A simple dinner party

In a moment of madness you have invited people round to dinner…….whoops!

The thought of holding a dinner party when it is only you to cope can fill one with alarm and despondency. Let’s hope the following tips learnt through bitter experience,…..I have been reduced to rushing into the street to persuade an unsuspecting passer by to extract a difficult cork from a bottle two minutes before the guests arrived…. will help you to enjoy your own party

The main thing is to shop and cook well in advance
Now is not the time to try new recipes but to dust off the tried and tested Make as much as you can as far ahead as you can. But don’t forget to allow enough time for defrosting and reheating on party day!

You may like to serve substantial canapés such as smoked salmon topped with sour cream on blinis, or a selection of pates on Thai biscuits in lieu of a starter. This gives you the chance to have the main course ready and waiting when your guests sit down at the table.

For dessert Summer pudding is a great standby and can be made and frozen in advance, or try placing pieces of exotic fruit such as melon, pawpaw. mango, pineapple, kiwi on skewers. Serve these with individual bowls of melted chocolate or Toblerone whipped with a touch of cream to dip the fruit into.

On the dinner table a centrepiece of floating flower heads such as Camellias can look stunning and has the advantage of being able to see over the top of them. Groups of candles or floating night lights can create their own touch of magic. Candlelight has the added advantage of being very becoming for those of more mature years!

Always allow time on the day to concentrate on important things like putting the white wine to cool and relaxing with a gin before your guests arrive!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help good friends enjoy being asked to take charge of the drinks or to clear plates between courses.

To keep the conversation buzzing it is a good idea, particularly with a large number, to switch seating between courses for example asking all the men to move round a couple of places.

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You’ve done it and the good news is that there could be delicious left overs that will see you through the next few days.

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