Abbie - your main course sound divine. Would you mind posting a recipe please?
Max - I am the same. I LOVE entertaining. My old house was built for dinner parties with an enormous dining room and massive inglenook fireplace - 4 years ago I did a New Years Eve Dinner Party for 16. Nowadays I cook for one (if I can be bothered!!!). But you are right, never mind this "one lightly cooked crunchy carrot" thing - give em a plate ful!!!
As I said before all sounds good to me!
I can't cook so wouldn't have a clue what I'd do...
Maybe homemade soup to start
Risotto for main
and profiteroles for dessert....
Hmmm I'd prob end up cheating and buy it all from M&S! lol