• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Mom's Dinner
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Instant Pot
    • All Instant Pot Recipes
    • Instant Pot Soup
    • Instant Pot Beef
    • Instant Pot Chicken
    • Instant Pot Pork
    • Instant Pot Turkey
    • Instant Pot Pasta
    • Instant Pot Vegetarian
  • Dinner
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Mexican
    • Pasta
    • Vegetarian
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Instant Pot
  • Dinner
  • Podcast
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • Dinner
    • Podcast
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    You are here: Home / Recipes / Dinner

    Easy Meals for House Guests

    Published: Dec 11, 2018 · Modified: Aug 23, 2022 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links. 24 Comments

    • Share
    • Email

    Whether it is for the holidays or just a long weekend, there will be a time when you have a house full of guests. A big part of preparing for those guests is meal planning.

    What am I going to feed all those people!?

    blue house with a black and white door and a blue bike leaning on a fence

    Well, let me help you know what to feed your house guests with a few practical tips, menus and recipes.

    Let’s Get Started!

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Tips for Feeding House Guest
    2 How to Start Planning for House Guests
    3 Meal Ideas for House Guests, with Recipes
    4 Breakfast
    5 Lunch
    6 Dinner
    7 Happy Hour Drinks!
    8 Something Sweet

    Tips for Feeding House Guest

    Do not get overwhelmed, taking it step by step and making a plan will make this so much easier. Here are a few tips when planning meals for your guests:

    1. Plan ahead for each meal- this way you will not wake up in the morning and realize that you only planned for dinners and you have nothing but Cheerios without milk, and coffee for breakfast.
    2. Make a detailed grocery list for each meal and snacks… nobody wants to make last minute trips to the grocery store!
    3. Plan for 50/50, at least for some of the meals, 50% store bought items and 50% homemade (hopefully some can be made ahead).
    4. Plan at least one meal out, especially if your guests are staying for a  long time.
    5. Make what you can ahead of time.
    6. When your guests ask what they can bring, don’t say “nothing!”. Even if it is a snack, dessert, wine, or a specialty cocktail, accept the help.
    wooden dinner table set with white plates and blue napkins, with a white table runner and greenery and candles

    How to Start Planning for House Guests

    First, plan for how many meals your guests will be staying with you. Then, if there are any special events when you will be eating out, remove those from your list.

    Next, go thru and plan what you will have for each meal. Try to plan a few easy things that can be made ahead, some things that can be store-bought that do not require any prep, and the rest homemade. Make sure to include any snacks that you will want to have in the house during their stay. Also, if this is an adult occasion, think about drinks too.

    writing a list with a pen and a cup of coffee

    Then, make grocery lists that are extremely detailed. Go thru each recipe and write down all the items you need to purchase that you do not already have. Make sure to add those snacks and drinks!

    Now, head to the grocery store completely prepared and armed with your list!

    wooden baskets full of produce

    Meal Ideas for House Guests, with Recipes

    Here are a few recipes and meal ideas to make planning for and having house guests a breeze!

    SAVE THIS LIST FOR LATER, PIN IT HERE

    Easy Meals for House Guests Pin Image

    Breakfast

    Breakfast starts the day. Please do not forget that your guests will be hungry in the morning! And that they will want coffee…always coffee.

    Breakfast #1 Make Ahead

    • Sausage Egg Cups or Overnight Breakfast Casserole (make ahead)
    • Vanilla Yogurt with Granola
    • Morning Glory Muffins or Cranberry Orange Muffins (make ahead)
    • Fresh Fruit
    • Coffee (with half and half and sugar available)

    Breakfast #2 Fast

    • Company Oatmeal (15 minutes)
    • Bacon
    • Banana Bread Muffins OR Morning Glory Muffins (make ahead)
    • Store Bought Pastries
    • Coffee (with half and half and sugar available)

    coffee in a white cup on a wooden table, coffee accessories in the background

    Breakfast #3 Big Breakfast

    • Scrambled Eggs
    • Overnight Caramel French Toast Casserole (make ahead)
    • Sausage Links
    • Fresh Fruit
    • Coffee (with half and half and sugar available)

    Breakfast #4 In the Kitchen

    • Homemade Fluffy Pancakes
    • Sausage Patties
    • Fresh Fruit
    • Coffee (with half and half and sugar available)
    More Breakfast Recipes

    Lunch

    Lunch is a tough one, I usually don’t recommend planning for lunches unless it is the main event. A lot of times I find that lunch gets lost in the scramble of the day OR everyone sleeps in and has a late breakfast. Lunch is usually best planned out.

