Sounds delicious! And how kind of you to open your home to those interns!
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This recipe is a big hit here. I originally got it while visiting my parents, and when I looked it up on line there are many versions. The NYT was behind a paywall, so I just decided to do what I could remember.
Small seedless water melon, cut into cubes
Different color heirloom tomatoes cut in cubes
Ripped up mint leaves
Juice of a lime or 2
Sesame oil (original asked for tahini I think, I just used the oil and I think it really adds something).
Then there was the additions of feta, but I think it just makes it look messy…better on the side
And a jalapeño, which I couldn’t find here, so didn’t add.
Anyhow, served it to very different people and they all loved it.
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Totally fine! We should offer up suggestions and ask for suggestions!
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Thank you! I don’t often cook for anyone I don’t know at all so appreciate any feedback. 
A friend suggested I cook some sausage separately in case someone has a seafood allergy… so along with a vegetarian dish or two I’ll do that.
Any thoughts on a simple add on dessert like a pan of brownies, cupcakes or even some ice cream treats in a cooler w/ice??
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That’s a good idea. Brownies are easy and can be done a day ahead. Mini/individual ice cream cups would be even easer. We really like the natural fruit popsicles but since we’ll have fresh watermelon that’s probably too similar. I’ll ask my kiddo what she’d like. Thanks!
Seafood would be too expensive here to serve for a crowd, chicken is much cheaper here. As for vegetarian dish, I would serve a hearty salad, something with beans or chickpeas or garbanzo beans, etc…
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I think you’re right. I’m going to do a hearty pasta salad with veg and garbanzos. Bonus that I can prepare it the night before.
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I used to be a brownie mom, always had a 6 pack of ghiradelli brownie mix from Costco in the house. I’d make up to a 1/2 sheet pan using nonstick foil, cool, wrap, and put in the basement freezer. I actually think I have a double batch in there now. My kids played a lot of sports and there were so many pasta parties, I always sent brownies. Defrost a little, and the cuts were so clean.
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Great idea! I can bake these tonight and chill for easy cutting!
The Ghirardelli’s is our fave too.
Other than the boil, I’m trying to do every thing in advance so I can enjoy the gathering too.
ETA: My D voted on the brownies and is stopping by after work/internship today to bake them
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I make a corn, tomato and avocado salad with some red onions and jalapeno then toss it with a lime dressing that I make. The dressing is just lime zest, fresh lime juice, olive oil and salt and pepper. I keep cilantro on the side so you can add it if you like it.
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We always had broiled salmon and peas. The salmon swam on some sort of blue jelly 
Not to rain on anyone’s parade, but I was headed to Maine for a big holiday gathering but now the largest branch ( 5 people) all have COVID. So not cooking anything.
We are going to a block party and are bringing this crack corn salad:
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Do you cook the corn?
Yes, another vegetarian/vegan option. Grilled tofu. Marinate and grill. It goes fast! I use to take this to the theater pot lucks when D was in H.S.
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Thank you! We love tofu. Do you have any favorite marinades? I tend to go to Asian flavor profiles bc I stir fry tofu a lot, but would love to hear from others.
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I’m looking for some vegan recipes too! I’d love some good hearty summer recipes; we have 2 vegans in our bookclub, and I’m hosting this summer. I’d love to serve something more than a salad, which is usually the option.
For 4th recipes,
D20’s crock pot mac & cheese, simplistic, but so good. I just bought a 9x13 Crock Pot, and I’m excited to use it!
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Bean dishes are good, especially if you use Rancho Gordo beans!
@DramaMama2021 I’d keep that pasta salad vegan and maybe have some feta on the side if you don’t know the college kids preferences. Might be nice to have something that is gluten free too (obvs not the pasta salad, and you don’t have a gluten free kitchen so might not be suitable for a true celiac, but just in case anyone is doing a gluten free diet). The mango tomato avocado cucumber salad sounds like a perfect candidate to be basically vegan and gluten free, just save any cheese or croutons as optional additions on the side.
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Whenever I cook something for my daughter, especially in LA, I have to offer two options, gluten free and dairy free, only regarding to cookies. But this year she’s throwing a big party soon and she won’t need my help, she’s going to cater. I really love cooking for her and her friends, it’s sort of my hobby in retirement.
Regarding tofu, I rarely eat tofu at home, when I eat out if they offer it I will order them, so I don’t really collect tofu recipes.