These recipes for mains, sides, and desserts take the guesswork out of entertaining.

and never fails to impress dinner party guests."

When done right, its a showstopper.

Southern Living Lemon Roast Chicken With Rainbow Carrots in roasting pan

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This one never fails.

Its also a plus that your side dish gets made in the process!

grilled flank steak with chimichurri

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Creamed corn served in a dish with a wooden spoon

Credit:Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Southern Living Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry in the dish with a serving out beside it

Credit:Brittany Conerly; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Slow-Cooker Bolognese Sauce over Pappardelle Pasta

Credit:Greg Dupree

Southern Living Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Southern Living French Onion Deviled Eggs on a blue surface

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Matthew Gleason

Our Best Lasagna

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Credit:Johnny Autry; Food and Prop Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

easy chocolate cake

Credit:Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser