Build in enough time to thaw everything before your guests arrive. Then you just have to heat them up on the day of your party. If you have recipes that freeze well, make them ahead of time. Wash and cut all your veggies the day before so they are fresh and you’re not spending time chopping on the day of your party. Pro tip: if you haven’t used the grocery app before, give it a test run a few weeks before your party. If you want to save some time, use your favorite grocery app for a delivery or pickup order. Before hitting the store, take inventory of pantry staples like sugar or flour. Make a list of all the ingredients you will need for each dish, then check the kitchen to make sure you buy only what you need. Once you decide on your recipes, you’ll want to make your grocery list.
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. You might already have a list of crowd-pleasing recipes that you know and love. It will make choosing recipes much simpler.
You’ll want to know how many you’ll be serving, if there are any special dietary needs (like vegan, gluten-free, etc.) and if there is any theme for the occasion.