Fun as it might be to host a dinner party, it can also be stressful.  The best way to help with that is to always, ALWAYS plan ahead. Start with figuring out your menu. Once you have that down, the next step is to make a shopping list.  Do your grocery shopping well in advance!

Keep it simple and choose dishes that can be prepped ahead of time. Ideally, you should have all your ingredients ready the day before.  If possible, you can even have most (if not) all your dishes prepared as well.  That way, all you have to do is re-heat them in the oven or stovetop before your guests arrive. Another time saver is to set your table either the night before or the morning of.

In short, organisation is key – especially if you don’t have help.  That way when your friends arrive, you can relax and enjoy quality time with them, rather than spending the entire evening in the kitchen. For more tips on planning and organizing, check out our post on Kitchen Must-Haves.