Belated Holiday, Slumber, and Brunch Party

Dinner Party Diaries – Volume 1: Issue 3

Life gets busy and we often don’t get to see as much of our friends and family as we would like, especially when people don’t live close by.  So when the calendar gods smile upon a certain day or couple of days that a quorum is available, I like to make it a dinner party / slumber party / brunch party.  This gives people more time to hang out without a long, late night drive looming over them as well as time the next day over breakfast / brunch.  From a party perspective it gives me a chance to plan not only dinner but brunch too, which is quite possibly my favorite meal of the day.  

I like to view these types of parties as marathons rather than sprints.  There will be a “dinner” but food is intended to be available on an on-going basis.  This presents a few challenges to keep in mind–keeping things warm or cold, prepping breakfast so that you don’t have to do this during the party, and of course dealing with all of the sleeping arrangements, amenities (towels, extra toiletries, etc.), dealing with dishes in between the end of night and morning brunch, resetting coffee in real time, having fridge space to hold all of your prepped items and put things away.  

Add to this one more little twist: My mom and aunts are coming to visit and go to a musical with us in the late morning / early afternoon.  Guests for the dinner / slumber / brunch party are due to arrive starting at 6:00 pm.  There is pretty much zero time in between, so everything needs to be ready to go before my mom and aunts arrive in addition to lunch munchies to serve to them.  So, it’s kind of like throwing 3 parties over the course of 2 days.  Fortunately, my other half is as all-in as I am, and we love a challenge.  

Oh and to toss in a couple more twists related to dietary restrictions, we’ve got the following restrictions scattered throughout the crowd: 

• Diabetes
• Gluten-Free
• Soy-Free
• Low-Carb / Keto
• Limited Fat
• No Tree Nuts
• No Peanuts
• No Coconut
• No Wheat
• No Buckwheat

What We’re Having

The Menu

Lunch Munchies

Ham, Cheese, and Monte Cristo Cream Sliders

Simple and fast to put together, these Monte Cristo Cream Sliders make a great snack, finger food, or heavy appetizer when you want to give your guests something tasty but are running short on time. Just be sure to provide plenty of napkins because these mini sandwiches will likely have your company licking their fingers.

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Chicken, Cheddar, and Ranch Sliders

Finger licking delicious, these Chicken, Cheddar, Ranch Sliders are sure to be a guest favorite. Plus they’re so easy to make, you may wind up making a second batch for yourself.

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Appetizers

Hot Dog Pull-Apart Rolls 2 Ways – BBQ Cheddar and Old School

Simple to put together, quick to bake, these Hot Dog Pull-Apart Rolls are the perfect hang out finger food or heavy appetizer. Be sure to make plenty, because they’ll go fast!

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• Stuffed Peppadew Peppers

Main Courses

Lamb Lollipops

Lamb Lollipops (a.k.a. Lamb chops) are a delicious dish that can look fancy (if you want to use a nice plating) but is super simple to prepare. Perfectly seasoned, seared, and done. You can dress them up or serve them casually. Either way, you’re sure to have a crowd favorite.

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Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Fajita Casserole

Full of flavor and slightly creamy this Chicken Fajita Casserole is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It also has the added benefit of keto friendly, gluten free, and safe for a number of other dietary restrictions. Try it for your next dinner party or weekly meal prep and you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

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Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic, Broccoli, and Mushroom Spaghetti Squash

A creamy garlic sauce coating a blend of broccoli, mushrooms, and spaghetti squash makes this Creamy Garlic, Broccoli, and Mushroom Spaghetti Squash a versatile side dish or a terrific vegetarian main course.

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Desserts

Keto Chocolate Coffee Mousse

I love this Chocolate Mousse because it feels decadent but is super simple to make. It can be served individually and dressed up with a berry and mint garnish for a coursed dinner or set out in a serving bowl with a big spoon for a buffet style gathering. Either way, it’s a winner.

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Breakfast

Keto French Toast Casserole

With a hint of maple and a little crunch of pecans, this Keto French Toast Casserole is a terrific make ahead brunch recipe that will have your overnight guests sticking around for seconds.

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Ham, Veggie, and Chevre Breakfast Scramble

This hearty Ham, Veggie, and Chevre Scramble is packed with flavor and makes a great breakfast for a crowd. Made with a variety of veggies, this dish also has the added benefit of being easy to adapt to accommodate several dietary restrictions.

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