Domini Kemp’s pea soup, coronation chicken salad, and strawberry tart

First impressions count! Every now and then, you need to be able to pull out the big guns to impress a future in-law, BFF, or thorny individual who is prone to criticism, a little bit judgy, and an all-around curmudgeonly sort.

But throwing some classic dishes at the problem will only get you so far. Some flowers, nice tablecloths or proper napkins, and breezy attention to detail will get you the rest of the way.