Crostini are a perfect dinner-party starter and a great way to feed a crowd.

They sound fancy but are really posh things on toast. Simply thinly slice a baguette or focaccia, brush lightly with olive oil, season and bake until golden brown on the barbecue, grill or in the oven.

Here are 6 of our favourite toppings – why not try a mixture at your next drinks party?

The Scandi one

Smoked salmon + horseradish sauce + beetroot + sprig of dill

The Mexican one (enjoy with a pitcher of Margaritas)

Smashed avocado + lime + chilli + quail's egg

(The eggs only need about 2 minutes' boiling time otherwise they will be hard-boiled.)

The end-of-summer one

Goats' cheese + peach + hazelnut + honey

The sweet and savoury one

Strawberries + ripped basil + black pepper

The Mediterranean one

Sun-soaked tomatoes + feta + pine nuts

The fancy French one

Brioche bread + fig jam + grilled pear

(You could also try this on baguette...)