You have eight family members coming over for dinner, so a large pizza just isn’t going to cut it. But don’t stress: You can feed the whole crew with these deliciously attainable recipes for a crowd, including dreamy meal prep creations, like pomegranate-sumac chicken with roasted carrots and mini skillet pizzas, and big-batch, make-ahead breakfasts, like quiche with gluten-free sweet potato crust. You can throw these ideas together in no time with minimal fuss, whether the occasion is a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering or a dinner party. (Many can even be prepared in advance to freeze for future busy evenings.)
68 Big-Batch Dishes & Recipes to Feed a Crowd
For holiday gatherings and casual dinners alike
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Published Jan 25, 2024
Foodie Crush
What Are the Best Types of Meals to Serve a Large Crowd?
Our go-tos are slow cooker dishes and casseroles, since they typically yield large quantities. (If you can assemble them ahead to chill or freeze until the day you're going to serve, even better.) One-pot pasta dishes and charcuterie boards are solid choices too, as well as high-protein meals that call for minimal hands-on work, like whole roast chicken or Crockpot pulled pork. Many sheet pan and skillet dishes can also feed up to six people in one fell swoop.
- Time Commitment: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
The humble BLT just got a drool-worthy makeover, courtesy of homemade pie crust, heirloom tomatoes and arugula. We wouldn't blame you for topping the galette with a drizzle of lemon aioli for a mayo-inspired finishing touch.
3. Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas (10 servings)
- Time Commitment: 8 hours
- Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, one pot, under 500 calories, dairy free, kid-friendly
In this big-batch gem, pork shoulder is simmered in the slow cooker for eight hours, yielding tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that’s fabulous in tacos, sandwiches and even with fried eggs.
4. Classic Macaroni Salad (8 to 10 servings)
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, make ahead, beginner-friendly
Not only can you prepare this picnic essential ahead, but you should. The longer the pasta and veggies sit in the vinegary mayo dressing, the more zingy flavor they'll soak up.
5. Baked Sausage and Cheese Rigatoni (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, beginner-friendly
This family favorite packs in a pound of sweet Italian sausage, plus lots of ricotta, Parm and provolone. (Thanks, Coterie member, Heidi Larsen.) Feel free to sub the sausage for something low fat like turkey, if that's your preference.
6. Caramelized Shiitake Mushroom Risotto (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, make ahead
A ten-ingredient, 30-minute recipe that stores for up to a month in the freezer. (So basically, it’s fabulous in every way.) Make sure you use a big pan, so the mushrooms have ample space to properly caramelize.
7. Korean Beef Tacos (12 servings)
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: dairy free, kid-friendly, high protein
These mind-blowing handhelds come together in 35 minutes and are piled high with sriracha mayo and caramelized kimchi for good measure. Use gluten-free soy sauce and corn tortillas over flour in case anyone in your crew has an allergy.
8. White Bean Stew with Marinated Radicchio
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, one pot, low sugar
Help your crew beat the winter blues with this soul-soothing mix of alliums, fresh herbs, citrus juice and white beans. The stew will last for three days in an airtight container; just store the radicchio separately so it doesn’t get soggy. Add a few meatballs at the end of cooking for a protein boost.
9. Chicken and Dumplings (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, high protein, make ahead
This classic takes a bit of patience to prepare (hey, homemade biscuits take time), but Coterie member Maria Lichty promises it’s worth the wait. You can serve roast veggies or salad on the side for good measure, but it can also be the main event.
10. Baked Mac and Cheese Bites (10 Servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, under 500 calories, special occasion–worthy
In less than an hour, you can have 48 of these delightful little macaroni bites on the table, baked with two kinds of gooey cheddar cheese. Serve with hot sauce for the grown-ups and ketchup for the picky eaters.
11. Holy Mole Enchiladas (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Tweak this easy 40-minute recipe how you see fit to make the enchiladas spicy, gluten-free or vegan. The mole sauce can be prepared a few days in advance. Warning: You'll want it with every meal.
12. Easy Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes (10 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, under 500 calories, vegetarian
A decadent side dish that pairs fabulously with roast chicken and a green salad. (Or a Thanksgiving turkey.) You can also get creative with the types of cheese you use; whatever melting kind you have on hand will likely taste amazing.
13. Roasted Squash Salad with Crispy Shallot & Balsamic Reduction (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, dairy free, gluten free
With winter squash, pepitas, currants and macadamia nut cheese, it’s a salad that even the veggie averse can get on board with. Make it a main by crisping up some potatoes and adding them in.
14. Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 4 hours and 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Who doesn't love a set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal? Layered with ground beef, sharp cheddar, black beans and tons of tots, this crowd-pleaser is guaranteed to disappear in ten minutes or less.
