What to Do When Guests Are Coming and You Have Almost Nothing Ready

Don't try to improvise a three-course dinner. That's how you end up frantic with a messy kitchen and half-cooked everything. Focus on doing one thing well rather than five things badly.

Pasta aglio e olio takes 15 minutes and needs only garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and pasta. A cheese board with whatever you have — crackers, nuts, fruit, jam — looks intentional. Bruschetta with tomatoes and olive oil. A big frittata with whatever vegetables are in the fridge. Open some wine, put on music, and act like you planned it all along. Confidence sells any meal.