Food Recipe Collections & Favorites Make-Ahead Dinner Party Menu If entertaining makes you uneasy, this is the refined yet simple menu for you. By Dawn Perry Dawn Perry Dawn is the author of Ready, Set, Cook; How to Make Good Food With What's on Hand. She served as the food director for Real Simple and has worked in the test kitchens of Everyday Food, Bon Appétit, and the meal kit delivery service Martha & Marley Spoon. Dawn is the author of Short Stack Editions' Cucumbers and her recipes and writing have been featured in the LA Times, The New York Times, and The Washington Post among other publications. She recently started Superkind Cookies, a premium cookie company shipping treats nationwide. Highlights: * Author of Ready, Set, Cook; How to Make Good Food With What's on Hand. * Former food director for Real Simple * Worked in the test kitchens of Everyday Food, Bon Appétit, and Martha & Marley Spoon * Recipes and writing have been featured in the LA Times, The New York Times, and The Washington Post Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 30, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: David Meredith What's more wonderful than an evening around the table with good friends? This easy-to-execute game plan ensures that the meal will be delicious, the company delightful, and the host (that's you) relaxed, happy, and nowhere near the kitchen. 01 of 08 Before You Start David Meredith First, check out the dinner party timeline to help you plan the meal. Then get a shopping list of all the ingredients you'll need. The MenuVermouth SpritzerMushroom PizzetteHerb-Roasted Pork ShoulderCreamy Baked Parmesan PolentaCarrots With Spicy Olive-Lemon OilWinter Greens With Fennel and CroutonsLemon Buttermilk Cake With Pistachio Ice Cream 02 of 08 Vermouth Spritzer David Meredith For a light, festive pre-dinner cocktail, serve this simple fizzy drink. Get the recipe. 03 of 08 Mushroom Pizzette David Meredith 04 of 08 Herb-Roasted Pork Shoulder David Meredith Rub the pork with garlic, rosemary, and sage and roast until the skin is extra crispy. Get the recipe. 05 of 08 Creamy Baked Parmesan Polenta David Meredith You can prepare this warm, comforting side dish up to 1 day ahead. Get the recipe. 06 of 08 Carrots With Spicy Olive-Lemon Oil David Meredith Give steamed carrots a Mediterranean spin with thinly sliced lemon, olives, and crushed red pepper. Get the recipe. 07 of 08 Winter Greens With Fennel and Croutons David Meredith Homemade croutons are easy to make and add a fresh, flavorful crunch that store-bought versions can't rival. Get the recipe. 08 of 08 Lemon Buttermilk Cake With Pistachio Ice Cream David Meredith Lemon juice and zest lend a pleasing citrus tang to this light, fluffy cake. Get the recipe. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit