Gatherings: Casual-Fancy Meals to Share [A Cookbook]

It's time to get excited about entertaining again. The cooks of America's Test Kitchen are shaking up the notion of what a dinner party is all about, stepping away from the test kitchen to reveal their favorite ways to entertain friends and family and sharing an all-new collection of personal recipes. After all, professional cooks want to chill out when hosting at home, just like everyone else.

• Be Casual (but Fancy): Grill expert Morgan Bolling transforms a grill-smoked pork butt into the star of a giant nacho spread. Avid gardener Jack Bishop showcases late-summer produce in a whole new light for a simple pasta and salad dinner. Matthew Fairman urges everyone to dig in with their hands to his Viet-Cajun shrimp boil.

• Get Playful: Stephanie Pixley's dumpling dinner easily morphs into a make-your-own-dumpling party. Amanda Luchtel's vegan-optional hot dog spread features smoked carrot dogs and loads of festive toppings. Mark Huxoll's hearty Oktoberfest is a blast any time of year.

• Go All Out: Joe Gitter pays homage to his heritage with a proper British picnic. Leah Colins does the same with her South Philly Nonna's Sunday porchetta abbondanza. Steve Dunn has a swooningly romantic dinner that starts with cocktails and smoked salmon kettle chip "blini" and ends with a make-ahead Napoleon that looks right out of a pastry shop.
• Up Your Game: Cooks share all their pro tips, too, including game plans to achieve each menu and advice on shopping, make ahead, setup, and serving—all the logistical info for a fun, hitch-free gathering.
• Mazimize Quality Fun Time: Discover the cooks' favorite store-bought hacks for pulling together pre-dinner nibbles (and desserts), for planning drink selection and quantities, and for responding creatively when asked, "What can I bring?"