I think, if you are cooking for these people regularly, a contributions jar would not only be appropriate, but a must. I am surprised no one has offered to pitch in with the cost yet. Or, you culd make it a pot luck, everyone bring something for the table, everytime, or every other time they come. Make up a schedule if that will help organize things for you. If not, then eat in front of them and don't offer or feel guilty. It is good manners that makes you want to include them when you eat, but is also good manners for them to help out. JMO

Rose

By all means point out the contribution jar! Your friends will soon feel embarrassed and guilty if they feel they are freeloading off you.

I would actually opt for either potluck or ask everyone to bring their own bag dinner, which could be heated up in a microwave. That way you won't be spending so much time cooking when you want to be preparing for the show. If you are currently spending one hour a day shopping, preparing, and cleaning up for these dinners, it is taking 3-4 hours a week just for that. Imagine how much better the costumes and choreography would be if you could devote an extra 3-4 hours a week on them!

They should have already asked if they could contribute...so I think the jar in a very prominent place would be the ideal solution.

Some ideas (to keep it easy and casual)...

1) A stack of paper plates, loaves of white and wheat bread, luncheon meats or prepared tuna, chicken salad, or pimento, mayo, mustard, and chips.

2) Big bowl of salad greens, bottled dressings, croutons, cherry tomatoes, grated cheese, green onions.

3) Plate of taco shells, bowl of cooked ground beef, shredded cheese and lettuce, and salsa.

4) Big plate of crudites (broc, cauli, carrots, green onions) and dip.

5) Rotel dip and chips. (It's filling!)

I think all these are quick, easy, and after all, they aren't there for a full meal, right? Help yo'self, folks!

Thanks for your help. I've started waiting until people show up, and sending one person to the market when everybody's hungry. Then that person brings the receipt and has to ask everybody for money.

Tacos sounds like a good idea, as does rotelle dip.

I can only think of a pot of chili, macaroni and cheese and baked ziti, all can be made ahead of time and aren't very costly. Sounds like a lot of fun - even the work!

Sorry, I didn't see that you were tiring of chili.

Enchiladas, burritos, Soup and bread, BBQ sandwiches, pizza's, stromboli, chicken and rice (very easy), Blts (fry ahead and reheat), Creamed chicken on buns, sausage and biscuits. Thats all I can think of right now.

I agree....the best bet is to send someone to the store when hunger hits....and then collect.....until someone elas volunteers to provide.
Linda C

Sounds like a lot of fun. You should have a contribution jar, or set up a schedule where different people bring dinner/munchies for each meeting...shouldn't be all on you!!