Briny olives, tender artichokes, and chicken braised until deeply flavoured — this is the kind of main that improves overnight and reheats without losing a thing. A reliable centrepiece for any Mediterranean-style gathering, made almost entirely in advance.

Few things at a dinner party table make an impression like a whole roasted fish. With lemon, fresh herbs, and a scattering of crispy capers, this is the kind of dish that looks like it took effort and asks for almost none. Made for Mediterranean evenings and relaxed gatherings.

Large pasta shells filled with spinach and vegan cheese, baked in a rich sauce — this is the kind of main course that satisfies a table of meat-eaters and vegan guests equally without compromise. Assemble the day before and bake in the afternoon. Arrives at the table looking like effort, requiring almost none on the night.

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.