Help with dinner party menu

I'm having a small dinner party this weekend for a friend's birthday. He has asked for cheeescake and I've decided to try my hand at Damsel's Pecan Cheesecake made with Hag's Toffee Nut Crust.

W're also having pork ribs. Please don't flame me because I'll be using a store bought BBQ sauce, preparing them in an oven and finishing on a grill. We 'test drove' this method last week and were very satisfied with the results. Yesterday I found some near perfect artichokes at a local produce store for $1.49 each. We ate them last night and I plan to serve them again this weekend. I'll be making the Cook's Illustrated cornbread recipe with jalapeno pepper too.

My question is what else to serve with this meal as far as side dishes and appetizers? The meal is already heavy with the ribs and a very rich dessert. I was thinking of potato salad (also heavy) but not sure if that is the best choice. If any of you have a suggestion for something else including any appetizers, I'd much appreciate it.

Many thanks, Ginny

Note: the BBQ sauce is more smokey than sweet, if that matters...