To kick off our month of tips, we went to the Test Kitchen to get some awesome, easy tricks for a hassle-free dinner party.

The Regal Shake: We gleaned this technique from Theo Lieberman, a bartender at Lantern's Keep in New York, and it's beyond simple: Just add a grapefruit peel to your favorite cocktail (it works particularly well with shaken drinks) for a more smooth and balanced finish. Try it in a daiquiri, like the one we stir up in the video.

Regal Daiquiri: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 2 ounces white rum, ¾ ounce simple syrup (1:1), 1 scant ounce lime juice and 1 grapefruit peel. Shake well and strain into a coupe. 

Cheesy Crunch: Our sous chef Dave Gulino puts this handy topping on everything from chicken to eggplant. Just combine 1 cup of panko bread crumbs with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Oven Clean-Up: When faced with spill-over in the oven, douse a paper towel in water, and then use tongs to wipe the wet towel over the mess. It will come right off and keep your oven from smoking.