We all dream of being the perfect host, reaching new culinary heights in the kitchen, shaking hand-crafted cocktails behind our backs, and running perfectly plated dishes—all while greeting guests with a smile. Let’s face it; you would need a whole staff to make that happen!

Thankfully, Johannson’s book is full of quick, smartly planned recipes that free you from the kitchen to actually spend time with your guests. Chef Linnea Johansson’s tips for prepping in advance will let you enjoy a glass of wine with your friends instead of stirring sauces all night.

The “Family Style” chapter, for example, feature recipes that allow you to skip the perfectly plated dinners and create dishes you can set on the table to let guests serve themselves. “Fake It” offers tricks for those times you just stepped through the door and guests are due in an hour and “Late Night Bites” hits on even quicker recipes that you can whip up in ten minutes at the end of a dinner party or for an unexpected, late night get-together.

Food For Friends will be your go-to cookbook for those times when you want to cook a great meal for friends and family while also wanting to enjoy their company.