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12 delicious recipes perfect for easy entertaining! Host a winter dinner party without all the stress with these make-ahead recipes.
Entertaining doesn't have to be stressful! Our favorite way to entertain family and friends is to make everything ahead of time so we can enjoy the party too. These are some of our favorite recipes that are perfect for a dinner party. From cozy stews to seasonal salads, these recipes are perfect for cold winter days. Pick and few, invite some friends and enjoy!
Any Time of Year Italian Bruschetta (an easy crowd-pleaser!)
This delicious Italian Bruschetta, made with sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, Â fresh basil and a splash of balsamic vinegar is easy to make and is ALWAYS a crowd-pleaser!Â
Orange Fennel Spinach Salad with Honey White Balsamic Dressing
This Orange Fennel Spinach Salad is fresh, healthy and super delish. It's also a beautiful sight to behold and the Honey White Balsamic Dressing ties all the ingredients together with a bow!
Classic French Bistro Salad
This simple Classic French Bistro Salad, served at cafés, brasseries and bistros all over France, is beyond easy and one of those recipes you'll be turning to again and again (especially when you want to feel a little "fancy")  - with minimal effort on your part.
Ridiculously Easy Rosemary Bread
This Ridiculously Easy Rosemary Bread takes 5 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to shape and it looks like it comes from an artisan bakery! Oh, and it's ridiculously delicious too!
No-Fuss Butternut Squash Risotto with Italian Roasted Shrimp
A delicious fall comfort dish, this Butternut Squash Risotto with Italian Roasted Shrimp can be prepped ahead and uses the magic of the oven for perfectly cooked risotto and shrimp without all the fuss! A fabulous meal for entertaining or to enjoy near a cozy fire!
Easy, Make-Ahead Parisian Coq au Vin (with boneless chicken breasts)
Much easier than traditional Coq au Vin but just as delicious, the magical tenderizing trick results in amazingly tender chicken. It's a fabulous, make-ahead dish that's perfect for entertaining or an easy weeknight treat.
Slow Braised Italian Beef Stew
In addition to tender chunks of beef and carrots and a deeply flavored sauce, this Slow Braised Italian Beef Stew also features fire-roasted tomatoes, briny olives, pearl onions and lots of fresh rosemary for a delicious taste of Italy!
Make-Ahead Homemade Manicotti
This make-ahead, Homemade Manicotti is beyond delicious with an Italian sausage marinara and tender melt-in-your-mouth pasta.
Easy Pan-Seared Chicken Bruschetta
If you're in the mood for something healthy, satiating and fabulous, this super easy Pan-Seared Chicken Bruschetta is calling your name! Serve it with some crusty bread to sop up the delicious juices and you'll be hearing rave reviews from family, friends and guests!
Ridiculously Easy French Almond Frangipane Tart (Tarte Frangipane aux Amandes)
This French Almond Frangipane Tart tastes like it came from a fancy little Parisian patisserie. No one has to know how easily and quickly it comes together!
Lemon-Glazed French Sable Cookies
Combine a crisp, buttery, French shortbread cookie with a double burst of bright lemon and you've got a heavenly sweet treat! The fact that these Lemon-Glazed French Sable Cookies come together easily in one bowl (no mixer needed!) seals the deal!
Magical, Melt-in-Your-Mouth 5-Minute Chocolate Mousse (Ridiculously Easy!)
This Magical Melt-in-Your-Mouth 5-Minute Chocolate Mousse sounds too good to be true But, trust me, if you have a few minutes to spare, you can make an incredibly delicious dessert that will bring rave reviews from everyone!
Shop Our Café Loves
We’ve gathered our favorite kitchen tools, tableware, and entertaining treasures in one place, the Café Loves store. It’s a wonderful spot to find something special for yourself or the cooks and hosts you love!
Love your recipes
Thanks so much, Ann!