Why are you having a dinner party if you have no time to slave over a hot stove for three days in order to present your guests with a 4-course Michelin star-worthy meal? Better to tell them to come for drinks and pie.
Let them know in advance that this is a casual affair not a full-blown dine party, then ring Two Fishwives in London (020 8537 1168 www.twofishwives.com) order a couple of large fish pies and stick them in the freezer.The pies taste and look homemade, £9.00- £10.80 for 850g pie