    However, if you feel like you should have lunch for your guests, here are some really easy options:

    Two bowls of Classic Chili with green onions

    Lunch #1 Sandwiches

    • Hot Artichoke Chicken Salad Sandwiches (just use rotisserie chicken for ease)
    • Sweet Potato Chips
    • Grapes or any in-season fruit

    Lunch #2 Instant Pot

    • Instant Pot Beef & Barley Soup OR Creamy Red Potato Soup OR find one of the many soup recipes on Mom’s Dinner! (make ahead or quick lunch)
    • Warm Baguette
    • Kale Salad (store bought)

    Lunch #3 Healthy

    • Grilled Buttermilk Chicken (grill chicken a couple days ahead) OR Egg Salad
    • Kettle Chips or Terra Vegetable Chips
    • Green Salad (store bought)

    Lunch #4 Skillet

    • Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet
    • Warm Crusty Bread (store bought)

    Lunch #5 Make Ahead

    • Chili, Turkey Chili OR Instant Pot Chili (make ahead)
    • Indulgent Cinnamon Buns OR Sweet Corn Muffins (both make ahead)
    • Veggie Tray with Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip (make ahead)

    Dinner

    Dinner tends to be the main event, where you will spend the most time, energy, and money. I definitely like to have a homemade dinner, however if you are entertaining guests for a long time do not be afraid to bring in take-out, suggest one dinner out, or do a 50% take out/50% homemade dinner.

    dinner table with a lot of glassware and a white plate with salad and a piece of fish

    Dinner #1 Take-Out BBQ

    • Pulled Pork from your favorite BBQ Restaurant (or you could make Instant Pot BBQ Pork or BBQ Chicken ahead)
    • Buns, Pickles, BBQ Sauce
    • Corn Casserole or Homemade Creamed Corn (both make ahead)
    • Raspberry Jello Fluff (make ahead)
    • Cheesy Potato Casserole

    Dinner #2 Instant Pot

    • Italian Meatballs (or Instant Pot Version) OR Instant Pot Turkey Meatballs (all make ahead)
    • Spaghetti
    • Garlic Green Beans
    • Caesar Salad (store bought)
    • Garlic Bread (store bought)

    Dinner #3 Simple Dutch Oven Dinner

    • Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Roast
    • Cranberry Kale Salad (store bought)
    • Warm Ciabatta Bread & Butter

    Dinner #4 Holiday

    • Ham with Glaze
    • Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes OR Cheesy Potato Casserole
    • Oven Roasted Asparagus
    • Raspberry Jello Salad (make ahead)
    • Broccoli Bacon Salad (make ahead)
    • Rolls & Butter

    Dinner #5 Holiday Part 2

    • Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
    • Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes (or the Instant Pot version)
    • Gravy (make ahead)
    • Sausage Stuffing or Traditional Stuffing (make ahead)
    • Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
    • Cranberries (make ahead)
    • Rolls & Butter (store bought)

    Dinner #6 Healthy BBQ Grill

    • Grilled Buttermilk Chicken OR Mango BBQ chicken kabobs
    • Oven Roasted Asparagus or Oven Roasted Broccoli
    • Garlic Couscous (store bought)
    a table with white place settings and green garland

    Dinner #7 Casual Soup & Sandwich

    • 5 Minute Tomato Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons
    • Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

    Dinner #8 Grilled Burgers & Fries

    • Bacon Jam & Blue Cheese Burgers (make bacon jam ahead) OR Grilled Pork Burgers with Garlic Cream Sauce (make sauce ahead) OR Perfect Grilled Burgers
    • Sweet Potato Fries
    • Grilled Vegetable Skewers (peppers, onion, zucchini, mushrooms)

