Welcome to Come on Over, a Food52 newsletter about hosting life’s big and little moments. It’s where we share our editor’s personal tips and tricks, from modern-day etiquette—shoes off or shoes on?—to making extra seating out of every surface of an apartment. This week, Kelly is gearing up for pasta night.
No two-syllable word hits me quite like “pasta.” Aside from potatoes (hey, I am Irish), there’s no greater comfort food. A tomato sauce base is top tier—I’ll hear no different—and the smell of garlic knots baking as guests walk through the door? Magic. While pasta night is a simple concept, I believe in small elevations that give even the most casual affairs a bit more oomph. So pick your poison (pasta shape) and let’s get into it.
1. Prep School
Hosting is a lot easier when you plan a menu that works with you. A classic baked ziti prepped that morning just needs to be popped in the oven, while a simple radish & arugula salad takes minimal effort (but looks like you tried much harder). Have the salad on the table as guests arrive as the perfect appetizer.
2. Knead less, enjoy more
There’s nothing better than guests walking in to the smell of something baking—but getting there doesn’t have to be hard. Let the Ooni Halo Pro Spiral Mixer handle the dough for these garlic knots while you prep the sauce, pour a glass of wine, and actually enjoy the evening. They’ll never know the difference.
3. Get into host mode
It’s not just the pasta and garlic knots that need prepping—don’t forget to bake in time for you. Use the dough rising time to freshen up, or as a rule of thumb, aim to get ready at least an hour and a half before guests arrive. That way, you’ve also given yourself time to rise (to the occasion).
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4. Big bowl energy
Set the table with your best placemats and dishes, but let your guests serve themselves from a big ol’ salad bowl and directly from the baking dish. This not only saves you time but also gives you mental space to focus on other important things. Like wine.
5. Pour decisions
Speak of the devil! My go-to for pasta night is always a red (Cab Sauv or Chianti, please), and there are two simple ways to elevate any bottle: a decanter and an aerator. Yeah, there’s science behind why aerated wine tastes better—but I think it’s also just more fun (and maybe a little fancy). Pour it into your favorite glasses already set on the table, and you’re good to go.
6. Light ‘em up
A calmer kind of getting lit. No one wants harsh lighting on a pasta-heavy night, so grab those candles you’ve been saving and actually use them. Think: mini tapers scattered around, a three-wick centerpiece, and a subtly scented bathroom feature. So strike a match, dim the lights, put on some jazz—it’s giving wine bar, chez toi.
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