50 Make-Ahead Luncheon Ideas For The Garden Club

When it comes to a luncheon for the Garden Club, you obviously want everything to be just perfect. While the flowers in your garden might be beautiful and your container plants perfectly arranged, the food is just as important. In the past, we’ve given you recommendations for what to serve and what not to serve for a luncheon, but it’s no secret that sometimes the food served at these parties doesn’t always keep as well as your traditional casserole. For this luncheon round-up, we’ve tried to take a little off your day-of party planning by sharing recipes that you can make ahead of time. Some of these can be frozen days or even weeks in advance and all you have to do is bake the day of, while others can be made the night before. From the tried-and-true potato salad to a fun icebox cake, we’ve tried to keep all of the fun elements of a luncheon feast in mind.

Homemade Chicken Salad

Is it really a luncheon if you don't have chicken salad? Our homemade version is a real classic, and is a great recipe to have on hand. Everyone will appreciate the time you took to make this recipe and will taste the difference.

Million Dollar Pound Cake

Who doesn't love a slice of pound cake to enjoy with company? The thing that makes pound cake such a staple is that it freezes like a dream.

Three-Layer Mold

A Three-Layer Mold has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations, but perhaps the most wonderful part of this side staple is that it can be made ahead. After all, you have to make sure that each of the layers are perfectly set!

Watergate Salad

Whatever you call this salad, this recipe–which starts with pistachio instant pudding mix–is always going to be a favorite for any type of celebration. To make sure this recipe doesn't deflate, you can make this recipe up to two days ahead.

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls

Always a holiday favorite, Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls are worthy of having a place on your luncheon table. These treats also last for a week in the fridge.

Southern Shrimp Pasta Salad

If you are a fan of pickled shrimp, this is just the recipe you. This recipe can keep for up to 24 hours in the fridge, and its bright, fresh flavor is just what you want for a garden party.

Lime Gelatin And Cottage Cheese Salad

You just can't beat a congealed salad, and this version is just about as classic as you can get. Make the recipe the night before, let it chill overnight and then it's ready to go.

Pecan Pralines

Pecan Pralines are a Texas mainstay for a reason. These, like most pralines, can keep in an airtight container for about a week.

Ham Salad

This recipe takes just 10 minutes to make, but you can whip up the ham salad ahead of time, too. It's just as versatile as chicken salad, but it might just be even more Southern, if that's possible.

Cheddar Cheese Shortbread Crackers

You need something to use as a vessel for all of these salads, and these shortbread crackers are just the thing to have on hand. From variations like Pimiento Cheese Shortbread Crackers and Bacon, Bourbon, and Benne Seed Shortbread Crackers, you can alter these crackers to suit the tastes of the company you keep.

Strawberry-Pretzel Icebox Pie

We're all about frozen desserts, especially on those warm days. There is something that feels so delicate about this recipe even though the only fussy thing about it is homemade whipped cream.

Cheese Dreams

These little squares, which are made with grocery store white bread and a delightful cheese spread, are utterly divine. Freeze these after step 2 and just pop a few in the oven before company arrives.

Tomato Aspic

This timeless tomato aspic is the perfect centerpiece for your party. It is also just the thing to serve with your beloved Ham and Chicken Salad.

Basic Pimiento Cheese

Pass the pimiento cheese, please! This beloved Southern spread is a staple of the Master's Tournament as well as our hearts. It can be stored in your fridge for up a week.

Banana Pudding Cheesecake

You can find Banana Pudding at nearly every BBQ joint or fine restaurant in the South, but you've probably never had something as wonderful as a Banana Pudding Cheesecake. This recipe takes two Southern favorites and transforms them into something that is the ultimate indulgence.

Benedictine Spread

A delicious spread that will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can serve with a side or carrots and cucumbers.

Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche

This quiche can be baked up to two days ahead of time so you will have plenty of time to make other arrangements for your garden party.

Éclair Cake

You would never think that graham crackers could make such an elegant dessert, but it sure does. This dessert with a lovely, glossy layer of chocolate will become an instant hit.

Rice Pudding

Yes, you can make Rice Pudding in advance! Just make sure to allow for the pudding to cool to room temperature and then it will keep in your fridge for 5 days.

Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls

If you want a bake what you need type of recipe for a gathering of just a few garden growers, this recipe is just the thing! Make a double batch, freeze these Sausage Balls raw, and then just bake when it comes to the time. Just make sure that you add a few extra minutes to your oven timer to make sure they are cooked through.

