Meatball subs — they can buy pre-made meatballs, add sauce and cheese. Or really any kind of subs or wraps. Wrap them up and have a picnic at the beach.

Nachos!

They really are your kids, aren’t they? My kids would not be asking me for menu ideas!

Went to a dinner last week that was a raclette party. The host had cut up protein, fruit and vegetables ready for quests. Also, cheese that could be melted and used to top the cooked food. The guests cooked their food on a special raclette electric grill. Later the same grill was used for a dessert. Very fun. That said this may require a purchase of the grill, if not something you own.

I entertain a group of high school girlfriends one weekend a year at our cabin. I keep things really simple because I don't want to miss any potential fun while I'm cooking!

Breakfast: bagels, cream cheese, yogurt, granola, fresh fruit (that I buy already cut up), muffins. One year someone brought a breakfast casserole that we just popped in the oven one morning.

Lunch: Often, one person volunteers to make something but it's usually an easy soup. I bring along cold cuts, good bread, some deli salads.

Dinner: It's varied each year. White chili in the slow cooker with rolls and tossed salad. Lasagna that I pick up at an Italian deli, crusty bread, tossed salad. Sheet pan assorted veggies roasted with thickly sliced kielbasa (I think I did fingerling potatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots). Again, for ease and pure laziness, I bought baby carrots and already cut up broccoli, sprouts.

I also just buy salad kits that have the mixed greens and additional fixin's and dressing all together in one pack.

A little out of season but Raclette is fun for a group.

Not 100% sure of your "kids" ages, but ice cream sundae bars have always been a hit with our kids' friends, up into their 20's. A couple or 3 kinds of ice cream, a few sauces; chocolate, strawberry, caramel, fresh fruit , nuts, sprinkles, crushed oreos...Oh and whipped cream in a can because there is something about that that brings out the kid in everyone. I find the Kirkland brand at Costc to be quite good.

Once a week in the summer when the kids were at home, we had salad bar night. Different kinds of greens, cherry tomatoes, peppers, shredded carrots, green onions, cucumber, hardboiled eggs, chicken breast and shrimp (cooked early in the day and chilled but they could buy precooked.) Then nuts and croutons, berries, fruit.... Several kinds of dressing, Sometimes served with a baguette or garlic bread.

Picnic from the deli....cut up a couple of rotisserie chickens, get potato salad, cole slaw, dinner rolls and butter, make a tossed green salad (spring mix, tomatoes, cukes, peppers, radish) and dress as desired, and choc chip cookies and brownies for dessert with maybe some ice cream for topping. Easy peasy.

PS I forgot, add a lot of basil to top off the raw tomato sauce.

It sounds like your children are going to have a wonderful time.

A bit of a riff on Pink’s suggestion: Shredded Pork Tacos with an Asian twist. Recipe calls for pork butt. If that is too big a chunk of meat, boneless country pork ribs are an excellent substitute. https://www.thekitchn.com/slow-cooked-hoisin-and-ginger-pork-wraps-with-peanut-slaw-79670

If there is an air fryer available, they could make wings, with several different kinds of glazes or sauces.

So many great suggestions already.. you cannot go wrong with pasta, pizza and paninis!

I definitely second/suggest a couple of rotisserie chickens (or home cooked roasted chicken). They can be used for caesar salad, quesadillas, sandwiches, chicken salad, whatever. I especially enjoy chicken salad served inside a cantaloupe half.

Similarly, you can make a skirt or flank steak ahead of time with a garlic and balsamic or lime and garlic marinade (or whatever you like-- but these both work well when cold) - slice it up and keep in fridge/cooler. it will keep a few days and is great for salad, sandwiches, quesadillas, paninis, etc.

Some additional ideas they could prepare

• Spicy noodles or sesame noodles (there are tons of fast, easy recipes-- i have a few saved if they're of interest)
• sausage & peppers - can be used in sandwiches, aside a veggie quiche, in an omelet (i like turkey sausage but chicken or pork work too)
• Iron Skillet steak frite - cook the steak in an iron pan-- shoe string fries in the oven, when you remove them sprinkle with salt, minced garlic, parsley and parmesan (I have a recipe for the fries too, i believe).
• Charcuterie and/or Antipasta - can be expensive or inexpensive as you want but requires only assembly-- great for grazing after a day in the sun. Roasted veggies and bread with various meats and cheeses.
• Falafal & hummus & pitas (though i would want greek chicken kebabs too) with tzatziki, onions, tomatoes, etc

Thanks, everyone! I created a Google doc w all your ideas and shared it with them.

