I'd skip the crudites and sub a green salad or some sort...maybe a bibb lettuce with a simple vinaigrette or a creamy 0parmesan dressing. All can be done ahead but for dressing the salad.
Will the chicken be served hot or cold? In the interest of doing stuff ahead...I might think of a salad of grilled chicken.
then all you would need to do is dish everything up...sounds lovely...
Linda C

I like Linda C's idea of a green salad. Other than that I think your menu sounds very good. I would probably add mimosas or white wine. LOL.

I like exactly what you have posted but would add some layered fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.

Unfortunately, tomatoes are awful right now, but the lettuce is lovely! That's a great idea and I will do that. Hubs asked for home-made baguettes so I will do that too.

Right now I'm manicuring the garden. Thank heavens it's small!

It always helps to get other ideas! Thanks!

Heck, I'd be happy with the fruit salad, the shrimp and the brownies!

I agree, though, a green salad would be very nice in place of the celery and carrot sticks, especially if your lettuce and salad greens are nice.

If you plan to add anything, I'd either make ice cream to go with the brownies (if it's going to be hot there) or a pitcher of Sangria with your lovely fresh citrus.

Annie

Wine is an assumed with these guests! Hubs and I are just debating what type and color. Half drink only white and the other half only red.

That's easy then....serve both! I would make it a fairly light young red so it doesn't overpower the shrimp and chicken....but then red wine and brownies is one of my favorite things!
Linda C

Lovely menu Beach, I too would sub a nice tossed salad for the celery and carrots but I'd still serve olives.

You said Canadian friends....where are they from?

Yep, we will serve both! The friends are from Ontario. We have visited them and they treated us like royalty!

Not cole slaw, but a very popular slaw in my groups. You can make Napa Slaw head of time and quickly assemble before serving. Have fun!

Napa Coleslaw

NOODLE MIX
3 packages original flavor Ramen noodles -- crushed
4 tbls black sesame seeds
8 oz sliced almonds
½ stick melted butter

THE DRESSING
1 c. peanut oil
2 tsp. soy sauce
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. rice vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 flavor packets from the Raman noodles

THE ASSEMBLY
Napa cabbage (Bok Choy) Â shred entire head for a party
1 bunch green onions  thinly sliced
The Noodle Mix
The Dressing

FOR NOODLE MIX: Combine to coat with butter and heat in 300F oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, watching that the mixture does not get too brown. Cool. It keeps well in a zip-lock.

FOR THE DRESSING: Combine and blend well. I use the stick blender.

FOR THE ASSEMBLY: Make all components separately the day before. When ready to serve, combine cabbage, dressing, and noodle mix and toss.

OPTION: Grilled chicken can be added to the salad to make a main course.

That's where I live. What part of Ontario?

I'd serve coffee with hazelnut liqueur in it with the brownies! Or hazelnut syrup or hazenlunt flavored coffee if driving is an issue. Or just make the brownies with toasted hazelnuts.

Chase, one couple lives in Kitchener and the other is in Simco.

Very, very close to me. I live in Oakville. I'm sure they are going to enjoy their visit and certainly their lunch.