Shabbos menu with guests

[mamamoomoo]

I had a Shabbos menu all planned and partially cooked, and then I got a call from a seminary asking me to host 2 girls for shaleshudes, the third shabbos meal, which we usually make very small and eat the barest minimum just in order to fulfill the obligation of three meals for shabbos. So I needed to make more food. Here is my (hopefully final)

Comments

[mamamoomoo]

Also keep in mind two things:
I'm not 9 months pregnant.
And I happen to LOVE making a varied food. Preparing foods is my hobby and my husband can only eat so much, so i use guests as an excuse.
Also, I once had guests and I didn't go all out. One time she came over on a friday afternoon and I was making stuffed zucchini for us and she asked "Why didn't you make stuffed zucchini when I was a guest?" I was a little taken aback by her forthrightness, but a discussion ensued and we discussed how when someone goes all out for a guest, it really makes them feel welcomed and wanted. I hadn't realized that until I thought about it that way, but I realize now that I'd want someone to go all out for me and show me that they are happy to have me as a guest.
Additionally, i was once at someone's house for shabbos and they had no selection for the meal and i didnt like the one food they served and i had nothing to eat. I'm not a big bread/challah eater, so i wanted to have another starch available if the guests are not challah eaters, and another protein aside for tuna just in case the guests don't like tuna and because i dont like serving too much tuna cuz it isnt cheap.
I don't like chumus and dont like challah, so if i was served only that as a guest, i'd leave hungry...

[trempnvt]

Usually I assume that people aren't too hungry when it's time to eat seuda shlishit, unless it's during the summer--if it's during the summer then I'll usually make more stuff. But if I ever have you over I'll make sure to have a variety! :)