My Make-Ahead Dinner Party Menu can be made nearly entirely the day before! This approach creates a more enjoyable experience, allowing you to focus on the celebration rather than the chaos of cooking. Down below I will share my holiday dinner ideas that have been thoughtfully curated to impress your guests.

Let’s host a dinner party

I love hosting. You either say this sentence, or ya don’t – right? Over the years, I have perfected hosting, and the biggest tip I have is to prepare nearly your entire dinner menu the day before. Set the table, prepare as much of the food as you can, buy the flowers, you get it.

Make-ahead dinner party menu

My make-ahead dinner party menu allows you to prepare nearly everything the day before. From my zesty house vinaigrette, to the homemade tiramisu, this menu is sure to impress your guests. Consisting of an appetizer, main course, salad, dessert and appropriate cocktail pairings.

Holiday dinner ideas

Looking for more holiday appetizers and dinner inspo? Check out some of the most popular right here on the blog:

• Puff Pastry Tarts
• French Onion Dip
• Homemade Ricotta
• Italian Rice Balls
• Whipped Feta with Maple Bacon and Toasted Walnuts
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Whipped Ricotta Crostini
• Baked Brie with Jam
• Brie Bites with Red Pepper Jelly

Curated dinner menu

Appetizer: Homemade Ricotta
Serve with Bread and Butter Chardonnay
Tip: make the day before and assemble when guests arrive.

First Course: House Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
Serve with Bread and Butter Chardonnay
Tip: prepare the vinaigrette the day before and pour over salad before serving.

Second Course: Lasagna Roll Up’s
Serve with Bread and Butter Cabernet Sauvignon
Tip: assemble and cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Dessert: Aunty Tata’s Tiramisu
Serve with Bread and Butter Cabernet Sauvignon
Tip: prepare entirely the day before, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Plan the cocktails

Consider the types of drinks that will complement the food you’re cooking. Whether that’s a selection of wine, cocktails or non-alcoholic options. For this particular menu I am serving everything with Bread and Butter chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon.

Set the table

Planning the table set up the night before is a valuable hosting tip that will save you time the next day. The day before, carefully arrange your dishes, cutlery, candles, napkins and centrepiece.

Let’s stay connected!

Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest! Also, if you do make this recipe (or any recipe of mine for that matter) be sure to tag #sammymontgoms so I can see your re-creations!

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