People love gathering with friends and family. Whether it’s a small gathering of close friends for dinner or a houseful of extended family, there just isn’t anything more fun than a party!
Food is one of our favorite love languages, and there is nothing better than serving up some delicious dishes that guests will rave about. It doesn’t have to be stressful − there are a wealth of easy recipes that taste like you cooked all day, yet don’t require a degree in culinary arts or hours spent over a hot stove.
Planning. You’ll want to know how many you’ll be serving, if there are any special dietary needs (like vegan, gluten-free, etc.) and if there is any theme for the occasion. It will make choosing recipes much simpler.
Recipes. You might already have a list of crowd-pleasing recipes that you know and love. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new.
Grocery List. Once you decide on your recipes, you’ll want to make your grocery list. Make a list of all the ingredients you will need for each dish, then check the kitchen to make sure you buy only what you need. Before hitting the store, take inventory of pantry staples like sugar or flour.
Online Grocery Ordering. If you want to save some time, use your favorite grocery app for a delivery or pickup order. Pro tip: if you haven’t used the grocery app before, give it a test run a few weeks before your party.
Prep Ahead. Do whatever prep you can ahead of time. Wash and cut all your veggies the day before so they are fresh and you’re not spending time chopping on the day of your party. If you have recipes that freeze well, make them ahead of time. Then you just have to heat them up on the day of your party. Build in enough time to thaw everything before your guests arrive.
Serving. Rather than have a sit-down dinner that you will need to serve, consider a buffet. You can easily keep food hot with slow cookers pots and warmers.
Clean Up. Disposable pans and slow cooker liners make cleanup a breeze. Be ready to spend your time with your guests, rather than elbow-deep in a sink full of dishes.
The Power of Potluck. If you really want to simplify, you can always have a potluck so everyone can help with the food. Pro tip: have a list of types of food (main dish, sides, salads, desserts, etc) and let folks know which ones you’d like them to bring.
Simple and spicy – a fun way to celebrate for Cinco de Mayo or any day.
Pizza is an easy crowd pleaser, and with so many options to choose from, you just can’t go wrong.
Dessert is the best part of the meal – why not make it the whole deal? Offer bite-sized servings of a variety of sweets along with cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Delight your guests with the charm of Old World flavors and the gusto of traditional Italian meals.
Plan a menu with kid-friendly foods that are simple to make and easy for little hands to handle.
“Roughing it” doesn’t have to mean sacrificing delicious foods.
Score major points with your game day guests with delicious appetizers and snacks. Win!
