Contemporary entertaining at home requires flexibility given the array of dining preferences that have surfaced as medical advances can quickly identify allergies and the individual effects of specific foods on our bodies, and the environment. Careful planning is required to meet guest expectations and satisfy their choices.

Have you ever found yourself having your diabetic brother-in-law, your vegan daughter, a pescatarian, and a meat lover over for dinner at the same time? For some reason, it happens to us all the time! We know we’re not alone in this quest, so we are publishing tips and ideas to give you the flexibility and the power to entertain sweat-free while satisfying all of your guests. Fortunately, we live in bountiful California where the availability of products that meet almost any dietary expectation in one shopping expedition.

Here are some of the adaptations that we incorporate into our menus:

Gluten-Free

Pasta & bread dishes can quickly be adapted for gluten-free diets, by simply getting gluten-free pasta and bread and preparing the same sauce with the replacements.

Meats

Meat replacements are now simple as there is an array of vegan proteins in the stores: sausages, ground beef, and an assortment of other products surfacing in the market place which allows you to make replacements, and cook a carbonara for example, with a chopped Field Roast sausage.

While you can make your lentil or bean vegan patties, and some are so delicious, it’s worth sharing the diet with the entire party. Here’s one recipe we enjoy as a family:

Lentil Meatballs with Indian Fenugreek Sauce from Feasting at Home

So, while serving the same dish to everyone is the easiest, having a couple of extra pans to favor your guests while making them feel loved, and treated with privileges, it’s not that difficult. Stay tuned for other tips and recipe adaptations.