Red wine risotto

Get your dinner party off to a great start with red wine risotto

Tomato & basil granita

An unusual and delicious dinner party starter

Blackcurrant cheesecake ice cream

Everyone will love this fruity creamy cheesecake ice cream, perfect for a summer dinner party

Steamed clams in saffron & spring green broth

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only

Upgrade this simple starter to a dinner party main with a splash of dry sherry and a bed of spaghetti

Rosemary & olive drop scones with goat’s cheese

Tasty pop-in-the-mouth nibbles to impress guests with before dinner

Passion fruit & coconut panna cotta

These elegant make-ahead desserts are ideal for a stress-free finale to a smart dinner

Smoky beef stew

Enjoy this simple stew for dinner, then pack into boxes to keep you going for lunches

Smoked salmon & avocado terrines

A light, elegant make-ahead starter to ease you into the Christmas Day blow-out, or to kick off a dinner party menu

Crisp chicken bites

Summer holidays often mean kids friends are round for dinner, make sure there’s something in the freezer with these yummy bites

Make-ahead mushroom soufflés

A soufflé to start always gives your dinner party a ‘wow’ factor and this make-ahead recipe gives you more time to be the perfect host

Fab sandwich fillers

These sandwich ideas are great for a school packed lunch and they’re so tasty, you’ll be taking them to work for your lunch, too

Marsala-soused peaches

This sophisticated, simple and foolproof dessert will impress your dinner party guests. By Silvana Franco