Dinner parties can be emotionally fraught and physically exhausting. Skip that part, do a do-ahead Italian dinner.

Invite your friends over, and don’t enslave yourself to the kitchen for the entire time.

The Starter

These oozing morsels can be made ahead, even frozen, then fried at the last minute so they’re hot and ready to go when guests arrive.  

Drinks writer Mike Bennie says, “This Italian feast tends to the more summery side of cuisine, so serving up vibrant whites, a rose and a light dessert wine is really the best laid plan.”

Drink match: Crisp riesling (try Mitchell Watervale Riesling)

The Main

Studded with mint, peas, pancetta and a dash of a cream, this dish is easy to throw together just as you’re ready to serve.

Drink match: Delicious rose (try Eastern Peake Tache Blanc du Noirs)

The Dessert

Make the coffee and liqueur-laced terrine ahead, then just slice. Dessert is served.

Drink match: Nip of amaretto (try Saliza Veneziano Amaretto)