This dinner party approach is the easiest way to entertain.

Theres been aresurgence of dinner partiesand casual get-togethersno occasion neededand were leaning into this trend.

The answer to your easiest-ever dinner party: covered-dish dinners.

Southern Living Creamed Corn Mac and Cheese

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Hector Sanchez

What Is A Covered-Dish Dinner?

It just means everyone brings something and it makes entertaining really fun, explains my Yaya.

Now that Im another Southernism wiserIm ALL for a covered-dish dinner.

Candied Jalapeños

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Catch me starting a monthly covered-dish dinner group and I hope thisfuss-freehosting method inspires you to do so too!

In other words, plan a menu and have people pick from the list what they want to make.

You dont want everyone to end up bringingpotato chipsand dip.

Nashville Hot Chicken Dip

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

That simply doesnt work!

Afewparameters for your covered-dish dinner party might prove helpful.

Doing so helps ensure there is a variety of offerings.

dinner party al fresco

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Tell your guests, Heres the menu, what do you want to make?, suggests my grandmother.

No fuss, no stress!