The key to the success of an ambitious meal is to be prepared and organized.  Here are 4 tips to hosting a dinner party while not killing yourself:

1. Outline your menu. I like to write up my courses in a Word document that I can save and later refer to when I want to host another tasting menu.  If some courses didn’t work out as well as others, I make notes so I won’t repeat.  Feel intimidated by 10-courses?  Fix a 4-course meal and build from there!
2. Create a shopping list. This is critical and should be pretty straight-forward if you’ve done a good job with your menu outline.  If some ingredients need to be picked up at different stores, split your shopping list by store to stay organized.
3. Make some of the food ahead of time and prep well. Don’t create a menu that features mostly foods that need to be prepared a la minute (at the last minute).  Try to do most of the prep work ahead of time – why do the chopping at the last minute?  I’ve even served some food that I was able to make the week ahead and freeze.
4. Get your guests involved – the more sous chefs the merrier! While your guests might enjoy being surprised by what you serve, they’ll be even more excited to have participated in the preparation of the meal.  Make it an interaction prep session, it’ll save you time and allow you to spend additional quality time with guests.

Have I missed any tips that have served you well when hosting a dinner party?  Please share!