Five of my children are in the church choir and they will need to go to sing at both the early and late service. I think lunch will be at 3 or so. Any ideas for a meal that is festive yet will not do me in financially and time wise? Several of us have allergies so we make everything from scratch but I can adjust recipes no problem. Unfortuantely because ham is seasoned that is out for us. I have no problems not serving dessert and letting adults and kids a like have the plastic Easter eggs with candies. LOL Any items I could make ahead might be nice too.

Could you share what you are doing?

Why don't you fix chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, corn, dinner rolls and a dessert.

Cassroles

also now I am surfing to see if I can help you find some meals on a buget for Easter.

http://www.bettycrocker.com/menus-ho...-easter-dinner

I love making home made chicken or beef and noodles for family gatherings. It holds well and everyone loves it. A salad and bread and you have a complete meal :D:D:D

Afternoon brunch or a fancy meal? Egg allergies??

Waffles/pancakes
Crepes - make ahead & warm up
French toast casserole (made ahead of time)
monkey bread
hash browns
Fresh fruit salad
breakfast pizza

I wouldn't even have a CLUE!!! I sure don't envy you. I don't have a clue what we're having for Easter lunch and dinner. LOL I absolutely HATE to cook and clean.

Since you are in CA where it is warm, maybe do a nice chef salad. You could put the basics out and put extras on the side for everyone to choose as they see fit. Kind of like a salad bar at home. Most salad things can easily be done the day before.

Im making reservations! No way am I making a big dinner for just 2 people, lol!

Why not make a turkey dinner with all the trimmings? Yum! It's good any time of year.

How about a la carte.....
....a platter of buns
....a platter of lunch meat
....a platter of sliced cheese
....a green bean casserole
....a cold noodle salad
....deviled eggs
....bbq beans
....pigs in a blanket
....nacho platter
....cupcakes
....quiche or 3
....relish tray
....chips and dips

....hope this may help..... :)

if you were near WV I would tell you to head to Tamarack for their easter buffet which is always fantastic - it's a ecca for all WV crafters (must pass a juried selection to display there) but they also have food prepared by chef's from the world famous Greenbrier hotel - anyway, the food is fantastic - maybe there is something similar near you and reservations sounds like the way to go for a time contrained group such as yours.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter- Not all of CA., is sunny and warm. The predicted high today is 39, right now it's 35 and a couple inches of snow is predicted. LOL

I have a wonderful chicken/pasta that I do for crowds or small groups...it freezers well and is very versitile as far as ingredients to make it as pretty and fancy or plain as you like. That with some fresh veggies and a salad and no one goes away hungry.

Our family does pot luck. We have 18-20, and it works out great.

Yep...I am in usually warm Bakersfield...today is 59 degrees and raining. April showers....and all that!! :-)

what about baked potatoes with all the fixings . . . anything goes. the basic toppings, then broccoli, tomatoes, green peas, red onions, etc. on and on, it can be a never-ending potato bar. a meal in one!

I am having 15 for Easter dinner. Ham, macaroni salad, 3 bean salad, deviled eggs, pork and beans, coleslaw, rolls, coconut cake. Everything but pork and beans can be made the day before...no stress when everyone comes. Just enjoying day with family and friends.

Coconut cake!!!!! Please share that recipe. LOL Pitifully enough I am so allergic to ham we can't have that. Everyone is making me hungry. Keep them coming. It is helping.

A huge Taco Salad bar is always fun as is a potato bar. We are having Hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, a veggie tray or two and desserts. Oh & chips & dips. There will be about 30 for ours.

My daughter hosts Easter Dinner and each year we have the traditional(for us) Rabbit! She serves mashed potatoes and gravy and of course carrots. We have develed eggs and chocolate pudding for desert. I know it sounds bizarre but we have a great sense of humor in our family!

ROFL Very unique. I haven't had rabbit/hare for years.

The tradition at my house is to have the first bbq of the year on Easter. We have bbq chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and deviled eggs.

I'm really looking forward to potato salad later this month!!

What about cornish hens? Those are very lovely when served and they are great for the holidays. I make them when I want something special.

Cheesy Potatoes...you can put that together the day before and refrigerate.

The baked potato bar is a great idea... we normally make a slow cooked or smoked pork butt, have red rice, black beans, and tortillas /salsas for tacos.

Our traditional Easter dinner is leg of lamb, fresh asperagus, oven roasted potatoes and strawberry shortcake. I can't remember too many Easters that that was not the fare. ♥♥

Rave Review Coconut Cheese Cake

1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 small pkg vanilla inst. pudding
1 1/3 c. water
4 eggs
1/4 c. oil
2 c. coconut

Bake 350 degrees for 30-35 mins. ( I usually use 13x9 pan)

Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

4T. margarine
2 c. coconut
1 8oz cream cheese
2 tsp milk
3 1/2 c. conf. sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

I don't use that much coconut. I buy the can of Bakers Coconut and divide between cake and frosting. Love coconut cake but found that 4 cups is a little too much for us. Hope you enjoy this cake. We do!

Thanks for the recipe. I might just not wait till Easter to try this. Hehehe Can you tell I am a coconut hollic?

It is sooo goood!! Only make it once a year...Easter. Hope you like it.

baked ham, loaded potatoes, 7 layer salad, 3 bean salad, rolls and red velvet cake

Leg of lamb is the traditional fare here. Usually they can be purchased pretty inexpensively from Sam's or the like.

Chicken or tuirkey enchiladas. Simple, easy, not financially burdensome and can be made ahead and frozen.

You could have a cook out. I think everyone likes hamburgers and or hot dogs.

How about a couple of pans of lasagna and nice batch of green beans or asparagus. A green or ceasar salad with a tray of deviled eggs and cup cakes decorated like Easter Baskets. Easy and cost effective

My suggestion would be a chicken pot pie or 2 depending on the size of your crowd and their appetites. You have your meat, veggies and bread all in one. Add a green or congealed salad and you are done. Great to make ahead of time-can even be frozen until ready to bake! This is always my "go to" for a crowd. Easy to make and easy on the wallet too!

Actually this had crossed my mind. You think it would be festive enough or just don't worry? I think all that are coming would enjoy chicken pot pie.

You might could add another cold salad like Pear Salad or maybe another vegetable that you know is a favorite if you think it looks like it is not enough-as far as festive-make your table decoration the focal point. If the food is good and the table is inviting-you have a great combination!

There are only 5 food groups in my house; eat out, take out, microwave, frozen or hubby cooks. We will probably go out for dinner, so much easier and no mess to clean up. Enjoy your Easter dinner.

I would say a nice turkey or roast chicken, too! You could make all the trimmings with it.....or my old standby, lasagna? Easy to prepare ahead of time, then pop in and heat up right before you eat?

We are doing the traditional ham, potato salad, corn casserole, deviled eggs and I think Pineapple upside down cake this year.