Use this guide to plan any type of gathering and start with this effortless but stunning fall menu.
Putting together a party doesn’t have to be hard — and it shouldn’t be. You can be thoughtful and organized in such a way that your guests don’t know this effortless event was, in reality, well planned. When having a party, start with a menu like the fall one below, anchored by savory roasted salmon and surrounded by beautiful vegetables.
Hosting a party is about so much more than just putting food on the table: It’s about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, relaxed and ready to have a great time — including you.
Instead of cramming all the chores into a couple of stressful days, break them down into this checklist of easy-to-accomplish tasks leading up to the get-together. That way, instead of feeling a sense of impending doom, you’re building the party prep into the natural flow of your day-to-day. Not every party needs to be planned a month ahead, and sometimes you’re just entertaining on a whim. That’s where the beauty of this guide shines. Whether you’ve got weeks (follow the timeline below) or a few hours (trim and condense the tasks), use this go-to checklist to keep things simple and stress-free.
Party Planning Checklist
Way Ahead
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Make the guest list: Send invitations with all the details.
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Plan the menu: Choose dishes that feel exciting, using what’s in season or on theme. Remember to ask your guests about any restrictions or allergies.
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Shop early: Get the pantry staples, like flour, sugar and canned goods, crossed off the list now; it will be a big help later.
Week Of
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Confirm the guest list: Send a reminder and finalize your head count.
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Lock the menu: Make your full shopping list, planning when you’ll shop for your most perishable items, and organize your prep and cooking schedule, assigning each task to a specific day.
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Do a deep clean: Clean all the common areas and, if coats are going on the bed (when and why did that become a universal thing?), be sure that room is clean, too.
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Make a serving plan: Check that you have the tabletop essentials (plates, flatware, glasses, serveware, serving utensils, water, corkscrew with bottle opener, napkins and, if you’d like, tablecloths or place mats, candles and flowers). If you need anything special, pick it up now so you’re not scrambling.
Day Before
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Set up the space: Do final, quick clean; move any furniture; arrange seating; set the table; make flower arrangements if you have them.
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Organize your dishes: Wash and dry the items you’ll use to serve, and organize them in the kitchen so they’re ready for plating as each dish is done.
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Cook away: Don’t save it all for tomorrow! Anything that can be made ahead should be made ahead. Most things taste better the next day anyway.
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Choose an outfit: Pick out what you’re going to wear and get it ready for its debut. Trust me, day of, you don’t want to spend more time in the closet than you have to.
Last-Minute
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Make the final touches: Light the (unscented) candles if you’re using them, start the playlist and double-check you have everything you need so you can send out an S.O.S. text now, before anyone arrives, if you need to.
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Take out the trash: Be sure you’re starting the party with empty, odor-free bins. Don’t forget the bathroom trash, too.
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Get dressed: Pause all the other prep to put on your outfit, check your hair and fix your lipstick. Your guests are about to arrive, and you don’t want to be caught half-dressed.
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Take a deep breath: You’ve got this. If there was ever a time to Live, Laugh, Love, it’s right now.
A Menu That’s Easy to Fall For
This nonalcoholic version of the classic negroni features grapefruit juice for bitterness, hibiscus tea for floral and tannic notes, a little sugar for sweetness and black peppercorns for that subtle, satisfying burn. Brew the tea a day ahead and mix the drinks right before serving.
Recipe: Nonalcoholic Negroni
Roasted Squash With Crispy Chickpeas and Feta
When roasted, delicata, acorn and kabocha squash have a dense and creamy texture and stunning orange hue. Roasted chickpeas add a crispy crunch, and a mixture of lightly pickled shallots, cooling mint and salty feta will make you see squash in a whole new light. Make the chickpeas a day ahead.
Recipe: Roasted Squash With Crispy Chickpeas and Feta
Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives
This roasted salmon rests in a floral, herby and briny mix of fresh orange juice, olive oil and roughly chopped olives and parsley after it comes out of the oven, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Salt the salmon a day ahead to ensure it stays juicy.
Recipe: Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives
Charred Broccoli With Anchovy Vinaigrette
Deeply charring broccoli gives it an almost smoky flavor, and cutting Parmesan into large chunks instead of grating it delivers bulky bites. A bold anchovy vinaigrette wraps everything in a bright and briny lift. Blanch the broccoli a day ahead.
Recipe: Charred Broccoli With Anchovy Vinaigrette
Pignoli cookies are the royalty of Italian cookies: They’re encrusted in toasty pine nuts on the outside and feature next-level chewiness on the inside. The cookies can be baked up to two days ahead.
Recipe: Pignoli Cookies
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