If a gathering of friends and family looms on your horizon, we've created a mix-and-match chili buffet menu designed for easy entertaining.

Rustle up a stew pot or two of chili, and surround it with some deliciously simple accompaniments. Chili serves a gang, is informal, and can be made ahead and reheated before serving. Many chilies are even better the next day.

This menu allows you to tailor either chili to the group you're entertaining. The Southwestern Chili serves up smoky chipotle chile pepper and Cajun sausage; it's a great choice for a game-day get-together. Or get fancy with a chili of beef stew meat and red wine.

Round out the menus with trustworthy sidekicks like coleslaw, cheesy breads, creamy spinach dip, and brownies. Such an easy, great-tasting buffet will keep the guests coming.