Suggestions please for easy dinner party starter

[biscuitdunkerette]

I'd like to make something in advance ideally. For 8 people - no wheat, celery or spice.
Main course is a sort of Morrocan lamb tagine thing with rice/couscous and was thinking Nigella clemantine cake for pud.

I'd rather steer away from soup...was thinking maybe Vietnamese summer rolls but maybe a bit random?!

Delia Smith - smoked fish creams - I think they are called that, 100% nicer than it sounds (truly delicious, and make in advance)

Jamie Oliver - fig, Parma ham, mozzarella salad. Think he calls it something like 'sexy salad' (gorgeous combination of food and oh so simple)

Roll Mop Herring. You can buy them in a jar. I know I was in my 20's at the time, but I served these to my Girlfriend the first time she came to dinner, and we have now been married 25 yrs. It might not have been the Roll Mops, but you never know!

With that main I think I would do mezze. You can make it as simple or complicated as you like!

I'm thinking things like hummus, olives, strips of pitta, tzatziki, falafel, grilled halloumi, fattoush, baby ganoush etc

Thanks very much for the suggestions- I really like both the mezze and Jamie salad ideas