No matter how much I plan, the final 30 minutes before adinner partyis pure mayhem.
But last week something amazing happened.
Everythingand I mean EVERYTHINGwas completely finished 45 minutes before guests were scheduled to arrive!
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
No jokeI literally had time to calmly and carefully paint my nails (and even let them dry!)
before the first guest knocked on the door.
It was a party miracle.
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
Heres what I served and how it all worked out super smoothly.
What’s the Secret to Hosting Without the Stress?
Start with a smart menu.
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
And in the past, it has usually been something Ive never made before.
For this party, I chose recipes that were blessed by theSouthern LivingTest Kitchen.
We were all shocked to discover that we actually liked the slow cooker version better.
Both were just right for balancing the rich, meaty short ribs.
Outsource Appetizers and Dessert
Do yourself a favor and dont make every darn thing.
You know that one friend who insists on showing up 20 minutes before the party is supposed to start?
Put her in charge of bringing anappetizer.
Bakery cakes can be super-pricey, but they are a huge time-saver.
If you have a friend or a husband who loves baking, let them do what they do best.
My husband prefers baking to cooking, because he likes precision and the security of following a trusted recipe.
So I asked him to make the 2-layer chocolate cake that he always makes.
So it was a win-win!
So there you have it.
And good company, of course.
Good luck, and bon appetit!
