Can't Decide What to Make for a Party Tomorrow Night

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Discussion Overview

The thread revolves around planning food for a Christmas Ornament Exchange party, with participants sharing their thoughts on what dishes to prepare. The original poster expresses uncertainty about what to bring, seeking suggestions for impressive main or hearty side dishes suitable for a gathering of skilled cooks.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions wanting to bring Chocolate Mint Silk Torte but is unsure about the main dish situation.
  • Another participant suggests "touch down taco dip" as a popular option.
  • One participant shares their preference for Satay Chicken Pasta Salad or Creamy One Pot Pasta, noting they can be served warm in a Rectangular Baker.
  • A participant provides a detailed description of the ornament exchange tradition, highlighting the fun and camaraderie involved.
  • Another participant agrees with the idea of serving pasta warm and mentions they will prepare it cold for their own party.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on specific dish choices, with no clear consensus on what to bring to the party.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and traditions surrounding the ornament exchange, emphasizing the social aspect and the importance of impressive food contributions.

Who May Find This Useful

Participants in similar holiday gatherings or those looking for dish ideas for potluck-style events may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

babywings76
babywings76
Gold Member
Messages
7,266
Tomorrow night is my annual Christmas Ornament Exchange party. I'm not in charge, thankfully. There are 20 of us. We do a dinner and everyone is supposed to bring something. I really wanted to bring the Chocolate Mint Silk Torte, but the hostess said she doesn't know if many people are bringing main dishes. So I'm torn as to what main dish or hearty side dish I should make. It needs to be something impressive (it's a group of great cooks and really crafty women!) :) I don't have my DCB, so I can't do anything in that. Her table for the food is not that big, so I'm afraid to bring something that is in a large serving piece. Maybe something in the rectangular baker? Any ideas?

TIA!
 
touch down taco dip is always a big hit.
What exactly do you do t this ornamanet exhange? just out of curiosity
 
I'm a fan of the Satay Chicken Pasta Salad or Creamy One Pot Pasta. You can always pour them into a Rectangular Baker to take there (and stay warm - yes, the pasta salad is good warm).
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Jennie4PC said:
touch down taco dip is always a big hit.
What exactly do you do t this ornamanet exhange? just out of curiosity
Click to expand...
Okay, so this is a side note to this thread, one quick hijack to answer your question...We each make a unique homemade ornament. We make 20 of the same thing, then we meet together for the exchange. We all sit in the host's family room and each take a turn explaining how and why we made what we did, if there was a funny story or anything else we want to say. Usually, we each say how crazy our year has been, make a reference to what that might be, and how that led us to picking what we did as our project. Then we share stories about all our mishaps that we had in trying to come up with an idea. It's a lot of fun. We laugh so much, cry too, at times. It's a wonderful evening of friendship. Oh, and we eat first, too! :) Yummy, yummy food. We all try to pick something impressive and then swap the recipes later. The woman who started the group did it 25 years ago! The group changes through the years. She always jokes that the only way to get in the group is someone else has to move or die. ;) Once people get invited to this group, they don't refuse and stay there as long as they can! Of course this is my 5th year and I have a lot of ornaments now and my husband thinks it's enough! I say NO WAY! :) It's more than just collecting the ornaments. I'll just do what the host does, she puts them on the garland she has up all along the tops of her windows and doorway moldings. :)
 
chefann said:
I'm a fan of the Satay Chicken Pasta Salad or Creamy One Pot Pasta. You can always pour them into a Rectangular Baker to take there (and stay warm - yes, the pasta salad is good warm).
Click to expand...

I agree Ann. That is how we have typically been eating it. I am making cold for my party tomorrow though. :)
 
Amanda,
That sounds like a lot of fun.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quick and easy recipes I can make for a party tomorrow night?

Consider preparing a charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers. You can also make a simple pasta salad or a taco bar, where guests can customize their own tacos. Dips like guacamole, salsa, or spinach artichoke dip served with chips or veggies are always crowd-pleasers.

How can I use Pampered Chef tools to make party prep easier?

Pampered Chef offers a variety of kitchen tools that can speed up your prep time. For example, the Food Chopper is great for quickly chopping vegetables for dips or salads, while the Mix 'N Chop can help you brown ground meat for tacos. The Quick Slice can help you prepare uniform slices of cheese or fruits for your charcuterie board.

What should I consider when choosing a menu for my party?

Think about your guests' dietary preferences and restrictions. It's a good idea to have a mix of vegetarian, gluten-free, and meat options. Also, consider the time you have available for prep and cooking. Choose dishes that can be made ahead of time or require minimal last-minute effort.

How can I make my party food visually appealing?

Presentation is key! Use colorful ingredients and arrange them in an attractive way. For example, layer different colors of veggies in a clear bowl for a salad or use a tiered serving platter for your desserts. Garnishing with fresh herbs or edible flowers can also elevate the look of your dishes.

What drinks should I serve at my party?

Offer a variety of beverages to cater to different tastes. You can serve a signature cocktail, mocktails, or a selection of wines and beers. Don't forget non-alcoholic options like sparkling water, lemonade, or iced tea. Having a mix ensures that all guests feel included and have something to enjoy.

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