..for something easy I would go for stuff that is prepared in advance so you spend as little time in the kitchen as possible and be in there impressing your guests with your hubby.... go for a classic c0ck au van or beouf berginon ... in other words posh stew/casserole...it can be cooking for hours easy, especially at this time of year, all wintery and cosy.... for starters go for something light... a homemade smoked salmon pate, just blitz salmon, lemon juice , melted butter, and a splash of cream in the blender and refrigerate, serve with salad and some shop bought crostini, melba toast , posh crackers etc.... or really easy how about grilled goats cheese , cut ito rounds, arrange on rounds of a frenchh stick, drizzle with olive oil, top with pinenuts, grill, serve with salad and a mango, or cranberry chutney......for pud an easy option is indiviual homemade trifes, look stunning in tall glasses, or another good one is berry fruits set in a homemade sparkling wine jelly ( or you could use vodka, sparkling elderflower , or perry) use small teacups, line with clingfilm, arrange your fruits, in a pan heat water and alcohol with gelatine according to instructions, pour over fruits and leave to set, serve with a good quality shop bought icecream ..... finish off with a 3 or 4 cheese maximum cheeseboard, should include, a brie, a stillton, and a strong cheddar...
most of is can be prepared well in advance leaving you to be the perfect hostess....