We are hosting the July get together at Ravinia, an outdoor concert in the park. It's picnic style and the gamut of meals on display from other attendees runs from the simple sandwich in wax paper to elaborate tablescapes, with candles and china.

My problem is that I have no kitchen! We begin demo tomorrow and there is no way my kitchen will be complete in two weeks hahaha.

So I need ideas for a theme where the main course can be prepared with a minimum of fuss. I do have a "complete" kitchenette in the basement with a convection microwave and a hot plate but I have literally 2' of counterspace and no dishwasher. So I can make just about anything if I have to.

Dietery restrictions are no shellfish and no mushrooms. Tree nuts are also out.

Themes in the past have included New Orleans Cajun where we served Maffalettos; Spicy Indian where we served samosas, meatballs etc; and american bbq. LOL - we were told to stop bbq'ng at that one. We had no idea grilling wasn't allowed.

I have a Pampered Chef recipe for grilled vegetable ratatouille with a simple balsamic vinegarette that gets good reviews and is pretty simple to throw together. (You could probably work it out without a recipe, but you can email me through my blog if you'd like it)

You could go with a vegetarian theme, or try to stump everyone and go with a Disney/movie theme :)

You could also go with a "construction site" theme and have some sort of "build your own entree." You could bring items to assemble dinner salads or wrap sandwiches. Fajitas would be good - it sounds like you guys have had to solve the keeping food hot problem before.

That might be a good way to take some of the pressure off yourself by reminding folks that you are mid-remodel and it might not be as gourmet as usual.