So you’re having a dinner party…on a weeknight
It’s hard enough to muster up the motivation to cook yourself dinner on any given night, and this is coming from a gal who finds immense joy from cooking. And while it probably doesn’t quite make sense that I’d voluntarily cook dinner for not only myself, but not only other people, on a weeknight, here we are.
Some things can’t be explained, and I love to host people. It gets me excited to think about the menu and experience, even in our small NY apartment. And if you feel less excitement from hosting, but find yourself in this position, hopefully this methodology can help.
Different things work for different people, but for me, spreading out the tasks helps lighten the load. Providing you have notice, figure out your menu and create your grocery list one day, procure the groceries another day and prep what you can the day before. Then, the best part is that all you have to do the day of is cook things and your kitchen starts clean.
Beyond the project management aspect of cooking, it’s worth creating a magical menu. And fortunately, magical does not have to mean difficult or that it’s all on you My mom often reminds me of three important things when we talk:
When you’re going to someone’s home, don’t show up empty-handed
When you’re hosting, make things you’ve made before and know you’re good at
And, you don’t have to make everything. Your guests will likely offer to bring something, so let them. Regardless, give yourself the freedom to cut a corner or two if you start feeling stressed, like picking up dessert.
My menu + tips
Skirt Steak + Red Chimichurri - Marinade and chimichurri made ahead, steak marinates day of and gets cooked live
Casual Smashed Potatoes - You can probably boil the potatoes beforehand if you need, but I’ll do it all live because it’s mostly hands-off
The Minimalist Wedge Salad - Garlic-panko breadcrumbs and dressing made before, salad dressed live
Brownie Sundaes — Brownies made in advance, ice cream store bought, whipped cream handled live
