This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
12 delicious recipes perfect for easy entertaining! Host a winter dinner party without all the stress with these make-ahead recipes.
Entertaining doesn't have to be stressful! Our favorite way to entertain family and friends is to make everything ahead of time so we can enjoy the party too. These are some of our favorite recipes that are perfect for a dinner party. From cozy stews to seasonal salads, these recipes are perfect for cold winter days. Pick and few, invite some friends and enjoy!
Any Time of Year Italian Bruschetta (an easy crowd-pleaser!)
This delicious Italian Bruschetta, made with sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil and a splash of balsamic vinegar is easy to make and is ALWAYS a crowd-pleaser!
VIEW RECIPE
Orange Fennel Spinach Salad with Honey White Balsamic Dressing
This Orange Fennel Spinach Salad is fresh, healthy and super delish. It's also a beautiful sight to behold and the Honey White Balsamic Dressing ties all the ingredients together with a bow!
VIEW RECIPE
Classic French Bistro Salad
This simpleClassic French Bistro Salad, served at cafés, brasseries and bistros all over France, is beyond easy and one of those recipes you'll be turning to again and again (especially when you want to feel a little "fancy") - with minimal effort on your part.
This Ridiculously Easy Rosemary Bread takes 5 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to shape and it looks like it comes from an artisan bakery! Oh, and it's ridiculously delicious too!
VIEW RECIPE
No-Fuss Butternut Squash Risotto with Italian Roasted Shrimp
A delicious fall comfort dish, this Butternut Squash Risotto with Italian Roasted Shrimp can be prepped ahead and uses the magic of the oven for perfectly cooked risotto and shrimp without all the fuss! A fabulous meal for entertaining or to enjoy near a cozy fire!
VIEW RECIPE
Easy, Make-Ahead Parisian Coq au Vin (with boneless chicken breasts)
Much easier than traditional Coq au Vin but just as delicious, the magical tenderizing trick results in amazingly tender chicken. It's a fabulous, make-ahead dish that's perfect for entertaining or an easy weeknight treat.
VIEW RECIPE
Slow Braised Italian Beef Stew
In addition to tender chunks of beef and carrots and a deeply flavored sauce, thisSlow Braised Italian Beef Stew also features fire-roasted tomatoes, briny olives, pearl onions and lots of fresh rosemary for a delicious taste of Italy!
VIEW RECIPE
Make-Ahead Homemade Manicotti
This make-ahead, Homemade Manicotti is beyond delicious with an Italian sausage marinara and tender melt-in-your-mouth pasta.
If you're in the mood for something healthy, satiating and fabulous, this super easy Pan-Seared Chicken Bruschetta is calling your name! Serve it with some crusty bread to sop up the delicious juices and you'll be hearing rave reviews from family, friends and guests!
VIEW RECIPE
Ridiculously Easy French Almond Frangipane Tart (Tarte Frangipane aux Amandes)
This French Almond Frangipane Tart tastes like it came from a fancy little Parisian patisserie. No one has to know how easily and quickly it comes together!
VIEW RECIPE
Lemon-Glazed French Sable Cookies
Combine a crisp, buttery, French shortbread cookie with a double burst of bright lemon and you've got a heavenly sweet treat! The fact that these Lemon-Glazed French Sable Cookies come together easily in one bowl (no mixer needed!) seals the deal!
This Magical Melt-in-Your-Mouth 5-Minute Chocolate Mousse sounds too good to be true But, trust me, if you have a few minutes to spare, you can make an incredibly delicious dessert that will bring rave reviews from everyone!
VIEW RECIPE
Thought for the day:
We have this HOPE as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19
If you enjoy any of these recipes, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
« Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Rosemary/Parsley Oil (no cream and low carb!)
Italian Chicken Pastina Soup (aka Italian Nonna's Penicillin Soup) »
There are lots of bar ideas out there, such as the Nacho bar, Baked potato bar, Burrito bar, Hot dog bar, Root Beer float bar, Hawaiian Haystacks bar, Sandwich bar, etc. All of these can be done on the cheap, and links to all these ideas can be found below.
Pasta Bar: Set up a DIY pasta bar with options like spaghetti, penne, and bowtie pasta along with marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, meatballs, grilled chicken, and a variety of vegetables. Pasta is inexpensive and filling, and guests can customize their plates to their liking.
Avoid scented items like flowers or scented candles (which aren't to everyone's tastes), and don't bring your own dish, which takes attention off the host's cooking. Arrive 15 minutes late, indulge your host's requests, and offer to help clean up in order to secure the invite to the next dinner party.
"Some of my personal favorites are paper co*cktail napkins, a tin of Louis Sherry chocolates, or a unique candle," recommends Strait. "It is fun to bring something the host might not pick up for themselves! A gift for a host does not have to break the bank, it just shows you appreciate them for hosting."
Pasta is one of the cheapest and most filling pantry staples you can buy, and that's exactly why it's the perfect food to feed to a crowd! Plus, everyone loves a good pasta dish. Grab yourself a buffet server warming tray so you can pop your cooked pasta inside and keep it warm all evening long!
Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
