When putting together a shared table for family and friends, it’s important to remember that the reason they are coming over is to see you. This means you should prepare dishes that are within your realm of possibility and never make something for the first time on the big night.
Also, the key is not to try to cook four stir-fries or too many dishes that need a lot of last minute preparation. As I’ve said before, balance is not only about taste, but also about balancing your ability to get the meal out of the kitchen with both you and the food in good shape.