The lasagna recipe takes time but can be prepared, assembled and refrigerated the day before baking or several months ahead and frozen as indicated in the recipe notes. Homemade marinated vegetables for the antipasto should be prepared the day before and refrigerated. Take some help from the deli as noted in the recipe. Purchase a good quality crusty bread or make your own for the garlic bread or toast, which can be finished while the lasagna rests. Store-bought pastries and frozen treats complete the meal. Some choices are cannoli, biscotti and/or Italian cookies, served with gelato or Italian ice.

This is an easy and delicious menu, most of which can be prepared the day before the event. The potato salad can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. The tiramisu should be prepared, minus the whipped cream frosting, the evening before or in the morning and refrigerated. About one hour before dinner, prepare the peppers and onions. Assemble the spinach salad, minus the tomatoes and dressing, and refrigerate. The sausage can be cooked, added to the pan with the peppers and held on a low burner or in a low oven until serving. (If you know you will be entertaining some vegetarian guests, make extra peppers and place the sausage in a separate pan or wrapped in foil to keep warm. Offer slices of a good Italian cheese, such as provolone, so those who desire can make meatless sandwiches with the peppers and cheese.) Meanwhile, make the whipped cream for the tiramisu, frost and return to the refrigerator. Take the potato salad out of the refrigerator and set at room temperature for about thirty minutes to remove some of the chill. Make the dressing, add the tomatoes to the greens and toss the salad. Put the sub rolls in a basket placed along side of the sausage and peppers. Guests can assemble their own sandwiches as desired. All that is left to do is slice and serve the dessert. With this menu, you can relax and enjoy the event.