    Dinner #9 Simple Soup for a Crowd

    • Chicken Noodle Soup & Creamy Red Potato Soup (make both ahead)
    • Crackers & Cheese Slices
    • Tea Buns with Ham & Turkey, Mustard, and Mayonnaise

    Dinner #10 Italian

    • Traditional Lasagna OR Veggie Lasagna OR Italian Meatloaf
    • Caesar Salad (store bought)
    • Garlic Green Beans
    • Garlic Bread (store bought)

    Dinner #11 Mexican

    • My Favorite Chicken Enchiladas OR Chicken Enchilada Suiza
    • Chips & Restaurant Style Salsa (make ahead)
    • 15 Minute Refried Beans
    • Mexican Rice
    • Optional – Fresh Pineapple with Citrus Herb Glaze (make ahead)
    • Pineapple Margaritas

    Dinner #12 Mexican Part 2

    • Shredded Barbacoa Beef (make ahead) OR Grilled Steak Tacos
    • small flour tortillas (store bought)
    • taco toppings you love (store bought)
    • Guacamole, Pico De Gallo and Tomatillo Salsa (all make ahead)
    • Refried Beans
    • Mexican Rice
    • Margaritas

    Dinner #13 Cajun Instant Pot

    • Instant Pot Cajun Rice with Chicken & Sausage
    • Green Lettuce Salad with Vinaigrette
    • Best Ever Cornbread Or Sweet Cornbread Muffins (make ahead)

    Dinner #14 Dinner Party

    • Crispy Chicken with Goat Cheese
    • Oven Roasted Asparagus
    • Rice Pilaf (store bought)
    • Warm Ciabatta Bread with a dish of extra virgin olive oil seasoned with basil, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes

    Dinner #15 Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

    • Fried Chicken from a restaurant or local grocery store
    • 2-Minute Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce (make ahead)
    • Cole Slaw (store bought)
    • Cheesy Potato Casserole
    • Jiffy Corn Casserole (make ahead)
    • Best Ever Corn Bread and honey (make ahead, and make extra to serve for breakfast with maple syrup)
    More Dinner Recipes

    Happy Hour Drinks!

    Drinks can be just as important as food, especially if you are entertaining adults.

    Make sure your bar is stocked. Here are some things I have found are the very basic bare essentials: red wine, good silver tequila, vodka, gin and whiskey, club soda, tonic water, soda (ex. Coke), olives, lemons, limes and oranges.

    Of course stock your bar with more exciting things if you want to make fun cocktails, like: Cointreau, simple syrup or agave, bitters, brandied cherries, juices, jalapeno slices, liqueurs like amaretto, and vermouth, etc….

    meat and cheese tray with rose wine being poured in a glass
    • Big Batch Grapefruit Margaritas
    • Margarita on the Rocks
    • Pineapple Margarita
    • Jalapeno Tequila (make ahead)
    • Red Wine Winter Sangria (make ahead)
    • Jalapeno Tequila Mule – aka Mexican Mule
    • Raspberry Vodka Soda
    • Rosemary Paloma or Classic Paloma
    More Cocktail Recipes

    Something Sweet

    Dessert is the only thing they will remember, some say. All of these options can be made ahead:

    Thin Mint cookies in a loaf pan
    • Scotcheroos
    • Thin Mint Cookies
    • Apple Pie Bars
    • Cherry Pie Bars
    • Peanut Butter Chocolate Star Cookies
    • Cookies & Cream Key Lime Ice Cream
    • Triple Berry Cobbler
    • Homemade Chocolate Sheet Cake with Chocolate Frosting
    • Salted Caramel Blondies
    • Easy Hot Cocoa Cookies
    • Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
    More Dessert Recipes

    I hope these tips and menus help you host and feed your house guests with ease!

