It's much easier for me to cook something at lunch and pop it into the oven half an hour before tea as I'm busy with the children after the school pick up. I already make up a good cheesy pasta bake and a tomato based pasta bake and steam some veg just before serving. I plan to make cauliflower cheese next week and will roast some potatoes to go with it.
Ay other ideas? It really works for me getting dinner prepared early in the day!