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.

Fragrant with cardamom and rosewater, studded with pistachios, and naturally suited to being made the day before — Persian love cake is one of those desserts that sounds exotic and is straightforward to make. It holds beautifully and slices cleanly at the table. One of the most requested recipes from the Middle Eastern Spread.

Tahini and chocolate is one of those combinations that sounds unusual until you taste it — the nutty, slightly bitter depth of the tahini rounds out the sweetness and adds a complexity that a standard brownie simply does not have. This cake is fully vegan, entirely make-ahead, and the kind of thing guests ask for the recipe before they leave.

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.

Classic affogato with espresso and ice cream — a simple, elegant dessert to finish a long lunch.

Buttery pistachio and rose cookies — delicate, fragrant and perfect to serve with coffee or dessert.

A rich chocolate mousse recipe with sea salt and olive oil — an easy make-ahead dessert for entertaining.

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.

A fresh tomato and stracciatella salad with olive oil — simple, seasonal and perfect for summer entertaining.

A simple lemon roast chicken recipe with herbs and butter — juicy, golden and perfect for sharing.

Slow-cooked beef with salsa verde — tender, flavourful and ideal for entertaining or a long lunch menu.