I really love your attitude
@StarSong .... you're so calm in the face of company and you're so hospitable!
Here's my secret: Keep things simple, avoid foods that need to be timed perfectly either on their own or to serve with everything else. Perish the thought of garlic bread. Been there, done that, burned more than my share. Besides, guess what? Everyone, children especially, love bread sticks and are almost never served them anymore. No muss, no fuss, no stale leftovers. Talk about an easy way out.
I also unashamedly ask for help when I need it. ("Could you please stir this for a bit?") Guests are forever milling around in my kitchen; might as well put them to work. Truth is, they enjoy being part of the process.
Tonight's menu:
Appetizers:
Cold shrimp served with lemon wedges picked from our tree this morning, and homemade cocktail sauce
Veggies with ranch dip (thank you Costco), plus homemade hummus.
Dinner:
Caesar salad (homemade dressing, made in advance). Everyone dresses their own salad.
Sausage, peppers and onions (veggies chopped in advance, will cook in an electric skillet to avoid crowding the stovetop)
Tortellini Alfredo (need a stirrer for this one)
Freshly grated parmesan on the table for all of the above
Sauteed (pre-sliced) mushrooms
Mini Calzones
Bread sticks and butter
Dessert:
Christmas cookies (of course)
I've learned that people don't eat a ton of veggies at holiday meals so I keep them to a minimum.
It helps to keep in mind that I'm hosting friends and family, not paying customers. If something goes awry we laugh and keep on going.