Anonymous wrote:I like things that can be made ahead so that I’m not so busy while guests are there. My go to menu is stuffed shells, salad and garlic bread. Sometimes I might do a stuffed chicken breast with something like spinach, cranberries and Brie along with rice and asparagus.

I’m obviously not as good of a cook as the early posters, but just offering a do it
Ahead option.

+1 on stuffed shells or lasagna for a dinner party!

Here's the ATK slow roasted beef recipe https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/6710-turn-bargain-beef-tender

PP on the classic roasts - I've been following Cook's Illustrated on less expensive roast beef. FWIW I often see eye of round roasts on sale and cook it for family dinners a lot. You cook it low and slow and it can rest a long time at medium rare before you serve it. I put plenty of salt, pepper and rosemary on it when I roast it and put an herb compound butter on it before I slice it. When you carve it slice it thin. It honestly has as good a beef flavor as much more expensive cuts and it dinner party friendly in that it can rest before serving. If everything else is done cooking, you can just slice the roast as the only last minute prep.

I make an au jus sauce to go with it - you can make it ahead with stock you buy or the Better Than Boullion beef or chicken base. Then deglaze your roasting pan before serving plus add any pan juices from carving the roast to enhance it and reheat/cook down just before serving. This is a dish that's surprisingly affordable for family meals that is easily dressed up for a dinner party. Bonus if your partner doesn't cook much but enjoys carving and talking up roast to build anticipation

I like things that can be made ahead so that I’m not so busy while guests are there. My go to menu is stuffed shells, salad and garlic bread. Sometimes I might do a stuffed chicken breast with something like spinach, cranberries and Brie along with rice and asparagus.

I’m obviously not as good of a cook as the early posters, but just offering a do it
Ahead option.

Anonymous wrote:It depends on how well you cook and how much time you want to devote to preparation. To me, the most important thing would be to choose something to seasonal. Something with acorn squash, or apples. Chicken Marbella, suggested above, it’s a great recipe, but it’s best done by someone who understands how to really do it well. You could lean into her and do braised short ribs or beef stew.

Stew is not special. Period. OP said they wanted something to celebrate a special occasion.

Lobster bisque served in tiny cups
Field green salad with blue cheese, walnuts and cranberries
Chicken piccata with lemon/capers
Sauted spinach
Rice pilaf or lemon pasta

I stay pretty traditional when someone likes everything. So I'd do a nice roast beef with new potatoes, string beans and asparagus. Or I'd do baked chicken with orzo and rice pilaf with the same veg.

I'd make things festive by making the table festive - candles, flowers, etc.

I say this whenever people ask what I like but I mean it in all sincerity…. I hate cooking and never do it, so anything that another person was willing to put time into cooking for me is received with the utmost appreciation and gratitude. Just cook something you enjoy or find easy is what I’m saying, your guest is going to be impressed and grateful that you made anything!

What do you like to cook? The best menu for a dinner party you’re hosting is something you’ve cooked before and can do well without getting overwhelmed. Or if you really want to try something new, focus on menu items that can be made or assembled ahead of time so you can be relaxed at the party.
I tend to like making classic dishes really well, but with a twist that makes it a little different…for me that’s usually putting more effort into a pan sauce that’s really rich and delicious but classic for roasts, going comfort food for sides (esp something made way ahead and baked along with the roast), and having vegetable and the salad be something more unusual and really beautiful (again, made ahead but just assembled at the last minute). I realize this might seem a little boring and traditional, but it’s what I do really well at.
I also make a pitcher cocktail and a charcuterie tray that’s all bought items to keep it easy.

It depends on how well you cook and how much time you want to devote to preparation. To me, the most important thing would be to choose something to seasonal. Something with acorn squash, or apples. Chicken Marbella, suggested above, it’s a great recipe, but it’s best done by someone who understands how to really do it well. You could lean into her and do braised short ribs or beef stew.

Oysters
Salad
Roast chicken or duck
Grain salad
Roasted root vegetables

PP again. My husband makes a duck confit salad with a shallot balsamic dressing. The greens are arugula. This is delicious.

PP. I also like pounded chicken beasts with lemon juice and rosemary.

Basically think of catered banquet entrees then choose similar dishes that you do well but are tastier.

If they wouldn't be recognized (lol), I think IKEA vegetable medallions are delicious and look very nice plated up.

Stuffed Cornish hens or quail? Poultry is bland but stuffing transforms.

Roast beef or steak? With special sauces on the side?

Seafood boil for a seafood lover? Lobsters or Maryland crabs.

I had Chicken Marbella recently that was very good.

Also chicken with verjus recipes.

Someone else posted spicy salmon for their small dinner.

Our go-to salmon is a steak simmered in white wine, carrots, and celery. The vegetables are a side.

Dessert is covered.

But I’m at a loss. I want something festive as we are celebrating something for the guest (a job promotion of sorts).

Ideas?