If the thought of ham or bacon is making you ill, leave it out. I don't think you will be considered a bad hostess for it. The
Creamy Italian White Bean Soup doesn't have any meat in it anyway (was that the recipe you were considering?). That actually sounds really good. Of course, I am a teensy bit biased since I don't eat meat, but I say, do what you want.
a nice loaf of crusty bread would more than make up for it. I'd probably use mozzarella over the mexican cheese.
Sounds like fun! I may have to try that recipe myself.