Planning the tablescape, making the place cards, cleaning the home, and creating the perfect menu is a lot of work for one host, and that’s not even all of it. By the time I’m done with all that, the last thing I want to do is plan a menu, so I’ve rounded up a few sites + books I like to comb through for recipe inspiration.

Creators

1. Wishbone Kitchen—She is such a fun follower across all platforms. Her approach is pretty beginner-friendly, and the content she creates is playful and fun. She has a cookbook that you can pre-order and will launch in May!
2. Chef Reilly Meehan – I met Chef Reilly through my girlfriend Cheerale, and he is fabulous. He puts a unique and exciting twist on some simple dishes. He truly inspires you to broaden your palette!
3. Chef Dwight Smith – always comes across my For You page on TikTok, and the recipes always look INCREDIBLE. His recipes are some of your classic favorites but with his spin.
4. Chizoba Uwakwe—In my eyes, Chizoba can do no wrong. Every single thing this woman makes is magic. From baked goods to soups to everything in between, she teaches you how to make it all approachable!

Books

1. Thrifty Baker: Hermine Dossou was a contestant on the Great British Bake Off, and after making a few of her recipes, I see why. I love her attention to not only the taste of a dish but also its cost-effectiveness.
2. Cook What You Have – Cook What You Have is an excellent reminder that you may already have all the ingredients. You didn’t realize they could go together.
3. Everyday Grand—Jocelyn Delk is someone I’ve admired for quite some time. She creates the most decadent desserts I’ve had the pleasure of tasting. Her personality shines throughout her content, and all of her books, but Everyday Grand is my favorite from her collection!