Q: I have a friend who'd like me to cater a dinner party for ten. This will be my first 'real' event—a little nerve-wracking! Can you suggest an easy entree? This will be a casual group, but dinner is still seated and served. Give me your advice for my first gig!

Sent by Amy More

Q: One of my best friends is getting married in December! She is allergic to gluten, and her fiance is more a fan of savory than sweet. Do you have any suggestions for a dessert that can be used in the traditional "cutting the cake", fits the season (winter), and is made without wheat gluten?

Sent by Catherine More

Q: A big group (currently 14!) of good friends are headed north for a cabin weekend. I signed up to make a meal — a homemade taco bar. But another friend has already declared he plans on making tacos. So I'm looking for something cabin-friendly to make. I'd like to make something a step above just burgers on the grill!

Sent by Courtney More

Q: My husband and I are almost settled into our new condo and we finally have room to entertain. We are having a Sunday brunch housewarming party. I'm pretty good in the kitchen, but I'm at a loss on balanced and seasonally appropriate offerings, especially ones that I can make or organize the day before. More

Q: I'm hosting a party for the Olympics Opening Ceremonies. Each attendee has to bring a food and drink inspired by a country, and as the host, I'm in charge of England. I'm definitely going to pick up an ale or two, but any ideas for food? Thanks!

Sent by Danielle More

Q: My wife and I are expecting our first child, and we've decided to throw a gender-reveal BBQ I've dubbed, "Baby Q." We don't want to spend a lot of time grilling or cooking during the party. What BBQ foods would be easy to prepare ahead of time or cook slowly?

Sent by Eric More

Q: I'm attending a dinner party this weekend and was asked to bring a gluten- and dairy-free appetizer. The hostess plays a bit with the Paleo diet, so sugar is probably best avoided as well. A bonus would be incorporating some veggies since I know dinner will be meat-heavy. Any ideas?

Sent by Julie More

Q: I am throwing a surprise bridal shower for my future sister-in-law. Her wedding colors are brown, pink, and ivory and I would like to use that color scheme in both the food, decorations, and party favors. More

Q: My girlfriend's birthday is in July, and I'd love to make her a meal of Indian food: entrees, side dishes, drink, and dessert. The only problem is that I am just learning how to cook. Also, she's vegetarian. What are some dishes that would be easy to make and go well together?

Sent by Cassidy More

Q: Some friends and I are planning a "kitchen-weekend," where a different couple cooks a 3-course meal each night. I still haven't thought of my menu, and definitely need help! The only kinds of meat allowed are veal, chicken and duck, or dishes should be vegetarian. Any great menu ideas?

Sent by Jeroen More