Make-ahead Christmas starter recipes

Rustle up Tom Kerridge's crab starter with a hint of smoked paprika for your next dinner party. You can make it ahead, leaving you time to sit down and enjoy

If you're looking for a Christmas classic with a twist, this French ham hock and pistachio terrine, transformed into a modern make-ahead starter is for you

This festive make-ahead starter is perfect for a Christmas meal for two. Serve with crunchy toast and a scattering of dill for an impressive seafood dish

A soufflé to start always gives your dinner party a 'wow' factor and this make-ahead recipe gives you more time to be the perfect host

Whet the appetite for the main event by serving guests this special chicken terrine with leeks and apricots. It can be made up to three days ahead

Take a little effort to make these mighty croquettes. They store well in the freezer and make a quick starter that takes just minutes to cook

Make cheese straws with the added flavours of sesame and poppy seeds, dried onion flakes and sea salt. They're perfect snacks to serve with cocktails

A smooth, blended vegetable soup with blue cheese that's as good for a comforting meal as it is for a dinner party starter

Take comfort on cold days with a warming bowl of soup. Ours is full of veg, making it tasty, healthy and low in calories and fat

Blend leeks and butter beans to make this filling winter soup. Top with crispy chorizo and rosemary for a final flourish and serve with crusty bread

This tart is easy to make, looks stunning and tastes wonderful. Best of all, you can make it ahead and reheat from frozen

Roll quail's eggs up in creamy smoked fish and potato for an impressive make-ahead weekend canapé or starter

Ideal for a crowd and perfect for preparing ahead, these little pastry bites make a stylish canapé

These perfect party tartlets are a great make-ahead starter for a fancy Sunday lunch