The Exotic Teapot

I would prepare food in advance like making a chilled dessert and salad the night before then all that is needed is to have the main entrée dish, that includes vegetables, be roasting in the oven while guests arrive. Set up the meal buffet style like someone else suggested and place seasonings on your coffee table and dinner table to allow guests to sit either at the table or on the sofa and nearby chairs. You could use a small table or counter top for serving cocktails, offering limited choices.