With a starter, the best idea is to make something in advance, so you don't have to go away and prepare it. So a simple salad is good - you can add the dressing at the last moment. Try a classic like Caesar salad (leave out the chicken if you want it light) or a Nicoise or feta salad - there is a good selection on this page if you include the right-hand links.

Other simple starters include baked cheese - you can buy a whole Camembert and just put it in the oven, then eat with breadsticks or crusty bread - and some things like stuffed mushrooms are much easier than they look, and again can be prepared in advance and just popped in the oven. I like them with Boursin or blue cheese.

Soup is also quite easy and just needs warming up - or you could just get some really nice nibbles - stuffed peppers, olives, little squares of cheese etc - and all sit down and enjoy those for a while before the main course. I've done this and it works fine. Have a great evening.