The Ideal Dinner Party Meal Is Something You Can Finish In The Oven

Having an entree that can finish in the oven gives you time for other last-minute dinner party prep, such as setting the table, putting out appetisers, mixing drinks and greeting guests.

Picture: cedwardmoran/Flickr

Part of hosting the perfect party is not being stuck in the kitchen while your guests mingle, or running back and forth to the kitchen the whole night. Planning a menu (especially a main dish) that can be prepared ahead of time and finished with just one final step allows you to enjoy the party you put so much effort into.

For example, consider a lasagna or roasted veggies that all cook at the same temperature. They can sit in the oven together while you spend more time talking to your guests. You can even prepare them all the day before the party, put them in the fridge, and when your guests arrive, put everything in the oven then. An hour or so later, you’ll have a delicious hot meal for your dinner guests, while your real energy goes to making sure everyone’s having a good time. For more tips on how to host a great party, check out our previous discussion.

We Asked Ina Garten for Her Best Dinner Party Advice [The Kitchn]