oh this can be so fun. I loved it when my son started eating table foods... what a refreshing break from making baby foods.
I make my son sweet potatoes (baked potato cycle in the micro cooks it perfect). I add a little margarine, and cinnamon sugar (though not much... just to add some 'flavor' to it). I just use his spork to scoop some up and viola! lunch. Yo Baby yogurt is great too... he gets one a day. Veggies can be frozen or canned, but if you go canned, rinse them well and buy the low sodium version - Peas in particular have a lot of sodium in them. steam some fresh baby carrots... cut them up small and toss 'em on the high chair tray - no utensils needed. Corn is a waste though... and hardly qualifies as a veggie. though it's ok to throww a little in for variety, and color. we peel zucchini and feed him chunks of it blanched.
Fruits... we do banana... peaches and pears. Strawberries are a no-no for my family... 3 of my kids are allergic (mildly) and #4 hasn't started solids yet but we plan to avoid them. some grapes are good... though a lot of times the skins are tough so maybe peel them for his age.
my son had acid reflux so we've chosen to stay away from acidic foods for the most part. though he likes canned mandarin oranges so we give him small amounts but only at the end of the meal so at least his stomach acids aren't churning like crazy.
Barring any restrictions like allergies or reflux, have fun exploring colors, textures and new flavors. My son LOVES grilled Portobella Mushrooms... he pretty much eats everything we do.
Also, whole grain cereals... like multi-grain cheerios, are great.
Oh and for those foods that are messy... I have to continually tell my son 'mommy does the spoon' because he tries to grab it too. With a 4 mo. old to also tend to, i just don't want to deal with the mess... so we butt heads in that department but I don't give in :) I am at least twice his size.... I WILL WIN :) LOL!