Can you do any part of the actual cooking of the beans ahead of time (aside from soaking overnight, obviously)? Simmer for the first hour the nigh...

Hi, I would suggest soaking the beans two days before guests arrive. Fully cook the beans one day before guests arrive. Then, the day of the dinner party, simply reheat the beans. I would suggest making the confirm rock shrimp an hour before guests arrive - this way, you can serve the shrimp fresh without worrying about chilling them in the fridge and reheating them for the party.