A One-Hour Spring Dinner Party Menu

The ultimate fuss-free dinner party menu is ready in a flash. This delicious, seasonal four-course meal goes from kitchen to table in under an hour.

By Photos: Angus Fergusson; Food styling: Ruth Gangbar; Prop styling: Martine Blackhurst

Updated March 10, 2025

Cake-toast-with-honeyed-strawberries-0-l

(Photo: Angus Fergusson)

Appetizer
Roasted asparagus and creamy tahini dip
For a healthy starter we've paired these spring stalks with a drizzle of lemon and a smooth tahini dip.

Roasted Asparagus And Creamy Tahini Dip on a plate with sliced lemons

(Photo: Angus Fergusson)

Main
Glazed cornish hens with roasted apricots
These golden birds, surrounded by tender roasted fruit, are a simple and elegant main course.

Glazed Cornish hens with roasted apricots in a platter for a post on a quick Glazed Cornish hens with roasted apricots recipe

(Photo: Angus Fergusson)

Side
Risotto-style pea and mint orzo
This spring dish takes only 15 minutes to make. Chop mint and stir in just before serving.

Risotto-style pea and mint orzo in a blue bowl topped with fresh mint for a post on an easy spring Risotto-style pea and mint orzo recipe

(Photo: Angus Fergusson)

Dessert
Cake toast with honeyed strawberries
Great for dessert or even for brunch, this rich pound cake gets warm and crisp like French toast. A scoop of ice cream, yogurt or whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch.

A white plate on a scalloped charger plate next to a glass of rosé for a post on an easy spring menu for entertaining

(Photo: Angus Fergusson)

Prep plan

6:00 Preheat oven. Prep hens.

6:10 Roast hens. Make honeyed strawberries. Slice pound cake.

6:25 Make orzo. Prep asparagus. Brush apricot jam on hens. Return to oven.

6:50 Remove hens from oven. Roast asparagus. Make tahini dip.

6:55 Remove asparagus from the oven.

Dessert time! Toast cake in the oven for 10 minutes.

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