Dinner for 6 - desperately need inspiration

December 25, 2012 1:52 PM

Inspiration has left the building. I'm making dinner for six Thursday (including two kids) and I'm completely out of ideas.

Nobody is especially picky and there are no dietary restrictions.

I'm kind of bored with my typical go-to menus for company (roast pork or chicken with veg), and I'm not a huge fan of typical crowd-pleasing type food. (chili, spaghetti, most casseroles)

I'm fairly good cook, but I haven't fed even non picky children in ages, and the adults are known foodies.

Got any ideas for me?

posted by Space Kitty to food & drink (17 answers total)

Taco bar? Enchiladas?
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 1:56 PM on December 25, 2012

How about an easy and delicious French bistro type meal that can mostly be made ahead and should satisfy known foodies?

Salad of slivered radicchio, roasted beets, and chopped walnuts (very festive arranged on a platter, tossed at the table and then served on salad plates)

Roasted salmon with lentils (you can do the lentils ahead of time, then roast a side of salmon--serve in soup plates with slices of salmon on top of the lentils, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with parsley)

Apple tart with creme fraiche

If you like this idea, memail me and I'll give you recipes.
posted by HotToddy at 2:05 PM on December 25, 2012 [1 favorite]

French toast and bacon with a fruit salad on the side! Pizza? Grilled cheese sandwiches and potato chips.
posted by pink candy floss at 2:07 PM on December 25, 2012 [1 favorite]

Homemade ravioli and an arugula salad.
posted by nathancaswell at 2:12 PM on December 25, 2012

Slow cooked beef cheek?
posted by geek anachronism at 2:16 PM on December 25, 2012

Roast ham, roast goose, roast leg of lamb, or roast beef with Yorkshire pudding.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:23 PM on December 25, 2012

Zakuska table! Allocate four canapés per person and fill the gaps with a variety of breads.

Followed by three spectacular desserts! Chocolate meringue pie, lemon meringue pie, upside down pear gingerbread.
posted by tel3path at 2:39 PM on December 25, 2012

Tamales?
posted by Ollie at 2:55 PM on December 25, 2012

Any of the recipes from Sunday Suppers at Lucques is perfect for 6-person dinner parties. Here's one of my favorite menus for this time of year:

Young Onion Tart with Bacon and Herb Salad

Deviled chicken thighs with braised leeks
posted by snickerdoodle at 3:03 PM on December 25, 2012 [1 favorite]

Short Rib Ragu with polenta or pasta

Bonus: Make it a day ahead.
posted by Room 641-A at 3:30 PM on December 25, 2012 [1 favorite]

I recently made this Baby Spinach with Dates & Almonds which was a HUGE hit, kids and adults alike.

What about paella?
posted by allymusiqua at 3:41 PM on December 25, 2012

It's a festivus miracle, you all have inspired me.

I'm making the hell out of some braised short ribs. Thanks for the ideas and keep the links coming!
posted by Space Kitty at 3:57 PM on December 25, 2012

I see you've chosen your main course, but maybe for next time, you'd like to make Arrosto di Maiale Al Latte (Milk-Braised Pork). It's super easy, and incredibly delicious. Makes its own gravy (mostly). I made it for Christmas dinner one year, and the guests were practically licking the plates. Goes well with mashed potatoes, or probably any potatoes.


Scroll down for the recipe.
posted by zorseshoes at 4:16 PM on December 25, 2012 [2 favorites]

Lobster Mac and Cheese?
posted by R2WeTwo at 7:01 PM on December 25, 2012

I've been doing a lot of protein, garlic mashed potatoes and cooked greens lately. I'm a big fan of cooking the greens in shallots and bacon grease or pancetta.

Risotto with butternut squash is always good/scales up easily enough. And helps warm up the house since you need to bake the squash.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 7:39 PM on December 25, 2012

Risotto with butternut squash is always good/scales up easily enough.

Yes! I always forget how delicious it is but made it the other night with garlic, sage, parmesan and we couldn't shut up about it the whole time we were eating. It's one of the most wonderful comfort foods ever.
posted by HotToddy at 8:01 PM on December 25, 2012

We love this butternut squash goat cheese gratin, and it disappeared within minutes when I made it for company.
posted by moira at 9:27 PM on December 25, 2012