Starters

Prawn cocktail

A traditional starter that everyone loves. Ring the changes by adding avocado slices or zesty clementine segments. You can buy prawn cocktail sauce or whip up your own with mayonnaise and tabasco.

See Delia Smith's recipe for prawn cocktail sauce

Cook up a soup

From hearty, warming chowders for winter to chilled gazpacho for summer, there's a soup to suit just about any menu and any time of year. Think seasonal veg to get the best out of local produce and use homemade stock for extra flavour.

Find exciting soup recipes

Green salad

Copy the French example and start with a simple salad of green leaves. The trick lies in the dressing – 3 parts extra virgin olive oil to 1 part lemon and a little salt and mix well. Serve with freshly baked French bread to mop up any dressing.

Find more salad recipes

Nachos

This Tex Mex platter is great for informal gatherings as everyone can dig in. Think tortillas, chillies, grated cheese and pop under the grill to melt the cheese. Serve with guacamole and sour cream on the side.

Check out these Mexican recipes

Anti-pasti platter

A great way to start an Italian supper party. Plus, it doesn't require any cooking – just some attractive presentation. Take your pick from the deli counter – from Parma ham to olives – and arrange your choices on 1 or 2 large serving plates. Then your ready to welcome your first guests.

Get some great Italian recipes

Asparagus

The recipe for perfect asparagus couldn't be simpler: just steam and drizzle with melted butter. Utterly delicious and perfect for a romantic meal for 2.

Baked Camembert

This show-stopper is very simple. Pop a whole Camembert in a warm oven until the centre melts. Cut open and serve with bread or crisps for guests to dip into.

Chicken Satay

Served with a peanut dipping sauce, this is another great choice for more informal gatherings where you'd rather wait to seat guests when the main course is on the table. Just cut skinless chicken breasts into strips and marinade in soy sauce and honey, then grill.

Check out this recipe for chicken satay

Smoked salmon

A lovely light starter that will whet your guests' appetites without leaving them feeling stuffed. Serve it with a choice of bread and a twist of fresh lemon. A great choice if you're serving a big main meal.

Get mouthwatering fish recipe ideas from Jamie Oliver

Peking Duck

A great starter for Chinese meals. There are some excellent make-at-home kits in supermarkets, complete with duck and pancakes, so you don't need to be master chef to whip up this perennial favourite.

Try this Peking duck recipe

Get the answers to your questions about main courses

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