They really are your kids, aren’t they? My kids would not be asking me for menu ideas!

Yeah, it is too funny really. I think they realize you can't wing it that well with 8 guests. One of them was out w a group of friends celebrating a friend's birthday last night, and joked that every decision required 20 minutes standing around figuring out what they were going to do next. I am kind of flattered that they are trying to entertain the way we do, LOL.

Just hope they aren't also googling Sangria recipes. Or worse.

They have decided on an MO. Two meals a day... just brunch and dinner. We will help them stock up on a wide variety or breakfast/brunch foods, which can all be self serve. We will also stock up on snacks and paper products. They will have one nice dinner out as a group, the other nights they are picking teams from a hat and that team will plans and make that night's dinner. That way more variety, more participation and almost everyone has one recipe they know/like!

I love their plans!

And I know full well they are not checking out Sangria recipes. Mine drink with us, but would never take the responsibility of hosting their friends drinking.

And, I imagine half of them drink with their friends too.

Slow cooker Chicken Tiki Masala. Serve with rice and naan bread. We like it spicy so I add cayenne pepper (about 1 teaspoon).

https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-slow-cooker-chicken-tikka-masala-recipes-from-the-kitchn-211284

Great plan-- and i am sure they will all have a wonderful time!

Crock pots are great like having a cook as you get the work done in the a.m. and its ready for you when you are in the evening....chili, tossed salad, crusty bread...

Actually I am enjoying this thread because we are having all 3 kids (yay, first time in a long time) and their SO’s at our beach house for a week in late June and I am already thinking about meals and activities. Feeding 8-10 people every day for almost a week could be a bit challenging especially as I’ve gotten used to feeding only 2-3 of us in recent years!

This thread is so worth saving, even for us oldsters! I am getting to the point where my poor old stressed brain is only too happy to have some of the thinking pre-done for me . . .

Another quick thing is to bake a boneless ham. I love it with baked beans, though DH considers that "pedestrian". But you can do it with oven roasted veggies too or a broccoli casserole. Then leftovers can be sliced up for sandwiches or cubed for omelets or frittatas, etc....browned up ham slice as a side for french toast. Yum.

Sue, it's amazing when your family nearly doubles overnight! You should definitely assign each couple a night to make dinner!

Yes, we already have that on the agenda!

This sounds like fun! I havent read all the ideas and this may be too much like tacos, but fajitas are also easy and fun. Cilantro lime rice on the side. And of course lots of chips, salsa, chese dip, guac and mock margaritas.

Also bbq chicken and/or ribs, prepared ahead, and corn on the cob with sides of cole slaw, baked beans or whatever your kids like.

I was inspired to make both the baked beans and potato salad recipes I posted above for dinner tonight. Both good, but if I was getting food for a whole weekend of guests, I'd buy store bought versions of both and spend the time saved on having fun with friends. I used to pre-make all the salads and other dishes before going away on a camping trip or weekend vacation eating out of the cooler, but not so much anymore. I could, but I don't want to . . . (esoteric reference to a folk song by Greg Brown called "Who Would Have Thunk It.")

Who Woulda Thunk It Lyrics

We used to say I could walk all night, and we could and we did
Down that gravel road, to that tiny town, and the door always opened
Now we say I could walk all night. It's not true.
We can't walk all night, no, because we don't want to!
We want a bed and a blanket, some light breakfast, sometime tomorrow
We want a bed and a blanket, some light breakfast, sometime tomorrow
And I sing it now, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it

We used to say I could eat a horse, and we could and we did
In fast food joints in the middle of someplace on the way to someplace else
Now we say I could eat a horse. It's not true.
We can't eat a horse, no, because we don't want to!
We want somethin from the cookbook, that new one with the great graphics
Somethin from the cookbook, that new one with the great graphics
Oh and I sing it now, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it

