I’m not a confident cook. Please help me plan a dinner party for 6

[Wellhellothere101]

We’re hosting friends next Friday-good pals and I’m really looking forward to it but I’m stressing about what to make. One of them is a real foodie so I kind of feel the pressure! I don’t love shellfish and my DH doesn’t love fish so they are off limits.
I’ve made them Rachel Allen’s beef bourguignon and Nigella’s carbonnade a la flammonde and both went down really well but as the weather is turning more summery I probably want to avoid heavy beef dishes. Would a curry work? Please help me MN with you easy, fail safe recipes or ideas.
Anything I can prep ahead would be good as it’s school sports day next Friday so I’ll be busy with that during the day. Thanks

[Ellabella989]

What about a chilli con carne and you could pre make some nice sides to go with it (homemade guacamole, salsa etc. Oh and sour cream, grated cheddar, Pitta breads and rice?)
You could then do something like a banoffee pie which is the easiest dessert ever. Or even just buy a nice cheesecake/lemon tart and a small cheese board

[Wellhellothere101]

@Chewbecca I'm so doing that dessert thank you! Two questions-is a bane marie just a dish over a pan of boiling water? And when it says leave in tin overnight, should I put in the fridge or at room temp? Told you I'm not a confident cook

[Chewbecca]

Yes, I use a Pyrex bowl sat on a pan of simmering water. Wrap it in greaseproof paper and leave at room temperature. It is really easy and delicious and it’s great to have sitting ready to serve. Don’t panic that it seems undercooked. Hope you love it as much as I do!

[cantfindname]

This is delicious and will be even better a day after making it: www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2336232/Mary-Berry-Special-Part-Two-Lamb-tagine.html

You don't need a tagine pot, a slow cooker or casserole and low oven work just as well. The level of spicing is perfect, you can actually taste all the layers. I serve with rice as we don't like cous cous.

[GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough]

Cajun chicken linguine is one I keep going back to its delicious you can season the chicken the night before and dosent take long to cook. I have had many complements on it

[Wellhellothere101]

Thank you so much everyone for ideas. I'll keep this for reference in the future. @cantfindname I think that's the main I'll go for. Fabulous thanks. I'm sure if I follow Mary Berry's recipe I can't go wrong.