When Katherine Lewin opened up her first store—a dinner party shop—she had one goal: to help everyone make their meals at home feel a little bit more special. A little bit more joyful. A little bit Bigger. In her debut book, Katherine channels her New York City–based brick-and-mortar’s irresistible energy into a treasure trove of tips and tricks for every kind of Big Night. Learn how to Stop Worrying About Everything Matching and Just Set the Table; the step-by-step formula for discovering your (and your guests’) Perfect Martini; and the Cheese Plate of Dreams math of how many ounces to plan per person.

On top of these helpful sidebars—and in addition to more than 80 recipes for snacks, apps, mains, desserts, and cocktails—you’ll find full menus for 12 Bigger Nights to take you through every occasion, all year long. The first hint of sun in March calls for An Almost-Spring Thing, where you’ll serve ricotta toast with English pea pesto; in the peak of summer, treat everyone to an Italian Vacation Without Leaving the House, starring clam and corn pasta followed by lemon granita; when the leaves have turned, confidently plan The Best Friendsgiving, complete with the ultimate stuffing; and in the dead of winter, lure your friends over with A Noodle Soup to Get People Excited. From date night for two to pull-out-all-the-stops dinner parties to low-key weeknight hangs (delivery pizza encouraged—just make A Big Chopped Salad to go with), find all the inspiration you need—and confidence you want—to make any and every night a Big Night.