What’s the definition of a great dinner party? One where the hosts have as much fun as the guests. Sure, you love to cook—but you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the party. To help you savor a relaxed evening with your company, our menu features recipes that are simple to prepare in advance. Just add a few finishing touches after your guests arrive.
The main attraction: hearty wine-braised short ribs, prepared and served in a Moroccan tagine. The meat slow-cooks to tender perfection in this beautiful baking dish, which makes a dramatic presentation at the table—right down to the irresistible aromas that greet diners when you raise the lid. Serve the meal family-style so everyone can help themselves to seconds (and thirds).
Recipes
Recipes by Course
- Breakfast
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- Desserts
- Cocktails
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This Season
- In Season Now
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- 12 Days of Holiday Cocktails
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Menus
- Test Kitchen's Christmas Menu
- Wishbone Kitchen's Christmas Menu
- Global Holiday Desserts
- Brian Hart Hoffman's Holiday Treats
- Adeena Sussman's Latkes 8 Ways
- Joshua Weissman's Hanukkah Menu
- Test Kitchen's New Year's Eve Dinner
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Featured Chefs & Celebrities
- Aarón Sánchez
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Williams Sonoma Wine Shop
Resources
- Knife Skills Guide
- Guide to Apples
- Guide to Cheese
- Guide to Chocolate
- Guide to Eggs
- Guide to Lemons
- Guide to Olive Oil
- Guide to Pasta
- Guide to Pie
- Guide to Tea
- Guide to Wine
- Juicing 101

Blue Cheese Dip
Potato Chips
Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs
Classic Mashed Potatoes
Southern Collard Greens
Lemon Pudding Cake