    Love- Susie

    More Mom's Dinner Recipes to Love

    • Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
    • 30+ Sunday Family Dinner Ideas (by season!)
    • 30+ Easy Back To School Dinner Ideas
    • 30 Easy Meals for a Large Group on Vacation
    • Share
    • Email

    About Susie Weinrich

    Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      We would love to have you comment & rate the recipe! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Linda

      December 04, 2022 at 8:48 am

      Great ideas!!! All of my memories are of homemade Holiday meals with the women in the kitchen, the men in the living room, and the children outside playing. Now that I am 75, all of our older family members are gone, our siblings don’t want to share holidays, and our son and his girlfriend come to eat, but help only when asked then disappear to text until another request is made. (The girlfriend takes pictures of the food to send to friends!) I am now purchasing most items for the main meal, simplifying the menus, making a few items ahead, and making specific requests for items they can bring. I like to have time to sit down and enjoy their company, too! One suggestion for your readers — Make sure you have extras of basic items like milk, eggs, juice, sandwich makings, and ingredients for a few simple substitutes (just in case).

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich

        December 04, 2022 at 8:54 am

        I love this Linda! I also remember the days of 100% Homemade Holidays. ALL the women in the kitchen and the men & children in the living room or outside. There was something special about the women bonding in the kitchen for sure. I guess an era that has past.
        …and you are right, the bonus of doing things a little different and having a semi-homemade holiday is that you get to spend more time with the ones you love. As one of the primary hosts for Holidays now, I love that part.
        Happy Holidays to you and your family!

        Reply
    2. Arleen

      November 14, 2022 at 4:34 am

      This is SO helpful! I do not love to cook, so having a number of make ahead options will make everything much easier. Planning in advance, who knew?! 😉

      Reply
    3. Melissa

      November 06, 2022 at 9:15 am

      This list is fantastic! So glad to have recipes that are regular food that most people will like, and a sane plan to feed guests for a week. Thank you!

      Reply
    4. C. Stanley

      September 06, 2022 at 6:39 am

      Plan to make the breakfast muffins for sure. Great tips. The first thing I do these days is ask guests what they would like as special requests since I will be stocking the house with something anyway and I would prefer to buy things they like and will eat. I always ask if there are things they can not eat. Gluten, Meat, Nuts, etc. They always say no go to any trouble. I have to urge them on a bit by saying I love to cook and it let’s me fulfill a dream of running by own Bed & Breakfast. It never fails they open up. Then I find out they can’t or will not eat nuts, red meat, pork, etc. or caffeine. They are usually touched that I cared enough to ask.

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich

        September 06, 2022 at 9:29 am

        Love this… yes people will usually say don’t go to any trouble (unless there are real allergies present), but saying they will fulfill YOUR dream of owning a bed and breakfast is perfect!

        Reply
    5. Aly

      July 07, 2022 at 9:24 pm

      Awesome ideas! I’ve been stressing about upcoming guests, this will make it so much easier. Thank you!

      Reply
    6. Lindsay

      June 16, 2022 at 9:11 pm

      This is one of the most helpful resources I’ve ever come across! Thank you for putting so much thought into this. Other websites only share the fanciest, most elaborate recipes for guests and it’s so nice to be reminded I could make spaghetti!

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich

        June 17, 2022 at 7:28 am

        Exactly why I made this. I’m glad it helped you. (Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!)

        Reply
    7. Kathy

      February 26, 2022 at 9:01 am

      This was very helpful! Getting ready to travel and needed a casual meal to plan the night before to include two overnight guests. We’re doing the soup and sandwich meal; simple yet satisfying.

      Reply
      • Kathy

        February 26, 2022 at 9:09 am

        Would prefer to use my first name only…unable to edit after posting!

        Reply
        • Susie Weinrich

          February 26, 2022 at 11:10 am

          I changed it for you : ) So glad this helped you plan your meals!!

