How to a make dinner in feel like a dinner out

Dinner at Home Can Feel Like a Restaurant With These Tips

What’s not to love about going out to dinner? From ambiance and atmosphere to trying new cuisine and not having to hand-wash the dishes when it’s over, eating out is a chance to escape the daily grind and indulge in a little “me time.” While nothing can take the place of a dinner out at the best special occasion restaurant, it’s not that hard to create your own fine-dining experience without ever having to leave the house.

Plan the menu

Just like a restaurant, start with a good menu. While not necessary, you may want to pick a theme like the best Italian restaurant, then plan on serving perfectly cooked pasta and other Italian specialties.

Go to the store

After planning your menu, it’s time to shop. Make sure you get all the ingredients ahead of time at the grocery store. Since you’re swapping a dinner out for a dinner in, don’t be afraid to spend a little more on groceries worth the splurge, like real maple syrup or a good olive oil.

Prep the food ahead of time

Part of eating dinner out is not having to slave over a hot stove for hours, so use a few meal prep hacks that will save you tons of time. If you’re marinating meat, start the day before. It makes things easier and is also one of the best ways to cook cheap steaks. You can also chop onions and other ingredients ahead of time.

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