Informal company coming: presentation for baked pasta dish?!
Answers: I want to serve a baked pasta dish tonight, and salad, to 8 people including kids and adults. How do I serve this? Plate the pasta in the kitchen and serve salads as a 2nd course? The recipe sounds delicious but I'm worried we'll have piles or mounds of unassembled pasta - not pretty. Should I choose a different menu? :)
You didn't mention what the pasta dish is, but I'm thinking that you can either dish the pasta up on each plate (good if you're serving baked ziti or lasagne) and serve the salad at the table along with your french bread. If the pasta requires placing sauce on top of the pasta and having something like meatballs or sausages, then bring out a large platter and place the pasta first, sauce second, and meatballs and sausages on top. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
If it is really informal, you could serve it buffet style and let guests fix their own plate. Serve the salad and some garlic bread right along side and just sit back and relax.
Enjoy...Good luck!
Serve the salad and excuse yourself to the kitchen to plate up the dinner. No worries =)