The key to hosting a successful and low-stress dinner party lies with the prep, and the more you can do ahead of time, the happier you'll be; I'm a firm believer that happy hosts yield joyful guests. In this episode, we share 3 delectable dinner party menus with an emphasis on recipes that can be made ahead of time giving you ample time to be the incredible host or hostess you are!

If you prefer video, watch the full episode 26 YouTube video version.

Having hosted many gatherings, I can safely say that the more you can do ahead of your guests' arrival, the happier you'll be.

Selecting a theme focused on a specific region or country's cuisine can also be a fun way to get your guests excited and engaged in the planning process.

In this episode, Tara and I discuss 3 region-inspired dinner party menus featuring recipes that for the most part, can be made prior to your guests' arrival. Feel free to use these menus to plan your next dinner party, or tweak them however you see fit.

Happy hosting!

French-Inspired Menu

The French-inspired dinner party menu includes an appetizer of tomato confit served with crusty bread, a selection of cheese, and fresh grapes.

French onion soup shines as the first course and is followed by Beef Bourguignon which can be served with baguette, or roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

Italian-Inspired Menu

Inspired by some of our favorite Italian food, this menu includes an appetizer of stuffed mushrooms, cannellini bean dip, or roasted cherry tomato crostini with whipped ricotta served alongside the epic Italian aperitivo, the Aperol Spritz.

The main course features my short rib ragu served with pappardelle and plenty of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and finishes with a mixed green salad with shallot vinaigrette.

American-Inspired Menu

The American menu includes a few of our tried and true favorites, starting with spinach artichoke dip and shrimp cocktail.

A simple soup, such as butternut squash soup, makes a wonderful first course which is then followed by classic pot roast with carrots and potatoes.

Desserts

Feel free to enlist the help of your guests when it comes to the drinks and desserts!

Letting them know you're having a theme can help them decide what to bring.

For example, if going with the French-inspired menu, your guests may wish to stay on theme and bring some French pastries.

If you prefer to make dessert yourself, any of these recipes would be excellent:

Tiramisu

Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Cake

Orange Olive Oil Cake

Flourless Chocolate Cake

If you enjoyed The Savvy Host's Plan for the Ultimate Dinner Party episode, leave us a comment below and let us know!  

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