Go Potluck

• If you can't take on the full cooking responsibility, share it with your guests. Pick your menu and email everyone with what they're supposed to bring. Don't worry if some guests bring duplicate items or the menu isn't quite matched -- focus on having a good time and enjoying each other. If your guests aren't great cooks, have a deli potluck: you cook a main dish, such as lasagna or a big smoked ham for sandwiches, and ask your guests to bring a side item from the deli. If guests are on a budget (or you just don't want to cook), have a fast-food potluck. Have every guest pick up her favorite fast-food meal and bring it over. Eat together on the floor in front of the TV just like college students.
  
  

Take It Outside

• If you have a big guest list or the weather's grand, move your dinner outside. A few picnic or folding tables and tablecloths are all you need. Set up the grill and do summery food like burgers and hot dogs. Lay a big sheet of tinfoil on the grill and cook vegetables for a crispy, tasty side. Or, have a backyard picnic. Spread several large blankets and serve your guests fruity, summery wine or lemonade with fresh sandwiches, fruit and deli chips.
  
  

Get Professional Help

• You don't have to cook to throw a dinner. Have your dinner catered. Many restaurants cater on a per-person basis; for as little as $5 per person, you can provide a full meal. Ask guests to bring drinks and relax -- you don't have to go near the kitchen. If you're short on time but want to get all your friends together, dig out the takeout menus and get creative. Order a few family platters from your favorite Chinese restaurant or several large pizzas. Transfer the food to your own bowls and plates for a classy-looking spread.
  
  

Get Everyone's Hands Dirty

• Who says the food has to be ready when the guests arrive? If you're inviting mostly close friends, get everyone into the kitchen for some interactive culinary fun. Supply the oven, dough and toppings and let your guests create their own personal pizzas. Or, cook a few big pots of different kinds of noodles and supply various sauces, veggies and meats for toppings. Guests can fix their own plates. You could also have a sandwich dinner. Provide French bread, ciabatta rolls, wheat bread and buns, and let guests top their sandwiches with various deli meats, cheeses, vegetables and sauces. Offer to grill the sandwiches for extra flavor.