    8. Gaby

      October 07, 2021 at 5:47 am

      Great tips. It seems that planning is critical. When I have guests, it is so difficult for me to focus on what to cook for them. I get so nervous that I have even forgotten to pull out dishes that I prepared ahead of time for them. Thank you for this article. I wish I could try the recipes ahead of time to make sure they are fools proof. I have one question about making ahead dishes! How do you store them to keep them fresh and forgo long? Also, if you freeze, how do you unfreeze it! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich

        October 07, 2021 at 8:32 am

        So glad this helped you!! Do you have a specific dishes that you are wondering about making ahead/freezing etc…? I am happy to help!!! You can also email me for help any time – Susie@momsdinner.net

        Reply
    9. Diana

      September 06, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      You have some great suggestions here! I wish I’d found your article earlier. I would also love some tips on keeping the house and especially kitchen clean while guests are staying over. It seems like all I do during the day is prep for meals, eat, and clean up after meals, and then start all over again. This happens even when I have great guests who help. But I have guests to don’t help, it’s even worse.

      Reply
      • Susie

        September 07, 2020 at 11:03 am

        I hear you!! It is definitely not easy breezy having guests. Although I don’t make it a habit of using disposables, if you have a house full of guests make things as easy as you can on yourself… paper plates/bowls when appropriate (lunch and casual breakfast), disposable pans for food prep and easy clean up. The dollar store is an amazing place to get affordable disposable/foil baking dishes. Have everything prepped in those pans so they can just be tossed or recycled after dinner! If people ask to help.. give them a specific task so they can feel helpful (ask them to pour more wine, dry dishes, pack up leftovers), then have great covo while they help.

        Reply
    10. Silvia

      March 03, 2020 at 11:32 am

      This is amazing. Thank you so much

      Reply
    11. Carmen Gregory

      December 30, 2019 at 8:34 am

      I wish I would have found you before my guests came last week. I will come back here regularly when I’m anticipating guest. I am looking forward to trying your recipes, they look great. Thank you

      Reply
      • Susie

        December 30, 2019 at 9:56 am

        That is wonderful- I hope it helps you feed your house guests in the future. Definitely stick around and check out some other recipes!

        Reply
    12. Sandea

      December 27, 2019 at 9:51 pm

      Thank you! I am panicking over here as I have guests for the week and have drawn a blank on what to cook. They are foodies and these recipes look great!

      Reply
      • Susie

        December 28, 2019 at 10:01 am

        So glad this is going to help you!!!

        Reply
    13. Jina Ezell

      November 18, 2019 at 1:03 am

      Between the two cousin’s families and my six children and families, Thanksgiving week is CRAZY to say the least. Your options here have been a life and time saver!! Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Susie

        November 18, 2019 at 6:55 am

        THAT IS SO NICE!!!!!!! Thank you so much for commenting and letting me know. That is EXACTLY why I created this list. Would you mind if I put your comment on facebook? I can leave your name out.

        Reply
    14. Supriya Kutty

      October 14, 2019 at 12:02 am

      There always arises a big tension when you come to know that you have guests coming over, this is because you don’t know what to cook for them, but this post makes our work so simple as you have shared the entire recipe with us, I am surely trying maximum recipes as soon as possible and try and taste it.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    susie in the kitchen with a camera and a board of food

    Hi, I’m Susie, the Mom at Mom’s Dinner! Here you will find simple dinner recipes (and more) that are made with easy to find ingredients. Read More…

    NEED QUICK DINNER IDEAS? CHECK OUT THE PODCAST!

    mom's dinner featured in these places, buzzfeed, foodgawker, food yub, fridgg

    Helpful Meal Resources

    • Easy Meals for House Guests
    • 30 Easy Meals for a Large Group on Vacation
    • 30+ Sunday Family Dinner Ideas (by season!)

    New Recipes

    • Four Great Ways to Cook Haricot Verts
    • Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe
    • Cinnamon Toast Crunch Drink
    • Softest Peanut Butter Crinkle Cookies
    • RumChata Root Beer Cocktail
    • Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

    Cozy Soup Season

    • Beef Stew with Red Wine
    • Creamy Red Potato Soup
    • Instant Pot Beef & Barley Stew
    • Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
    • Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup
    • Damn Good Instant Pot Chili
    All Soup Recipes

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Susie Weinrich
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter & Contact

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Contact Me!

    Recipes

    • Recipe By Category
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes

    Copyright © 2022 Mom's Dinner