Ideas for lunch for guests

[Fiadh79]

I have 2 lunches I am hosting within a few days of each other s9on. I'm a bit stressed about it as I have loads of other stuff on as well. Can anyone offer any suggestions about what to serve?

I'd like something quite nice (not just sandwiches) but easy. Both meals will have some toddlers. I'd also like to do a pudding - if I could do a big batch and use for both that would be good.

Please help!

I would do something in one pot. Chilli casserole , curry etc. If you have a slow cooker even better. Prepare all the night before slow cook over night. Then reheat at lunchtime

Pavolva or Eaton mess is a quick assemble before they arrive

I would just buy some quiches and cold meats from the supermarket. Make a nice salad or 2 and serve with warm buttery new potatoes and crusty bread.

Puff pastry tarts with various toppings https://www.jusrol.co.uk/inspiration/puff-pastry-tart-recipes

or keep it even simpler with a pasta salad https://realfood.tesco.com/recipes/mediterranean-orzo-salad.html

Slow roast shoulder of lamb with loads of carrots, leek, garlic. Add a couple of tins of cannellini or borlotti beans for the last half an hour.

While still warm, pull off the bone and split up a bit. I give the veges a bit of a squash, too. Just a bit. It will keep well and reheat easily. Serve with tomatoes and onion in a vinaigrette with thyme and garlic bread. A light red wine.

Ooh, some good tips here! Thank you all!

Lasagna, garlic bread and salad.

How close together are these lunches? And how many people? Becuase this cake is really good, lasts well and is quite big. Could work as a dessert over two days, depending on numbers.

This time of year, for lunches like this I'd roast a chicken in the morning and serve it (room temperature) with nice bread, maybe some new potatoes, and two large, well made salads - a really good green salad and a tomato salad most likely.

Sticky toffee pudding is very easy and reheats well. You can double the quantity you prepare then bake in 2 separate dishes so that the second lot of guests don't feel like they are eating leftovers.
That said, that chocolate cake looks lovely! I would serve up a slice with some mixed berries and cream or ice cream so that the first guests don't eat so much of it that there's not enough left over for the second lot. Or you could do similar with brownies, blondies or lemon drizzle cake.

My mouth is watering reading all these suggestions. I've never tried making sticky toffee pudding before but I think I will after you've said that (though probably not for these lunches).

Thank you everyone!