15. Eight-Layer Hummus Dip (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, <10 ingredients
This nutritious, protein-rich app is loaded with pine nuts, pesto, sweet peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, cilantro and feta cheese. (Yum.) Serve with pita chips and crudités for the gluten-free folks at the table.
16. Slow Cooker Chipotle BBQ Meatballs with Garlic Toast (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 8 hours
- Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly
These little bites can be prepped in advance and frozen until you need them. The recipe calls for making your own barbecue sauce, and you'll quickly realize it's easy as pie...er, meatballs.
17. BLT Pasta Salad (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
The secret to this picnic favorite (besides a pound of bacon, of course)? Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar to make it tangy and a little bit sweet. You can also leave it undressed and store it in the fridge for up to two days, if you're making it ahead of time.
18. Zucchini Ricotta Galette (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, vegetarian, under 500 calories
If you’re in a dinner rut, listen up: This savory summer pie can elevate any meal, from a picnic lunch in the park with a bottle of wine to Sunday supper with the whole fam on the back patio. It's also completely homemade, including the crust—no shortcuts here.
19. Baked Brie with Figs, Pistachios and Orange (10 servings)
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, vegetarian, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
Let us fill you in on a little secret: This sweet-and-savory baked cheese looks fancy, but it couldn’t be easier to make. And with all those fancy toppings, it's prime for your holiday table. Serve with crackers and your favorite crispy bread.
20. Korean Grilled Steak with Toasted Sesame Chimichurri (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: under 500 calories, gluten free, special occasion–worthy
Food blogger Tieghan Gerard tells us the key to a great flank steak is marinating it in something delicious for a few hours. Done and done. Gerard recommends serving the steak with melon salad or a side of potatoes.
21. Ravioli Lasagna Casserole (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Forget lasagna noodles. In this dish, we layer ravioli (meat, cheese, mushroom—whatever kind you're feeling) for the most epic baked pasta dish ever. This recipe will be your kids' new favorite big-batch dinner, trust.
22. Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, under 500 calories
The whole family will approve of this decadent dinner. Even your kids won't mind the veggies, thanks to all that crumbled bacon and melted Gruyère. Any kind of meltable cheese will work, though, so feel free to get creative.
23. Spinach Artichoke Squares (12 servings)
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion–worthy, under 500 calories
We’re artichoke dip fans through and through. Add puff pastry, and we’re positively swooning. They’ve got the same cheesy goodness as the retro dip, without the need for crackers or chips.
24. Pull-Apart Bread with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese (10 to 12 servings)
- Time Commitment: 3 hours and 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, under 500 calories, vegetarian
Monkey bread is tasty, but we’ve made it 2 billion times. Enter this remix that boasts all the fun of monkey bread and twice the class. Make it for weekends, game days or dinner parties, but always serve warm.
25. Delicata Squash Rings with Garlic-Lemon Sauce (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, under 500 calories, special occasion–worthy
Onion rings better watch out: These easy, elegant squash bites are certain to steal the show. Set out a plate at your next cocktail party and watch them disappear in five minutes flat.
26. Mini Skillet Pizzas with Mushrooms and Roasted Tomatoes (10 servings)
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: one pan, vegetarian, <10 ingredients
Two things everyone loves: pizza and mini foods. In other words, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Use store-bought pizza dough and your guests will be none the wiser. Serve with crushed red pepper flakes and all the fixings, obviously.
27. Pomegranate-Sumac Chicken with Roasted Carrots (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, special occasion–worthy, high protein
Once it’s cool enough to turn on your oven, it’s time to embrace the sheet pan meal. This one’s packed with warm Middle Eastern spices that will have your guests begging for the recipe (and a second plate).
29. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: one pan, high protein, beginner-friendly
You had us at gnocchi and again at one-skillet dinner. Thanks to a few smart shortcuts (store-bought pasta, for one), this big-batch dinner takes a mere 30 minutes to make.
30. Slow Cooker Mediterranean Frittata (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: Mediterranean diet–friendly, slow cooker recipe, under 500 calories
Brunch should always be this easy. You basically drop all the ingredients in the Crockpot and go about your business until it's ready. Feel free to throw in other kinds of veggies outside of what's listed in the recipe; frittatas are famously riffable.
31. Sheet-Pan Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese (12 servings)
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, under 500 calories, special occasion-worthy
Eggs are a breeze to cook for one, but they’re tough to make for a crowd. Consider this recipe your secret weapon. It’s tasty with toast and a mimosa—and even more so on a bagel sandwich.
