The Perfect Bite

The Perfect Bite

How to Entertain Without Going Crazy

A hosting season deep dive

Melissa Ben-Ishay's avatar
Melissa Ben-Ishay
Sep 24, 2025
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It’s a deep dive week! This week, I’m focusing on entertaining, just in time for the holidays and football season. Think of these as mini e-books with a ton of tips to make your life easier (and a lot more delicious). If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered, drop it in the chat!

It’s officially fall!! Hosting season is here.

If you’re having people over for the holidays, Friendsgiving, or to break the fast next week, these are for you. Today I’m sharing my tips to make hosting way easier so you can get back to the party. They’re my go-tos for any occasion, even if it’s just a chill night in with a few close friends.

I’m also including my favorite hosting recipes and small things you can do to make life easier before, during, and after the party. And just in time for Yom Kippur, I’m sharing my favorite bagel board hacks and veggies to add to your spread.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

  • My favorite hosting tips to keep you sane

  • Three Easy-to-Prep Dips

  • Two Salads to Feed a Crowd + my fave protein

  • How to Build the Perfect Bagel Board

My Favorite Hosting Tips to Keep You Sane

A few days before:

  • Assemble salads. I’m sharing two of my favorite hosting salads today that can easily be made a day in advance. When people arrive, dress it, toss it, top it, bop it, and set it out on the table. USE THE MIXING BOWL TO SERVE. No one cares what bowl the food is in when it’s this good. Timing for this is flexible, do it when you can.

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