Q: A friend of mine is throwing a "summer in February" picnic next weekend. However, all of the produce in the stores right now has been shipped from other parts of the world and doesn't have the same flavor as the summer market veggies. What can I make that says "summer" without relying on past-its-prime produce?

Sent by Julia More

Q: I'm hosting an Academy Awards party, and I need some ideas! We'll be watching in a theater. There will be a microwave and ice, but no refrigerator, no oven. The party will be long — we'll watch hours of red carpet and the awards. I'd like to have food to snack on, as well as a proper meal for my 20 guests. I've got dessert covered, but I need an idea for a dinner entree and sides that could be out on the counter for a few hours, but will still be appetizing. Thanks for any inspiration you can send my way!

Sent by Erin More

Q: I have given up drinking alcohol and would love to get suggestions for drinks that are not sweet or very caloric that go well with dinner.

I am looking for something to drink at cocktail parties and big dinners where tons of wine is served so that I do not feel deprived or left out of the fun. Any suggestions would be so appreciated!

Sent by Debbie More

Q: I have invited all my family (17 of us between 9 and 81) to celebrate a significant (cough 50th cough) birthday, and am drawing a blank on a main course dish. I am a reasonable cook but have limited kitchen space (small oven, small fridge, next to no freezer capacity) and would appreciate suggestions for a dish that I could prepare up to 24 hours ahead, leave to cook with minimal supervision, and is not too time sensitive (we're not good time keepers). Meat or vegetarian is fine, and I live in a multicultural city so will have no problem getting hold of ingredients. Help, please, as I'm feeling decidedly uninspired!

Sent by Abigail More

Q: We're hosting a dinner party for about 10 people. We will be roasting three chickens as the main course. I am planning to cook the chickens one at a time on the day of the party; then I'll carve them and serve them in one big bowl. What the best way to keep the carved chicken pieces warm while the rest of the food is cooking? I'm afraid to stick them back in the oven right before dinner because I don't want the meat to dry out. Maybe I could do a double boiler thing, the way you do to keep mashed potatoes warm for awhile?

Sent by Julianne More

Q: I'm hosting a beer festival at home for 20 people in March. Everyone will be bringing two 22-oz beers or equivalent, with emphasis on variety and uniqueness.

I'm providing palate cleansers for during the tasting and a hearty meal for after, and I would love some ideas.There is at least one vegetarian for the event, so the apres-tasting meal will hopefully be easily modified for this guest. Your thoughts are most appreciated!

Sent by Anna More

Q: I'm hoping The Kitchn's talented readership can help me! My boss is British, born and raised, and although she's been in the States for more than half her life she understandably misses many of the things she grew up with that don't exist here.

Her birthday is coming up and I would love to make her favorite dessert, date and walnut cake. I had never heard of it before meeting her and I have no idea where to begin with recipes. I searched google.co.uk but there are predictably thousands and I would prefer one that can come personally recommended. Can you help a poor Yank out?

Sent by Jessica More

Q: A group of my friends enjoy the bread dipping spice mix at a particular restaurant. Last month, we dug up the recipe and decided to get together to make a big batch, sending everyone home with a jar of the mix. We had a great time, chopping, mixing, and chatting.

We want to do it again this month and are looking for a recipe project to tackle. Nothing too complicated, since the wine and the chatting are equally as important as the cooking, and something that can easily be shared to take home. Any suggestions?

Sent by Julie More

Q: I would like to make chile rellenos for our Super Bowl party.

Does anyone have any good recipes and/or tips?

Sent by M More

Q: I am living abroad, have a terrible craving for Girl Scout cookies, and just recently got my hands on all of the ingredients for copycat Samoas! I am having a couple fellow expats over to help with the labor but I am wondering what to serve while we bake and wait. Obviously there will be much taste testing but it would be nice to have something not so sweet, maybe even savory too. Ideas?

Sent by K More