Martha’s Effortless Entertaining: Simple Make-Ahead Recipes for a Stress-Free Soirée

Hosting doesn’t have to be hectic. Martha Stewart famously teaches that the secret to gracious entertaining lies in thoughtful preparation, allowing you to enjoy your guests (and your own party!). The key? A menu loaded with delicious dishes that can be made largely in advance.

Here are three go-to recipes that will impress without the last-minute fuss:

1. The Elegant Appetizer: Whipped Feta with Honey & Pistachios
This appetizer is a showstopper that requires minimal effort and can be assembled hours before your guests arrive. It’s creamy, salty, sweet, and crunchy – hitting all the right notes.

2. The Crowd-Pleasing Side: Roasted Root Vegetables with Herbs
This colorful side dish is fantastic because it’s mostly hands-off once it hits the oven, and it can be served warm or at room temperature, making it incredibly forgiving for entertaining.

3. The Make-Ahead Dessert: Individual Berry Trifles
Individual trifles are an entertainer’s dream. They look elegant, can be fully assembled hours (even a day!) in advance, and require no last-minute fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love their own personal dessert?