Entertaining is all about being able to spend time with your guests. Whip these little numbers up the day before, and enjoy.

RECIPE: Goat's Cheese Balls with Pecans & Bacon

Makes 16-20

6 bacon rashers
125g soft goat's cheese
125g cream cheese
2 tbsp thyme, chopped
2 tbsp basil, chopped
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup pecans

Place the bacon in a large frying pan without overlapping the slices. Cook on low for about 15 minutes, turning frequently, until the bacon is quite crispy. Drain on a paper towel. While the bacon is cooking, in a food processor whiz the goat's cheese, cream cheese, 1 tbsp of each herb and a few grinds of salt and cracked black pepper.

Whiz until creamy and well mixed, then form small balls, about the size of the tip of your thumb. Insert lollipop sticks. Put in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up. Clean out the food processor. Crumble in the cooled bacon, the remaining tablespoon of herbs, and the pecans. Whiz until very fine and crumbly - it should be as fine as your food processor will make it. Take the cheese balls out of the freezer and gently roll them in the bacon mixture. Serve.