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always go the full three course meal thing or just two? It's not a formal dinner party, simply a very good friend coming over to introduce me to her new boyfriend - so I do want to make it a nice relaxed evening and nothing formal.

I know what I'm doing for the main course (roast chicken), but as I don't really do puds I'm a bit unsure about that so figured I'd pick your brains and ask each of you what your favourtite dessert is to either make at home or order when out? Admittedly I was thinking of just getting something chocolatey or lemony from Gü and topping that with cream and fresh fruit? But maybe one of your answers will strike me with lots of inspiration I'll have some cheese and biscuits as well (because that's what I'll eat )

i've asked my friend if they have preferences and her answer was: he's just like me and eats everything. Great help - not!

And also, do you think I should do a starter as well or would that not a bit of an overkill? I've got the whole day to prep so could make something? or just stick to olives, pita chips and a dip?

Decision decisions - I'm such a simple person when it comes to food that I'm always worried I'm not being fancy enough

I prefer simple food myself and for me, main course/dessert would be the way to go, maybe some nibbles with a pre-dinner drink. You can buy many lovely pre-prepared desserts now (we were in friends' house recently and they served a lovely meringue roulade that came from either Aldi or Lidl, so it need not cost too much.) We have been busy menu planning all week as we have people staying over the weekend.

I never do 'proper' starters any more.
Usually hand something round with a drink, kettle chips, nuts, whatever, put a bowl of olives on the table.
Then often bread, hummous, olives, things like that on the table once they sit but just on the table, not a plate each, to dip into, and I can still be in an out of the kitchen.

Don't make puds any more either, unless I happen to really feel like it, but Eton Mess or a variation is always yummy and everyone likes it, and virtually no work at all
Good pud is Waitrose Tiramisu, only about £2 for a big tray of it, and some nice thin fancy crispy biscuits to have with it

Roast dinner sounds lovely with a nice dessert like osc said
Hope you have a lovely day

I don't often entertain these days, it's usually family and I tend to go for two courses, main and pud Same as Di I do put out nibbly bits and then sides with the main course too, like garlic bread depending on what the main is xxx

thanks everyone - it really doesn't help that I sit next to a foodie who would make the most elaborate 3 course meal at the drop of a hat.... She was coming up with all sorts of exotic ideas saying how dead simple they were.... well for her yes, but for the average Joe Bloggs

Been there and done it years ago meriad, but to be fair it really was expected then.
If it's what the person doing it wants to do, that's fine, but that's what they need to understand, it's usually for them, not their guests.

People come to enjoy your company and eat a nice meal - nice is perfectly good enough, so long as it's edible.
I only ever remember food that was horrible - which was probably always because someone had been trying too hard
The nice little extras show you've made an effort, a nicer bought artisan-type loaf for instance.
Oh and I only ever buy plain jars or tins of olives, then marinate them - no time at all, in a tub with a little olive oil, slices of garlic, pinch of dried herbs, maybe a splash of wine vinegar...

Oh yes I had my Abigail's Party days too back in the late 70s and early80s when I had to entertain Steve's business clients lol There I 'd be in me long frock , hovering over the hostess trolley

Thankfully that kind of dinner party has long gone.

I am a bit of a traditionalist.... so three courses.

Ria, you do those puff-pastry squares from the Kaz cookbook, they would make a good starter. Roast chicken for the main is fine. Afters can be anything: ice-cream, cheesecake, something and custard....

So long as all of it is edible who cares, just enjoy yourselves?

@ the idea of there being a Kaz cookbook