Cooking for guests...

Well it depends on my mood, the occassion and the guests that I have. But mostly, I just prepare for the main course and the dessert.

For me it would depend on how formal the dinner would be. If it is just a informal gathering of friends i usually just offer a few appetizers as starters. sometimes just something like a nice vegetable tray with some dip, with cheese and crackers. and then a good meal

If we are having a barbecue, I will have a few different kinds of chips,and dip. or a veggie tray with dip. before the meal.

Desserts i have found that i usually have most of it left and it usually gets thrown away.

My opinion is that a light appetizer is always good to start with, for your guests to start with, before a meal

It depends on the kind of guests I have.
It also depends on the time of serving.i.e, breakfast, lunch or dinner.
But whatever the time is, my main aim would be to ensure that they enjoy the food.
I normally take care not to try any new things on them!!lol!!
But, to me, the best option would be to stuff the meal with lot of Fresh Fruits and Fresh Green Salads.
This way, whatever kind of taste the guest is interested in, he will enjoy the items I have served

I love having guests for a meal:-) What I usually do is to make a main meal, and then have a dessert that goes with it. I almost never do a 3 course meal. Lots of times I'll do a roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, a veg. and some bread or rolls. In the family I grew up in we always had a dessert when guests came, so I continue the tradition.