Plan ahead! Get organized a week or so in advance, if possible. This allows you to get your groceries ordered or take an efficient shopping trip!
Prep early. Do all your chopping, mixing and creating in the 48 hours prior to your event. The more you accomplish ahead of time, the better you’ll feel on the day of your party!
Arrange serving platters and glassware ahead, too. I like to think ahead about which dishes, bowls and platters I’ll need for serving and get them lined up on our island or table.
Notes
One of the keys to keeping entertaining effortless is to select menu items that not only compliment one another, but have ingredients that overlap.
For example, to minimize prep work, cut an array of fruit to not only eat, but put on waffles and mimosas. Using one ingredient to make multiple dishes is one of my favorite shortcuts.