32. Sunday Morning French Toast (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, one pan, kid-friendly
An entire batch of French toast made in a single dish? Yeah, we’re definitely baking this gem on Christmas morning. Make sure you have extra butter and plenty of maple syrup on hand for serving. (Or fresh fruit, if you're feeling wholesome.)
33. Quiche with Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Crust (6 to 8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: under 500 calories, low carb, gluten free
Quiche is a breakfast classic. But quiche with a sweet potato crust? Wait for the crowd to go wild. Serve it with crusty bread and fruit salad or dressed greens.
34. Spinach and Cheese Strata (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 9 hours and 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, vegetarian
Stratas are the fancy casseroles of the brunch world. This one features plenty of gooey cheese, and it happens to be a great way to use up any leftover greens you have in the fridge. Serve with lots of crispy bacon or browned breakfast sausage.
35. Mexican-Inspired Breakfast Casserole (12 servings)
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
What makes this dish so amazing, you ask? It could be the fact that it’s a breeze to prepare ahead…or it could be the copious amounts of avocado on top. We can’t decide.
36. Roasted Salmon Tacos (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, gluten free, dairy free
Not only is the flaked salmon bursting with smoky chipotle and cumin, but it's also topped with grilled pineapple salsa and cashew lime crema. (Might we also suggest a mound of pickled red onions for each taco?)
37. Sausage and Fennel Pasta (6 Servings)
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Italian sausage has a ton of built-in flavor, so this pasta barely needs additional zhuzhing—though a sprinkle of grated Parm and a generous amount of black pepper never hurts.
38. Pumpkin Pie French Toast (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
Name a better way to use up leftover pumpkin pie, we'll wait. It tastes just as festive on Halloween morning as it does on Black Friday. We'll bring the syrup and whipped cream.
39. Roasted Tomato Soup (10 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, gluten free
You're only a handful of ingredients away from ditching canned soup forever. It's *that* good. If you have a legendary grilled cheese recipe, now would be the time to break that out.
41. Sheet-Pan Buttermilk Chicken Thighs with Plums, Shallots and Honey (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 8 hours and 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, sheet pan recipe, high protein, <10 ingredients
The beauty of stone fruit season. Be patient while the chicken marinates—the buttermilk is the key to tenderizing the meat and getting supremely crispy skin and savory flavor.
43. Split Pea Soup with Bacon and Beer (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: under 500 calories, dairy free, beginner-friendly
This cozy recipe is a far cry from your grandma's split pea soup. Chalk it up to the homemade croutons, sherry vinegar, smoky bacon and a whole can of pale lager. Now that's a glow-up.
44. Skillet Roast Chicken with Shmaltzy Potatoes (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 5 hours and 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, high protein, one pan
Nothing wows a crowd like a golden-brown roast chicken. Pro tip: Position the bird so its legs point toward one of the back corners of the oven, where it runs hotter than the center of the oven. This will keep the breast meat from drying out.
45. Spanish Tapas Board (10 to 12 Servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, high protein
When in doubt, a massive charcuterie spread of meat and cheese always satisfies. And this one has a few bonus appetizers, like heirloom pan con tomate and patatas bravas with saffron aioli.
Katherine Gillen
46. Spicy Slow Cooker Green Chicken Chili (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 6 hours and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, crowd-pleaser, high protein
Behold: the definition of cozy. Not only does it require a mere 15 minutes of active prep, but you can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months. How easy is that?
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
47. Cuban Sliders for a Crowd (15 servings)
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, one pan, <10 ingredients
It sure beats frying a million chicken wings on game day. We nixed the roast pork so the sammies were low-lift, but feel free to add store-bought pernil to make them more authentic and filling.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
48. Eggplant Parm Casserole (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why We Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly
Tell chicken to sit this one out. Crispy slabs of breadcrumb-coated eggplant will be just as delicious, and any meat eaters on your guest list won't think twice about it. Pass the garlic bread.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
49. Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 7 hours and 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Pile it onto rolls, add it to salads, use it to fill burritos or spread it on a quesadilla. Spice it up with extra chile powder or make it mild. The options are practically endless.
Meseidy Rivera/Weeknight Gourmet Dinners
50. Instant Pot Risotto à la Carbonara (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, Instant Pot recipe, beginner-friendly
BRB, swimming in a sea of pancetta- and wine-kissed cheese sauce. You could serve the risotto as a side, but we think it's decadent enough to stand on its own.
51. 3-Cheese Pumpkin Pasta Casserole with Spinach (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, vegetarian
If you don't serve this creamy, soul-warming dish for Halloween or Thanksgiving dinner, you're doing it wrong. (And since it's made with canned pumpkin, you can whip it up whenever.)
