Kitchen

[cookinfreak]

I'm kind of paranoid. I'd be afraid to pass a dish off as my own in case the taster thinks its bad. But also be careful about that. I have an intolerance to some preservatives in frozen entrees, and have reactions that include racing heart, rash and trouble breathing. But, what ever you decide to do, I hope you all have a great time!

cookin

[Yahooey]

you are hosting - which is a big job even if you didn't cook

so kudos to you!

enjoy the company - and if there are haters (judgers) bc of store bought items

phooey on them - i wouldn't lie about it

[kate2357]

Go for the dishes that are easy to transfer ... like the stuffed shells. Place shells in your serving dish, pour over sauce, top w/ parmesan and fresh chopped parsley. Plan 2 shells per guest - most will only take one, but who knows - and you can always freeze and have leftovers.

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Another side that's easily transferred are green salads or even antipasto salads. Just put into one of you serving dishes and garnish. W/ green salads, those large croutons are nice as is shredded cheese, shredded carrots, grape tomatoes.

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It's the garnishing that will allow you to make it yours. I typically garnish w/ an ingredient that is in the dish or at least compliments the dish. You want your garnish to be edible.

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Have fun. I think it's great and perfectly acceptable to bring in catered dishes and of course I would put them in my own serving dishes.

I am having 2 holiday events and they will be partially catered. When people say they like the food, I just say thank you, great to know.

[sunshine45]

not sure where you are getting them from, but sometimes you can take your own dish or serving pieces to them and they will fill them in your containers. it saves a lot of waste also. ask them if they will do that for you.

[JohnnyWasnt]

@qvc chick- the only way I could pass that food off as my own (and convince my dinner guests) would be to put it in the oven and burn it! (Sad, but true!)

Either way, I'm sure your guests will love it.

[qvc chick]

But if you have stuffed shells or lasagna - How would you transfer that to your own serving dishes without messing it up?? That’s my question.
And it’s not so much I am trying to pass food off as my own, I go thru a lot of trouble to make a beautiful setting…I do not want to use the tin foil trays they serve it in

[Love my grandkids]

@RetRNNo need to 'be honest". She can just say it's a secret family recipe. Not everything has to be told. It's only food, not a state secret.

[Sooner]

@qvc chickIf I weren't being honest about it, I wouldn't serve it whether I made it or not.

With today's food allergies and issues it would be a terrible idea and unfair to guests. Me? If it has artificial sweetener, I've got a terrible migraine and can be very ill very suddenly. Others have issues too so please be honest and keep the lables if people need to see them.

No point is being ashamed of something you are serving. I hope you have a great time!

[RedTop]

@qvc chick

Cut the lasagna in serving size pieces and transfer to your baking dish.

[ECBG]

I think the best way to serve 8-10 is buffet style. When chairs are close together, it's hard to serve yourself, not to mention how the dishes with food crowd the table.

I have a delicious "Italian" casserole that can be made the day before. It's always a winner.