J's second birthday is Saturday and we're doing a small thing - only 12 people (family). We're going to do dinner - but I am so lost on what to serve. I need something that won't take all day to make, and generally not too expensive.
I have the cake decided on though 
Oh - and there are food sensitivities in my family. No soy, and limited grains/gluten.
kiwi / 661 posts
I found a way to cheat around this for my LO's first birthday this summer. I'm doing circus themed so people can have peanuts, hotdogs, popcorn etc. I buy the "nicer" hotdogs from whole foods so they don't have nitrates, I guess that classes it up a little?
I realize this is no help for a more formal dinner but maybe if you have a bigger party in the future 
eggplant / 11824 posts
What about a taco bar? Make beans, a couple kinds of meats (cheap cuts make for great carnitas!), taco veggies, a couple types of salsa, etc. Corn and flour tortilla and toppings.
Salsa is super easy and cheap to make and you can make it a day ahead. Refried beans, or just pinto beans made from dry beans are cheap and so tasty!
blogger / wonderful cherry / 21616 posts
@yoursilverlining: oooh not a bad idea! taco bars are always fun.
apricot / 390 posts
@yoursilverlining: Thats an awesome idea and gives people choices. You can have a couple different types of tortillas to meet the gluten needs!
cantaloupe / 6017 posts
We are doing a taco bar. Small party too, so I'm just going to make a chicken filling in the crock pot, vegetarian refried beans, and all the toppings with tortillas (corn and flour). My daughter looooves quesadillas, so we decided to go with it.
GOLD / pineapple / 12662 posts
@yoursilverlining: I seriously just drooled at the mention of a taco bar . . . Great idea!
honeydew / 7444 posts
@yoursilverlining: Was just about to suggest that! Taco bar is fun and easy! You could even keep the meat in a slow cooker so it stays warm throughout the party!
nectarine / 2217 posts
maybe in the same vein, a salad bar of sorts?
lettuces/spinach
cooked grains/pasta or quinoa/barley etc
roasted and raw veggies (roasted beets, regular veg, etc)
some grilled/sliced meats
shredded cheese & other cheeses
beans
tortilla chips
there is considerable prep, but you could do most beforehand, as it doesnt really need to be too warm
taco bar sounds easier, though! hehe
coconut / 8430 posts
The taco bar sounds delicious!!!
You could also make a curry. They are pretty easy to make in a large batch. You could do a chicken curry and serve with rice and a salad on the side.
GOLD / pineapple / 12662 posts
@sunny: Your post reminds me of Bridget Jones . . . and the annual turkey curry buffet her mom would host! 
blogger / coconut / 8306 posts
@Mrs. Pen: if you have a taco bar I'm crashing the party
I always do rigatoni with sauce, pizza, salad, and sometimes we make got sausage or ham sandwiches.
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
Taco bar sounds amazing! You can also make your own meatballs, which are easy enough to do and make ahead
What about a sundae bar too?
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