We used to say I don't care if I never have any money
As long as I have my sweet honey and a shack in the woodland
Now we say I don't care if I don't have money, but it's not true
We can't live without money, no, because we don't want to
We want one of those and two of those, and oh that one looks neat, wrap it up
Put it on my MasterCard. Put it on my Visa
And I sing it now, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it

We used to say I don't care if I never grow old
I'm gonna flame, gonna burn, take one quick turn and be gone like James Dean.
Now we don't say that. It's too late to die young.
So we sit at the table long after supper and a good wine.
Here's what we sing, we go, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it

NO TO FILET MIGNON!!!!!!!!!!! This is too weird. Before I read your reply Zalco about filet mignon, I was going to suggest this to Mtn.

Do not let them use the broiler. That's because when I was 17 and my parents were out of town, I had a bunch of friends over. We were hungry and I found some filet mignon in the freezer so one of the guys broiled it and darn near started a fire. I've never used a broiler since.

I didn't think my parents would notice the steak was gone, but they did.

Pink, we got one of those pot pie/sandwich makers when we got married.

I haven't read any of the suggestions? But, I have 3 boys? And, tacos and/or pizza is about all they can deal with? Mine are now in their 30s and are now into steak, shrimp, etc? But, I used to just buy bagels, eggs, bacon, sausage for breakfast food. I would prepare the taco meat and send it along with all of the fillings. That is what they loved? Gyros were/are another favorite.

Adding: I also sent fruit, chips, etc.

Thx, Maddie., BTW, how do you make gyros at home; just use roast lamb? They do love Tzatziki

BTW two things *I* am trying for sure )not together)

Cooker Masala

and

shoe string fries in the oven, when you remove them sprinkle with salt, minced garlic, parsley and parmesan (I

I’ll throw in one simple, easy suggestion that is always a hit with me for a group of teens - a plain old fruit, dip, and cheese tray that they can graze on around the clock. Sometimes I cut my own and sometimes I will pick up the pre-cut at the big stores. I keep it simple with apple slices, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple chunks, red or purple grapes, and some kind of melon. I wash the fruit in salt water to keep it fresh. They love good extra sharp cheddar chunks with it.

I will even share my old family fruit dip recipe with you……a jar of marshmallow cream and a block of cream cheese whipped until fluffy.

If you ”build it” they will eat it🤪

"They have decided on an MO. Two meals a day... just brunch and dinner."

Just finished reading The Guncle and he had the kids eating brunch and linner (between lunch and dinner).

Here's one of my favorite ways to make cauliflower...it's so easy. It's healthy, but no one needs to know. Spicy but not hot, though you can adjust the seasonings to kick it up a notch, and can be served hot or room temp.

Spiced Roasted Cauliflower (from the Nutrition Action Letter)

Preheat oven to 450°F.

In large bowl combine first 7 ingredients and mix well. Toss in cauliflower and coat well. Spread in a single layer on parchment lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast until tender, 20-25 min.

2 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Tbs tomato paste

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp kosher salt

pinch cayenne pepper

1 head cauliflower, washed and chopped into bite-sized chunks

Mtn, I made the garlic-parmesan fries for my parents a few years ago (with steak). You'd have thought I'd invented fries the way they raved and complimented about them!

I have also made them with rosemary which is lovely-- and i am sure you could add a spicier mix or truffle powder/truffle oil.

I bake the fries-- but you could, of course, fry them.

And I would serve them with a dip-- mayo/aioli, lemon, herbs.. but it isn't necessary.

I hope you enjoy them!

Lamb, tzadziki on pita work well. You can add red onion, but tomatoes seem to be too much for the bread to hold without being wrapped up. I don't miss the Greek spices on the meat because the sauce is so good. Also you can make great souvlaki with pork tenderloin this way. Just cube up the tenderloin and pan fry with salt and pepper if grilling is not an option.

Mtn- late to this, but i have sliced leftover leg of lamb for gyros, bought/or made the usual fillings from TJ. I have also just ground leftover leg of lamb in the food processor? My costco now carries beef/lamb gryo strips- not bad!

Thank you, will have to look for this!

I want to be your guest! When having guest I normally go out for fresh bagels early with toppings available and even an Entemann's Cheese danish and then fresh fruit. Eggs are in the fridge is you need them.....

about 1 a brunch/lunch bar and then a bigger dinner.

