Before my Mom passed away I was THE party planner....easiest is the prepare ahead buffet. I say if FIL likes fried chicken go for it. I always do a baked Ziti...it is easy can be made weeks ahead and frozen. If you like to make breads, banana pumpkin zucchini all of them can be made ahead and put on a pretty platter and put on a dessert table. A big tossed salad always pretty and easy. Hope your party goes well, try to remember to have fun too!