


For some, having individuals over for a meal comes naturally. Possibly they grew up in a house the place they noticed their dad and mom entertain. Possibly they’ve acquired a present for being tremendous organized and calm whereas juggling all of the transferring components of getting a meal to the desk. After which there are the remainder of us, those that wish to have individuals over however get twisted up in all the explanations to postpone.
Internet hosting doesn’t must be formal. It doesn’t must appear like my events or any others you see on Instagram. The purpose of entertaining is to collect individuals to spend time collectively—whatever the measurement of your house or your cooking ability stage. Even with out the strain of comparability, it may be overwhelming to consider all the pieces you need to do earlier than and through such an event.


Internet hosting With out All of the Fuss
I want you to have people over. So I requested my good friend (and beneficiant host) Lisa to collaborate on a brand new entertaining collection on Wit & Delight known as “Come Over For…” In every publish, we’ll share all of the important data for internet hosting a pleasant occasion round a particular theme or concept, together with a timeline for the day earlier than and the day of, an in depth grocery checklist, and recipes for every menu merchandise. The collection goals to make it simple to duplicate these sorts of events to your group of mates or household.
Lisa and I’ve been cooking and sharing meals for a very long time. She entertains fantastically and is a gracious, calm host for giant events and small dinners alike. She’s additionally an unimaginable prepare dinner and has been creating her personal recipes. She created all the recipes on this publish! By collaborating on this collection, we’re exploring a richer strategy to internet hosting that mixes each of our kinds and experience.
Submit your email here to obtain the recipes, full grocery checklist, and internet hosting timeline.


Past cooking and entertaining, Lisa is the founding father of Hackwith Design House and a multi-hyphenate artistic who’s good at all the pieces she does. And, importantly, she’s assured in her skills to create. I like this about her a lot as a result of half the battle of making is being keen to strive.
Lisa and I needed to maintain each recipe and step on this collection gentle and doable. It’s entertaining with out all the additional fuss. It’s a reminder {that a} easy strategy to internet hosting can nonetheless really feel particular.


Come Over For… A Informal Dinner Get together
For the primary iteration, we curated an informal feast that’s simple, stunning, scrumptious, and memorable. A tall order to fill however we did it! The menu for this informal feast is supposed to be simple to convey to the desk however nonetheless particular. It’s vegetarian, filling, and scrumptious, so everybody will likely be glad.
Right here’s the menu, together with a cocktail to start out the night:
- Vermouth Spritz
- Shaved Fennel, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Arugula Salad
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- Lemon Panna Cotta


Submit your email here to obtain the recipes, full grocery checklist, and internet hosting timeline.
5 Ideas for Entertaining With Ease
Every time I’m internet hosting a cocktail party, these are the issues I like to bear in mind to make sure a low-stress, pleasing night.




1. Create a Menu
We’ve taken care of this for you! When making a menu for a cocktail party, I like to think about the variety of individuals attending and what steps it takes to get the meals to the desk. This menu is ideal for as much as six individuals however can simply be scaled up with out a lot effort.
Right here’s one other tip: When you’re cooking a brand new dish and wish to apply making it, contemplate doing a trial run first. Make it per week or so earlier than the occasion for your loved ones or your self so you will get comfy with the steps.


2. Plan Forward
Plan the prep so that you’re not feeling rushed the night of your feast. Lisa and I put collectively a timeline for what must be completed beforehand and main as much as the occasion so you could have an concept of find out how to tempo your self and the night.
For extra tips about planning, making a visitor checklist, and sending invites, learn this publish: “How to Plan a Dinner Party: My Best Tips to Simplify the Process.”


3. Hold It Easy
You don’t want an elaborate tablescape or ambiance. In the case of setting the desk, I believe easy is at all times extra elegant. For this feast, we set the desk with only some issues: a striped tablecloth, tapered candles, and items of recent fruit. We added a flower association to a close-by seating space, placed on a great playlist, and let all the pieces else go.




4. Ask for Assist
For this feast, I confirmed up early to assist Lisa earlier than the opposite friends arrived. Don’t draw back from asking for assist! It may well alleviate last-minute stress and make the preparation course of far more pleasing. Jobs you might give your helper embrace:
- Make the cocktails
- Make the salad dressing
- Slice the fennel and fruit for the salad
- Do the dishes which have gathered whereas cooking
- Set the desk


5. Go With the Stream
When you plan forward and do your greatest to not really feel rushed, you need to be set as much as benefit from the event along with your friends. All that to say, one thing will go improper. Giggle it off, ask for assist, and keep in mind one of the best reminiscences are sometimes when one thing deviates from the plan. I’ve by no means hosted a single occasion with out one thing going sideways. Dessert didn’t set, I forgot a spot setting, the music stopped working, or the rice burned. It’s okay. It occurs to everybody. The extra you host, the simpler it turns into to float and have enjoyable.
Submit your email here to obtain the recipes, full grocery checklist, and internet hosting timeline.




There’s a lot extra to come back! Within the months forward, this collection will proceed—and it gained’t at all times be about dinner events. We wish to share find out how to host a easy dessert occasion, a day tea, a no-cook lunch, and Friendsgiving, amongst different concepts. Keep tuned!


Kate is the founding father of Wit & Delight. She is at the moment studying find out how to play tennis and is eternally testing the boundaries of her artistic muscle. Observe her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.