Gino

First of all Shanice, let’s slow down and take a breath. Birthday dinners (all dinners, really) are about having a good time – host included. Remember to not overcomplicate things or assume you need to do anything fancy. If you stress out, it’ll show in your food (honestly!) so keep it simple and prep what you can in advance. It’s only the main course you need to focus on: antipasti makes for a great low-effort starter and it’s only fair if someone else brings a dessert, right? For that main, a risotto would go down a treat – and I have just the one.

SHANICE FROM BIRMINGHAM

Your secret weapons!

Heat 4tbsp olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add a finely chopped red onion and fry for 5 mins until softened but not browned. Add a chicken breast, cut into 4–5cm cubes, and 1tbsp chopped rosemary. Fry for a further 5 mins, stirring occasionally. Transfer the chicken and onion to a plate, cover with foil and set aside. Heat another 4tbsp oil in the same pan, add the rice and fry for 3 mins, stirring. Pour in 150ml dry white wine and let it simmer until evaporated

Add 2 ladles of hot vegetable stock and stir continuously until all is absorbed. Continue adding stock in the same way (around 1.3 litres in all) until the rice is cooked but has a slight bite – about 16–18 mins). Take the pan off the heat, add the chicken and onion, then stir in 50g butter, 2tbsp of my red pesto, and 50g grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, scatter with parmesan shavings and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

This serves four. You can up the quantities easily if needed. Dish it up with a simple green salad and plenty of Italian wine and you can’t go wrong. Remember, the evening is about the company first and food second, so don’t pile on the pressure! ●

Editor’s fave!

Hanging gardens

To cultivate the indoor jungle look, trail greenery from vertical planters like this sage-coloured pot and hanger.

Harmony

Cake queen

Get your bake on with the best recipes from one of the UK’s favourite bakers. It’s like she’s in the kitchen with you… Mary Berry’s Baking Bible, £14

Black and white is stylish, stripes are stylish – it’s a win-win with this monochrome ceramic vase.

Stripy Vase, £6