52. Polenta Ragu Casserole (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, high protein
Go ahead, make a guest list: You're having a dinner party. This fun twist on lasagna is just as easy to pull off as the O.G., but feels way fancier. Make it plant-based with meatless ground "beef" and vegan cheese, too.
53. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 7 hours and 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, high protein, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
You can use this sweet-and-tangy main in salads, burritos, quesadillas, grilled cheeses and all sorts of sandwiches, piled high with vinegary coleslaw. Whip up some potato salad for a side dish and you're in business.
54. Swedish Cinnamon Buns Topped with Salted Caramel (16 to 18 servings)
- Time Commitment: 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion–worthy, under 500 calories
FYI, most of the cooking time is hands-off, so you can sit back and bask in the glow of that drool-worthy caramel sauce. Sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top for a certain je ne sais quoi.
55. Apricot and Frangipane Cake (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, gluten free, <10 ingredients
Thanks to five juicy, in-season apricots, you won’t even need to frost this beauty. It's naturally gorgeous as is. And if apricots aren't in season, canned will do in a pinch.
56. Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie with Caramel and Sea Salt (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, one pan
Remember those incredible cookie cakes your family would order every year on your birthday? Well, now it can be your birthday every damn day if you want it to be. Now, grease up that cast iron skillet.
57. Perfect Instant Pot New York Cheesecake (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 8 hours
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, Instant Pot recipe, crowd-pleaser
A beautiful cheesecake is great for every occasion. And honestly, a group setting is best for this easy-to-make dessert, because the leftovers are dangerous. Leave the strawberries out if you're a cheesecake purist—we won't judge.
58. Key Lime Pie Ice Pops (9 servings)
- Time Commitment: 4 hours and 5 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
Sweetened condensed milk gives these ice pops a rich, luxurious texture, while cream cheese and fresh lime juice impart the optimal dose of tang and acidity to balance the flavor. Might we suggest topping each one with crumbled graham crackers?
59. Cheater’s Spicy Sausage Pizza With Burrata (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
Normally making homemade pizza is an hours-long affair, but this pie only takes a little more than half an hour, thanks to store-bought flatbread. Adjust the spice level by forgoing or adding red pepper flakes.
60. Cranberry, Brussels Sprouts and Brie Skillet Nachos (6 servings)
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
No offense to your dad's nachos, but these beat them out by a mile. The seasonal twist makes the app ideal for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. Make it a complete meal by adding shredded chicken or turkey.
61. Charred Sweet Potatoes with Pistachio-Chili Pesto (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, gluten free, vegetarian
Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will be thrilled to see these spuds at the dinner table. Roasting your taters at 450°F for up to 35 minutes gives them a charred, smoky vibe your guests will adore.
62. Perfect Meatballs with Cherry Tomato Sauce (8 to 10 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why We Love It: gluten free, high protein, make ahead, kid-friendly
These meatballs are truly next-level hearty. Garnish them with extra mozz, basil and some pesto, and serve them with either spaghetti or polenta, if your guests are gluten-free. (Zoodles work, too.)
63. Chicken Tetrazzini (8 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, under 500 calories
If you've never had chicken tetrazzini, it's a delicious combo of egg noodles, sautéed mushrooms, roast chicken and béchamel. If you're preparing it ahead, make sure to undercook the noodles a bit before assembling so they don't turn out mushy.
64. Mashed Potato Arancini (16 servings)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
These crispy, molten rice balls are equal parts casual and elegant (chalk it up to the surprise olives inside). They'll be even more delicious washed down with a beer or dirty martini—just sayin'.
65. Ham and Cheese Sliders (12 servings)
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Whether you're hosting a Super Bowl viewing party or a kids' sleepover, these simple sammies will surely satisfy the masses. The buns are brushed with mustard-spiked butter, poppy seeds and dried minced onion.
66. Malted Sugar Cookies (20 servings)
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, make ahead
Malted milk powder elevates these ridiculously simple, one-bowl sugar cookies without requiring any extra work of the baker. Add crushed, freeze-dried blueberries, raspberries or strawberries to the dough for a sweet-tart, photo-worthy twist.
67. Coffee-Glazed Molasses Bars (16 servings)
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: make ahead, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
Chewy, comforting and impressive, these simple cookie bars will become your new favorite winter dessert at first bite. (BTW, the four-ingredient espresso glaze would taste divine atop everything from banana bread to vanilla ice cream.)
68. Pomegranate-Demerara Rum Punch (10 servings)
- Time Commitment: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, beginner-friendly
The key to this party-starter is using fresh pineapple, orange and lime juices. The homemade pomegranate grenadine (which can easily be prepared ahead to save time before cocktail hour) is just a tasty bonus.
