KEY POINTS:
When it comes to hosting friends and family there's really nothing nicer at this time of the year than sharing a plate of simple seafood - whether it's something you've sourced yourself, like scallops, or bought from the local fish market.
Seafood is perfect in the summer and seems the most natural food to be eating by the sea or the pool, especially after the over-eating of Christmas. It's so elegant, light and flavoursome and of course it all goes brilliantly with chilled bubbles or perhaps a glass or two of rose.
The salmon [or tuna] can be cured to make gravlax up to four days in advance, while the scallops and prawns take just a moment to prepare and cook either on the barbecue or in a pan. So relax. Put your feet up even if just for an hour and enjoy the company, enjoy the food and have a happy holiday!
Chef's tip
Buy the prawns and scallops at the last possible moment so they are sparkling fresh. Offer plenty of limes and/or lemons so people can squeeze over as much as they fancy.
