Feeling overwhelmed about what to feed your overnight guests? These pro tips and delicious recipes will eliminate the stress and ensure that you and your guests have an amazing visit!
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know hosting is one of my favorite things to do. I’ve loved it ever since I was a little girl. However, hosting overnight guests used to stress me out a little. I always had a hard time figuring out what to serve for meals. My major concerns were pleasing all of the palates and time. Over the years, I’ve come up with several crowd-pleasing recipes that are quick and easy. I’ve gathered them all here to help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your friends and family.
I like to make at least one breakfast/brunch for my guests depending on the length of the visit. For the rest of the visit, I let everyone help themselves.
Breakfast Items to Have on Hand
- Yogurt
- Fresh Fruit
- Homemade Granola
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Quick Bread/Muffins – Lemon Blueberry Bread, Whole Wheat Banana Bread, Chocolate Banana Muffins, Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
I usually make quick bread/muffins, hard boiled eggs, and my homemade granola before everyone arrives. The bread/muffins can be made a week or so ahead of time and stored in the freezer. The granola can be made several days in advance, and I make hard boiled eggs the night before or the morning of arrival.
One of my favorite ways to serve meals is to create food boards and bars. They are easy to put together, there is always something for everyone, and they look amazing. A bagel bar or pancake board are my faves for breakfast.
- This bagel bar was created by my friend and SGM community member, Karen. She used the tips and printable from my bagel bar post.
These Fluffy Whole Wheat Pancakes or Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes are perfect for the pancake bar. My Homemade Bagels require only a few ingredients and can be made in the oven or air fryer. Make extra pancakes and bagels to have on hand for help yourself breakfasts.
Some other favorite breakfast recipes include Whole Wheat Dutch Baby, One-Skillet Shakshuka, and No-Bake Fruit and Yogurt Tart.
Lunch is every man for themselves around here. I often make soup or chili and/or Easy Slow Cooker Chicken in advance. The chicken can be added to salads, used for sandwiches, or made into the Best Healthy Chicken Salad. You could also use the hard boiled eggs to make Easy Classic Egg Salad. Leftovers from the previous night’s dinner are also a good option.
Lunch Items to Have on Hand
- Bread
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Variety of Cut up Veggies
- Hummus
- Nuts
You can’t go wrong with food boards and bars for dinner. The possibilities are endless. This Epic Chili Bar is one of my most popular blog posts. It’s my go-to when we have guests during football season.
When my kids visit, they always request Greek Nachos paired with this amazing Chicken Souvlaki.
Everyone loves tacos! This Taco Board post has great tips and a recipe for a delicious avocado cilantro lime sauce.
Some of my other go-to’s are slow cooker meals, salads paired with grilled meat, and pasta dishes. They are all easy to put together and give you plenty of time to spend with your people!
Slow cooker meals are amazing for days when you will be out sightseeing with your guests. Just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and dinner is ready when you get home. Try this Chicken Cacciatore or this Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Autumn Apple and Pecan Salad and Roasted Delicata Squash salad are perfect in the fall and winter. Mixed Berry and Goat Cheese Salad and Shrimp Mango Avocado Salad are refreshing in the spring and summer.
Three Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups are awesome because you can assemble ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Veggie Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts is another family favorite.
I hope you saved room for dessert because I have a few of those for you as well. Homemade Peanut Butter Cups, Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies can all be made prior to your guests’ arrival.
Apple Crisp, Peach Blueberry Crisp, and Chocolate Lava Cakes can be assembled earlier in the day and put in the oven when dinner is served.
I hope these tips and recipes will help to eliminate the stress of providing meals for your overnight guests. Gathering around the table and spending time together with family and friends is more important than the food on the table. “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
If you make any of the recipes or use any of these tips, be sure to let me know. Also, let me know if you have any questions. You can leave a comment and/or a rating below, and be sure to tag me on Instagram. I love hearing from you and seeing your creations!
You might also like these hospitality tips and printables.
15 Essential for Creating a Welcoming Guest Room
How to Get Your Guest Room Holiday Ready
