We're having 36 people over the 2 nights. One year, we had close to 60something people at one of our seders. That was crazy and not very meaningful.
My husband's family (which is a big part of that 36) also don't contribute much to the meaning. No one else in the family keeps kosher so I prefer to do everything myself.
My husband enjoys cooking so he will help..and, like you - Carol - Thursday and Friday will be LONG days. Your menu sounds great! So does yours, Nicki. I love the idea of doing a veggie lasagna. I don't eat meat, so I had to make sure there were some tasty things for me to eat.
I (tried) to pick a lot of things in advance... and may even consolidate the menu (why should I cook different menus when it's different company) and/or make some easier recipes. The hardest recipes are the desserts so if I have to skip them, I will.
Both your menus seem as crazy as mine - you just have one night and I have two.
Did I mention I'm leaving town to celebrate my friend (since Kindergarten)'s 40th birthday? This Sunday to Wednesday.... I'm bringing my Passover dishes in tomorrow because it's my only day with a babysitter. My husband is kashering on Tuesday night and when I get back, I'm going to start cooking - with all my children at my feet "helping".
I'm really looking forward to it.