The key to setting the entertaining stage is in being present and pleasant as the guests arrive, as opposed to dashing into the kitchen leaving guests to struggle through introductions.
To ensure you are available, try setting the table much earlier in the day so even if on arrival the kitchen is in chaos, you can direct them somewhere well presented, sparkly and welcoming.
To keep things simple, consider an elegant dinner party menu that incorporates a cold starter and dessert; two things you don’t need to serve on time, and the former can even be a simple refined Italian salami arrangement already on the table.
Useful if guests have a tendency to be creative with timekeeping. Another good conversational ice breaker is a striking dinner party centerpiece such as an architectural, angular bloom, and incredibly easy to arrange even for a novice.