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Dinner Party at OursGood food. Great conversation.
The first dinner · Italian-inspired

Dinner for 6.

Five dishes that feel generous and special, designed so most of the work is finished before the doorbell rings.

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Low-stress hostingMost prep in advanceMade for sharing
Combined shopping list

One list, not five.

One list for the food, with cooking wine shown separately. Tick off what you have. At six guests, the tiramisu makes eight portions; recipe links carry this through. Choose drinks from the pairings below and add them to your shop.

Hosting timeline

Do the work early.

This is the bit that turns five recipes into a dinner party you actually get to enjoy.

The day beforeCook the ragu. Make the tiramisu. Mix the salad dressing. Then stop.
Morning ofCheck the drinks are cold. Set the table if it helps. There should be almost no cooking pressure yet.
3 hours beforeRoast the tomatoes, make the whipped feta, slice the fennel, prepare the courgettes and grate the Parmesan.
45 minutes beforeReheat the ragu very gently. Put wine and glasses where you need them. Get yourself changed.
15 minutes beforeTake the whipped feta out of the fridge. Warm flatbreads when required. Light the candles.
Guests arriveDrinks. Starter in the middle of the table. Sit down with everybody.
Before the mainAllow 25–30 minutes: bring a large pan of water to the boil, cook the pasta and toss the salad. Courgettes can be charred before guests arrive and served at room temperature.
After mainNothing needs cooking. Dust the tiramisu with cocoa, grate over chocolate and bring it to the table.
What to pour

Pair the evening, not every plate.

A savoury Italian red or a bright citrus spritz. Something good in every glass.

Wine

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Soft, savoury and generous with tomato, beef and Parmesan without making the meal feel formal.

Pour for those who would like wine, with water on the table. Verdicchio is an alternative white.

Non-alcoholic

Blood orange & rosemary spritz

Blood orange juice, sparkling water, rosemary, plenty of ice and orange slices. Sharp enough to work with the starter and refreshing through the evening.

Pour over ice, finish with a rosemary sprig and an orange slice, and serve alongside the wine.