A Few Friends Over For a Summertime Lunch
Plan a simple menu. I prefer things that can be made ahead of time. That way when the party starts I can enjoy the company and not have to fuss. If you are doing a ton of work and cooking when your guests arrive it puts them in ackward position. So try to get most of it done before guests arrive. I had freinds over for a simple lunch during summer, the menu was Chicken Salad Croissant sandwiches and egg salad sandwiches, fruit, chips and mini bundt cakes.
I made the sandwich filling and cut up the fruit in the morning.
I used grapes and cut them off the stem with scissors in about 8 to 12 grape bundles, then placed them in a bowl in the fridge. Watermelon or cantaloupe is also easy to cut up ahead of time. I usually get what is on sale. I make dessert the night before or early that morning.
I started to fill the croissants about 30 minutes before people arrived. It takes about 15 minutes. I cut the sandwiches in half so they can try both or if not to hungry they can just take half.
Then I pulled out the fruit, filled my picther with ice and water, put chips out. If someone offers to bring something you could always have them bring a side salad or chips. I usually only let good friends or people that come over alot bring something. The part I love best about having a luncheon like this is that dinner is made, no more fuss the rest of the day. I just stick leftovers in the fridge and pull them out for dinner. I always have lots because I plan for everyone to have 2 helpings. Most people only have one whole sandwich or 2 halves but if you plan for two whole sandwiches you have alot leftover. People don't have to worry about you running out of food. It works nicely for everyone that way. I know I can stand when I go to somenones house and I feel like if took the amount of food I wanted to we would run out. My motto is always better to have to much then not enough.
You can do any kind of sandwich or salad. Just keep it simple!!!! So many people won't entertain because they say it is too much work. It doesn't have to be alot of work. Remember people just want to enjoy your company. Do things that are easy for you, so you will want to do it again.
