Labneh is thickened yoghurt — silky, tangy, and a far more interesting base for a dip than hummus alone. Paired with preserved lemon and fresh tarragon, it is one of those starters that looks considered and takes minutes to put together. Make it the day before and it only improves.

A basket of warm homemade rolls on the table before a single course is served is one of the simplest things a host can do to make guests feel looked after. These are soft, golden, and made for sharing — and they can be baked earlier in the day and gently warmed before serving.

Charring the eggplant directly over a flame is what separates a good baba ganoush from a great one — that smoky depth cannot be replicated any other way. Finished with a drizzle of toasted sesame chilli oil, this is a dip worth making the day before so the flavours have time to settle.

Roasted until tender and slightly caramelised, then laid over a generous swoosh of hummus and finished with dukkah — this is one of those dishes that looks restaurant-quality and is almost entirely make-ahead. The hummus can be made days before. The carrots can be roasted in the afternoon. Assemble just before serving.

Smashed potatoes are one of those sides that never fails to be the thing people reach for first. These take the technique one step further with cacio e pepe seasoning — parmesan, black pepper, and a hit of saltiness that makes them deeply snackable. Par-boil earlier in the day, smash and roast before guests arrive.

Whipped ricotta is one of the most reliable starters a host can put on the table — it looks generous, it requires almost no effort, and it scales to any number. Finished with crushed olives and a hit of lemon zest, this version has enough interest to hold its own as a proper first course.

Broccolini charred at high heat until the tips crisp and the stalks soften — then hit with lemon juice and scattered with toasted almonds. This is a ten-minute side that looks and tastes like more effort than it is. Works alongside almost any main course on the table.

Arancini are the dinner party starter that everyone is always glad to see. Crispy on the outside, molten mozzarella inside, finished with truffle — these can be fully formed the day before and fried or baked just before guests arrive. One of those starters that earns genuine appreciation without requiring day-of effort.

A quick whipped goats cheese recipe with lemon — creamy, light and perfect as an easy entertaining starter.

A classic potato gratin recipe — creamy, layered and baked until golden, perfect for a crowd.

Creamy mozzarella layered with herbs, citrus and olive oil.

A bright, herby salad with tender potatoes, greens and a sharp vinaigrette.

Fresh herbs, crunch and a simple dressing that lifts the whole table.

An easy homemade focaccia recipe — soft, golden and perfect for dipping.