that's easier. Or I can do a meat main with a fish/veggie option.

We have billed it as a 'dinner party' so need to do something a bit fancy.

Salmon Wellington?

You can buy it rather than make if easier

Something from Cook should fit the bill, such good food.

Salmon wellington could work, thanks. What would you do with it? I make good roasties.

I love Cook! They opened nearby recently and I worry for my bank balance.

It's a bit of an in joke with my friends that I am a rubbish cook. When we do any kind of being and share I always shot gun bringing the booze. So whilst I definitely don't want to go OTT and end up sweating and crying in the kitchen all night I would like to put on a good show if I can.

I agree with salmon en croute, hence asking if they eat fish. It's easy, make ahead and impressive.

Green Thai curry with chicken and something with aubergine for the veggies? Keep it a bit fancy with flaked almonds and fresh herbs, some fragrant rice and some veggie side dishes e.g. dhaal and or tikka paneer. Don't buy those premade bhajis or samosas!

I was going to say something-in-pastry . Flaky or filo
Make up ahead and chill. I;m vegetarian ( but I do eat some dairy) I'd like mixed mushrooms slow cooked with a bit of garlic piled into a pastry square , maybe a wedge of feta or brie (check it's rennet free for your vegetarians)
Then some nice steamed new potatoes with mint and some vegetables.
You could do fish as your alternative ?

Thank you those are good ideas. Yes fish is fine for everyone so could be a go-er. I don't think anyone would object to meat free.

I like the idea of a Thai green curry, but would be a bit odd with Indian sides as was suggested! Maybe do it with spring rolls, fish cakes etc instead, and make it with prawns instead of chicken so you don’t have to make two dishes. Also second (or third) the suggestion of something from Cook :)

Noo what I meant by that was DON'T make those pre-made, bung in the oven sides at all! It cheapens it and makes it very 'week night'.

some veggie side dishes e.g. dhaal and or tikka paneer

spanishwife I was referring to it being odd to have these alongside a Thai dish! Agree with your opinion about not using premade stuff :)

Yeah along with the aubergine curry, not the thai green one obvs

Cook Salmon en Croute should fit the bill .

A really good fish pie. Make it the day before and stick in the oven on the evening and serve with green veg.

I cheat and use Waitrose fresh mash 😉