Our Favorite Buttermilk Biscuit

There isn't anything better than a just baked biscuit, but did you know that you can freeze biscuit dough for up to 90 days? Well, now you know, and you can make your biscuit dough early without thinking twice about it. Of course, make sure you have plenty of butter and jam for your guests.

Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad

This potluck staple needs some time to set, and we think that it's good enough to be a part of your garden party spread. Don't forget that sprinkle of pecans!

Creamy Peach Icebox Cake

This beautiful cake has a secret: It's mostly made of a combination of store-bought items. Pick up frozen pound cakes, a jar of peach preserves, and vanilla ice cream at the market.

Marinated Feta With Cherry Tomatoes

Half of this recipe (the feta part) should be made the night before. A finishing touch of tomatoes and a toasting of the baguette are all you need.

Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip

Sweet Vidalia Onions are savored in the South, and adding them to a spinach dip is just the thing! You can make this dip up to two days ahead of time, and you can serve it with almost anything from pita to potato chips.

Nuts And Bolts

Most everyone has their own version of a Nuts And Bolts Mix, but this version might just be the best. You can customize this to your tastes, but we know whatever you do will be delicious.

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

The everyday, classic ice cream sandwich gets a delicious transformation in this recipe. In our chef's notes we guide you through the whole process of how to freeze this dessert ahead of time.

Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls

Serve these delicious rolls with thinly sliced ham and a little butter to make this dish truly delicious.

Rum Balls

These little Rum Balls seem to make their way into every gathering, but you might not know that they can keep for up to a month in your fridge. This recipe makes six dozen Rum Balls which makes them even better!

Orange-Basil Yogurt Dip

A dip perfect for everything from crudités to breadsticks. It keeps for three days in an airtight container.

Zucchini Pie

A pie that looks impressive and tastes delicious.

Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp

You're probably already serving Bloody Mary's at your luncheon so why not go all out with Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp too? Make up to three days ahead of time.

Bacon-Cheese Gougères

Light and fluffy but also rich in flavor, these are a must for every gathering.

Chocolate Delight

This dessert has many names, but Chocolate Delight is the best to describe this wonderful treat. This recipe comes from the one and only Erin Napier's family, which makes it even sweeter.

Classic Potato Salad

That's right, the best kind of Potato Salad should have a hard boiled egg. Trust us on this one.

Lemon Tiramisu

A bright, lemon-filled dessert that will be the talk of your garden party. This recipe comes together fairly quickly, but you can make up to 24 hours in advance.

Egg Salad Sandwiches

Make the egg salad a day in advance and then assemble the sandwiches the day of! With sweet pickle relish and onion, this is the ultimate egg salad.

Cracker Toffee

This is a true treat that fits perfectly on a cocktail napkin, making it a lovely dessert to serve at a gathering. Just be sure to store it in the fridge!

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad

One of Southern Living's most requested recipes of all time. You can make it a few hours ahead of time, and everyone at the party will want the recipe.

Bacon-Ranch Pasta Salad

One package of ranch seasoning goes a long way to make this dish a crowd-pleaser.

Classic Coleslaw

Coleslaw is one of those things that a true Southerner always has on hand. This versatile side can keep for up to five days in the fridge.

Roasted Carrot Soup

If you are looking to use some veggies from your own garden, look no further than this soup. If you are making ahead, make sure to keep the sour cream and the soup separate.

Whipped-Cream Corn Salad

There is nothing quite like the sweetness of fresh corn, but corn dressed in whipped cream might be even better. Make this recipe through step one up to 24 hours in advance and then combine with the whipped cream right before serving.

Broccoli-Spinach Soup with Parmesan Croutons

This vibrant soup is just the thing to serve. If you are making ahead, freeze the soup without the croutons.

Summer Orzo Salad

This bright colorful salad lasts for up to a week in the fridge. It's just the thing to serve to a hungry crowd.

Cappuccino Swirl Bars

If you plan to move your party to the parlor for coffee and dessert, this treat is just the thing. You can make these up to three days ahead of time and serve them straight from the fridge.

Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad

Some dishes need to sit overnight to let all of the wonderful flavors meld, and this recipe is the ultimate make-ahead salad. Every member of your garden club will be coming back for seconds.

Permanent Slaw

The staying power of this recipe is in the name of this dish. The longer you keep this side around, the more delicious it becomes.

Key Lime Icebox Cake

This bright, refreshing cake needs at least eight hours to freeze, and then it is topped with a cloud of whipped cream.

Escabèche-Style Marinated Tomatoes

This beautiful dish takes full advantage of Southern tomatoes. This marinated dish can be stored overnight in the fridge.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.