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.

This salad does what every good dinner party side should do — cut through the richness of everything else on the table. Kale and shaved Brussels sprouts hold their texture even after dressing, which makes this an ideal make-ahead salad. Dress it an hour before serving and it only improves.

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.

Chimichurri is one of those sauces that makes everything it touches taste better. Parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil — made in minutes, improved by resting, and brilliant alongside grilled steak or anything from the barbecue. Make it the day before and the flavours only deepen.

The reverse sear method produces the most consistently perfect steak — cooked low and slow in the oven first, then seared fast and hot for the crust. Finished with chimichurri, this is the dinner party main that earns the most requests for the method. Make the chimichurri the day before. Everything else takes care of itself.

Roasted grapes become jammy and sweet in the oven — exactly what you want against the richness of warm brie on toasted bread. These come together in under 20 minutes, scale to any number, and disappear from the table faster than almost anything else. The kind of appetiser that buys you time and earns you compliments.

Rhubarb's tartness works perfectly against the sweet meringue topping — and toasting the meringue at the table or just before serving gives the whole thing a theatrical finish that requires almost no technique. Make the cake a day ahead. Meringue goes on before guests arrive. One of the most impressive-looking desserts in the collection.