Either save that gumbo for another party, or offer the soup family-style with the main course. I've been there, and watching everyone else eat makes you feel pretty conspicuous, and just a tad unwelcome. Don't make it obvious that one person has a completely different meal. Make it look pretty much the same as everyone elses, or you may find that other guests want some, too. In these health-conscious times, many people are cutting back on meat products.
Most recipes calling for meat stock or broth can successfully substitute a rich vegetable stock.
For dishes like stir-fries and even soups and stews, you can do as many cultures do and offer meat as more of a garnish than a main ingredient. Offer it on the side. Vegetarians don't think of a meal as meat, starch, and vegetable, so don't think that you have to replace the pork chop with something similar. I had always chalked up that slightly queasy feeling that I often had when I visited my parents to nerves and family tensions, until I discovered that my sister was cooking my dinner in chicken stock. I thought it tasted funny.