Terrified of cooking up a big kitchen disaster registering 11 on the Richter scale? We've got the culinary, hosting and etiquette advice to make your dinner party a searing success...
10. Don't overload
Don't shock and awe your guests by piling massive portions onto their plates. It's best to pre-serve meat or fish but leave it to your pals to decide on how large a portion they want when it comes to potatoes, vegetables and sauces.
9. Keep your balance
Really spicy food is not to everyone's taste and be careful with the chilli flakes when cooking lightly spiced recipes as one slip could ruin things. If you are using delicious fresh ingredients don't drown them in a strong, suffocating sauce. If your dessert is very rich and heavy, try to offer a lighter alternative for guests who are too full - even if it is just sorbet or ice cream. And it's a good idea to balance a rich main with a lighter pudding.
8. You're not Cilla
Don't try and play cupid. By all means invite some singletons you think could be well suited but keep all matchmaking to a minimum. It will only serve to make your intended lovebirds uncomfortable as well as your other guests. Simply enjoy the company, some great food and let nature take its course.
7. Don't do a Keith
Be careful not too quaff to much of the red or white stuff while slaving away in the kitchen. It's all too easy to do a Keith and transform yourself from the host with the most to the host who's asleep face down in the chocolate mousse.
6. Finish on a cheesy note
A cheese board is essential. You don't need to go camembert crazy, but have at least three different types of cheese on offer plus fresh bread, preferably a baguette or something else crusty like biscuits and crackers. This can all be prepared in advance and left in the fridge for the perfect finale to your culinary triumph.
