How to Be Ready to Entertain—Anytime

+ a new favorite recipe: Sheet Pan Fish and Chips!

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We’re officially entering entertaining season—graduations, backyard hangs, family visits, out-of-towners, and those warm spring/summer evenings that practically beg for spontaneous dinners. But if the idea of last-minute hosting (or just hosting in general) makes you panic, this one’s for you.

Here’s how I prep once so I can say “come over!” without a second thought.

1. Stock a non-perishable entertaining shelf Think pantry, cupboard, or basket. I love perusing the aisles at Eataly, Cost Plus World Market, and gourmet shops when I have time and stocking up on goodies for a “rainy” day. These are the MVPs that won’t go bad and make it easy to pull something together:

• Good olives (like Castelvetrano or marinated mixes)

• Marcona almonds or pistachios

• Tinned fish (sardines, anchovies, or fancy tuna in oil) I think code PAMELASALZMAN gets you 10% off Fishwife

• Crackers (Rustic Bakery, Ines Rosales )

• Jarred artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers

• Dried fruit (apricots, figs, or Medjool dates)

• Sparkling water and tonic, favorite wines and mixers, or mocktail mixer (like Brez)

• Don’t forget cocktail napkins, votives/candles, propane for the grill

2. Keep a few frozen favorites These come to the rescue for no-stress apps or simple mains:

• Puff pastry or phyllo dough (hello, tarts or pinwheels)

• Frozen shrimp

• Pizza dough ( I buy from Eataly and freeze)

• Mini meatballs or empanadas

• Sliced sourdough or baguette (my Wildgrain breads, biscuits and cookies come in so handy)

3. Create your 3 go-to menus Have three really simple (or not simple, but ones you can mange without stress) menus in your back pocket, including one that’s gluten-free, vegetarian, or no-cook. For example:

Menu 1: Aperitivo Hour/Happy Hour (No-Cook)

• Cheese board with fruit, nuts, olives, crackers

• Open a bottle of chilled rosé, or pre-mix a batch of Negronis, or serve a mocktail with citrus & mint

Menu 2: Alfresco Dinner (20 Minutes of Effort)

• Grilled salmon or store-bought rotisserie chicken

• Big salad with little gems, shaved fennel, and mustard vinaigrette

• Orzo with lemon, herbs, and peas

• Berries with whipped cream

Menu 3: Pantry Pasta & Impressive Dessert

• Pasta with jarred artichokes, olives, capers, and parsley - serve parmesan on the side

• Green salad with white beans and tomatoes and basil

• A fruit crisp (I keep a batch of crisp topping in the freezer for quick desserts) or my Lemon Olive Oil Cake from Quicker Than Quick which is on sale right now (make ahead and freeze!)

  

  4. Set the mood with zero stress A few small touches make it feel intentional:

• Votive candles or string lights

• Cloth napkins and mismatched plates

• A Spotify playlist you love (French cafe, Bossa nova, or Yacht Rock always work)

5. Keep an emergency gift drawer If you’re going to someone else’s gathering, be ready with:

• Small-batch jam or honey (I buy from Gjelina in Venice, CA)

• Artisan olive oil (there are too many to mention!)

• Luxe hand soap or tea towels

• A handwritten card

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. I know how to cook a lot of complicated recipes, but that’s not how I want to spend my time. Not one of my friends has ever seemed disappointed that I didn’t spend 3 days cooking for a dinner party. In fact, sometimes the most memorable evenings come from a thrown-together table and a relaxed host who actually enjoys herself.

Here’s to saying yes, with less stress!

Even More Musings is an extension of my weekly newsletter, Monday Musings. My newsletter is a sponsor-free zone and is fully supported by readers like you. Consider becoming a paid subscriber to get Even More Musings! Each week, I share my tips and tricks along with a new recipe. For only $5/month or $50/year (less than $1 a newsletter), you'll also gain access to the entire archive, featuring favorites like My New Hyper-fixation High-Protein Fluffy Breakfast Bowl  and the Hillstone Copycat Emerald Kale Salad. Today I am sharing an outstanding new favorite, which I am calling Sheet Pan Fish and Chips! This is something I have served to friends and I have already done a fun twist on this for a dinner party which I will share next week.