Actually, I don't think I want to do roasted chicken. It always stresses me out when I have to carve meat off a bone with people watching/waiting. I feel like I take forever.
Maybe I'll do chicken francese. That's really yummy and easy, but looks fancy.
but that is weird to serve with lamb.....
Roast chicken is probably your best bet. 90% of people like it and it's pretty much guaranteed not to hurt temperamental stomachs. The biggest mistake I've made with "adult" (are we adults? I don't consider myself one!) dinner parties is making too many things. It's too stressful and there's always too many last minute details - I already feel stressed about people judging my home, I don't need to worry about burning the quiche at the same time.
The last time we had people over, however, I served 2 bottles of wine (1 red, 1 white, paired with the meal in my opinion), salad as an appetizer (to avoid awkward cocktail conversation), chicken I'd made the day before and 2 simple sides: steamed green beans tossed with garlic and olive oil, and roasted potatoes I'd made the day before. I bought a cake and pre-cut fruit for dessert. I think the simpler the better. Don't give your guests a plethora of options, just give them one really good one.
Good tips, so I'll scratch the lamb. (Austin wanted me to make it, but I think some people have a problem with it....:::Cough cough:: juicymango::
so, I'll stick with the chicken.
How did you make the chicken the day before?? And how did you reheat it?
It was chicken cacciatore. I kept the chicken pieces really thick, browned them on a really high heat for only a minute or so, then did the wine/peppers/onions/mushrooms tomatoes. I cooled it all off, refrigerated it, then put warmed it all in a big dutch oven while everyone was eating salad. I think it worked out pretty well. Red potatoes re-roasted are great too; everyone said they couldn't tell I'd made them the day before.