I think you and your kids will do well.....like I said I would like to come stay at your house.

Also, I used to stay at a college roommates parent's a lot because they lived on the beach and it was very clear that everyone cleaned up the kitchen and bathrooms!

Since you're in Maine, how about a clam chowder dinner board? I've attached a link to a copycat Cliff House clam chowder recipe, and a link to putting the dinner board together.

I did use the clam chowder recipe myself and it was very good.

Basically the clam chowder serves as centerpiece surrounded by good bread, oyster crackers, shrimp cocktail (or not), etc. May be too labor intensive for the crowd, but I think it looks fun. In any case, I'm adding this to my own entertaining plans!

https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/222/The-Cliff-House-Clam-Chowder128843.shtml

https://reluctantentertainer.com/epic-clam-chowder-dinner-board/

Lol the Cliff House is practically a neighbor. Have you been? Gorgeous. And the’ve a great spa with fab ocean views , too. The Tiller is quite good. Alas, im allergic to mollusks abd shellfish!

Yes, I have but not in years. Sorry about the seafood/mollusk allergies!

Annie mentioned a boneless ham. Hatfield makes a small boneless ham, 2.75 pounds (used to be 3 lbs), in three varieties: Black Forest (my favorite), honey Roasted (little sweet) and Hardwood Smoked. I've found it at Shop Rite, Acme, Price Chopper.

It is fully cooked so you can bake it, slice it, fry in a pan or m kids' favorite - a Brie, ham, sliced apple grilled cheese.

i can only post photos here from my phone -

Teeda, you must go back. TBH I thought the Cliff House was a bit long in the tooth back when we bought our house nearby in 2013. It was renovated a few years later and the lobby with its 3 story windows looking over the ocean is just lovely.

They could have a Stone Soup party. Lots of fun and everyone has to bring something for the soup recipe, a potato or carrot or...whatever soup recipe one wants use. Everyone brings something, cuts it up and adds it to the soup.

If you are not familiar with the folklore tail, read here... https://stonesoup.com/about-the-childrens-art-foundation-and-stone-soup-magazine/history-of-the-stone-soup-story-from-1720-to-now/

As a young girl attending a Stone Soup gathering, the Stone Soup tale was presented in more of a native American version of when they were starving and everyone pitched something in so they could all eat.

Still a good lesson today with so many people struggling with inflation and gas prices. There are endless sides and bread ideas to go with the soup.

maire-cate...love black forest ham. It is by far the best! I served one for Easter and got rave reviews.

When my kids were little and i made them haa

Mtn, how are the kids doing? Great weather today. Did they make pizzas? Too bad they couldnt all have gone clam digging. That would have been a hoot (and delicious).

Pinkmountain, I just saw your post and picture on a Stone Soup party. Sorry I missed it the first time. What fun!

Mtn, yes I definitely want to go back. When I say I haven't been there in years, I mean like over 30 years! My DD and DSIL went there for the weekend a year ago and they loved it. I saw some of the photos and can see why they liked it so much!

Funny story about the Cliff House. My parents bought our beach house in 1970. Shortly after that there was a big remodeling going on at the Cliff House. My father got wind of a sale they were having on building items, went down to Ogunquit and purchased a huge window, which he had installed in our dining room. There it stayed for about 25 years until my parents did a big remodel. My father used to love telling people where the window came from and how he was sure they had had dinner sitting by it while dining at the Cliff House.

Honestly I considered it a negative when we bought, and was glad it was not visible from our house! It is probably a quarter of a mile, if you don't count long driveways to them and to us. I am so happy with the changes. We got lucky.

LOL about the window; thought you were going to say something about take the CH view with the window. : )

I noticed my post was cut off above. It was about Black Forest Ham. When my kids were little and I made them ham sandwiches, they would ask me to "cut the forest off:" the dark edge. LOL

Petal, They are having a blast. So far I know they had a pizza bar and tonight I think they are going to do gyros! Very lucky with the weather. MD in Maine can be cold, even where we are all the way South on the Coast. Usually it is within 2 degrees of our temp here in the far NYC burbs; not what people expect in Maine but then you can probably drive another 4-5hrs North of us and still be in Maine!