Lu cai and dueng cai can be prepapred ahead of time. Honey baked ham is a good choice for big party. Su shi jing also can be made earlier. The re-heated is better than fresh prepared. Don't prepare many many dishes. Make several your "Na shou cai" for the special. Other vegetable dishes can quick stir fry.
For drink. I like to prepare warm-hot apple-cider. In the slow cooker, pour apple cider (not apple juice)in, add 5-6 cloves, one inch of cinnamon stick (not powder), squeeze in half of fresh lemon juice, and finally, put a pretty apple (clean, and slice on the surface, not cut through). turn on the power on high one hour before the guests coming, Then low after hot enough. Leave the slow cooker open. The house will filled with seasonal aroma. The drink is a little sour and sweet. You may add brown sugar to raise sweetness. That's for thanksgiving and christmas holidat drink.
For drink. I like to prepare warm-hot apple-cider. In the slow cooker, pour apple cider (not apple juice)in, add 5-6 cloves, one inch of cinnamon stick (not powder), squeeze in half of fresh lemon juice, and finally, put a pretty apple (clean, and slice on the surface, not cut through). turn on the power on high one hour before the guests coming, Then low after hot enough. Leave the slow cooker open. The house will filled with seasonal aroma. The drink is a little sour and sweet. You may add brown sugar to raise sweetness. That's for thanksgiving and christmas holidat drink.