First, some questions. How many people will be attending? Will it stretch though supper time? (I'm assuming so, due to the main dish requirements). What are your kitchen facilities, i.e. do you have access to a full kitchen with refrigeration and stoves/ovens? Will the appetizers be served earlier, with the cocktails or right before the meal? If they are served earlier, you may want them to be more substantial. Will there be someone to cook the meal right there, or will it have to be prepared in advance and reheated? All those things in mind, a beef tenderloin, cooked and sliced thinly, is always impressive and those who like the more well done portions can, in some cases, eat the end pieces. Salmon is quick and relatively simple to prepare but still impressive and can even be served cold, or wrapped in pastry or parchment for individual servings. Cathy/Mustang's Arugula Salad with Figs and Proscuitto is delicious, I don't even care for green salad and I like it, although I make it with baby spinach in place of the arugula: Arugula Salad with Figs, Prosciutto, Walnuts, and Parmesan 4 tbls olive oil 2 oz thinly sliced prosciutto cut into strips 1 tbls raspberry jam 3 tbls fig balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup dried figs, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces 1 tbls finely chopped shallot 5 cups baby arugula 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted 2 oz Parmesan, shaved into thin strips 1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 10 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat; add prosciutto and fry until crisp, stirring frequently for about 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel to drain and cool. 2. Whisk jam and vinegar in medium microwave-safe bowl; stir in figs. Cover with plastic wrap, cut several steam vents in plastic and microwave on high until figs are plump, about 45 seconds. Whisk in 3 tablespoons oil, shallots, 1/4 tsp salt; toss to combine. Let cool to room temperature. 3. Toss arugula and vinaigrette in large bowl; adjust seasonings with salt. Divide salad among individual plates; top with portion of prosciutto, walnuts, and Parmesan. OK, let's see, individual lamb chop "lollipops" would be good, although many people don't care much for lamb. So, do you have any preferences? Things that are off the menu entirely? Who is cooking? If it's you, you may want to do some ahead of time so you can enjoy the party. Have fun! Annie

Just another idea. If a cold chicken salad would be okay, this one is fabulous! Chicken Salad Ina Garten (posted 8/09 by Annova) 2 split (1 whole) chicken breasts, bone in, skin on (1-1/2 lbs) Good olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup pecan halves 1/2 cup walnut halves 1/2 cup good mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 1 Tbsp chopped fresh tarragon leaves, divided 1 cup green grapes, cut in 1/2 Lettuce leaves, for serving Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place chicken breasts, skin side up, on a baking sheet and rub them with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Set aside until cool. When the chicken is cool, remove meat from the bones and discard the skin and bones. Cut the chicken into a 3/4" dice. Meanwhile, place the pecans and walnuts on a separate sheet pan and toast in the oven for 7 to 8 minutes until golden. Set aside to cool. For the dressing, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, 2 teaspoons* salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Fold in half the chopped tarragon leaves. Place the diced chicken in a bowl, add the pecans, walnuts and grapes. Pour the dressing over the chicken and toss well. Sprinkle the remaining chopped taragon leaves on top and serve on a bed of lettuce leaves. Annova's note: *Be careful with the salt. Some people think this is way too much. I added whatever I thought I needed as I went along. Linda

Thanks for sharing this. What a talented, creative bunch your students are!

I personally wouldn't get too caught up in a theme. Just prepare it from a mother to her daughter - a mothers perspective. Write how you felt about her at that point in time or what she was like at a certain age or during a certain activity. She will really appreciate just knowing what she was like so that she can compare her child's activities at the same age. Also just hearing how you felt about her will be a real treasure. Good luck