Tips on Entertaining
Inviting friends or family round for a meal need not be a stressful experience: here are some hints and secrets to help you get through the event with minimal problems:

• Try not to be too ambitious in your menu choice
• If necessary, try preparing the dishes beforehand as a rehearsal
• Rather than salty, high fat crisps and peanuts, try serving unsalted nuts and vegetable crudités
• Freeze slices of lemon or lime into ice cubes beforehand
• Lay out coffee cups and saucers (and a teapot if necessary) before guests arrive
• Check with guests beforehand if they have any particular food preferences or allergies
• Offer sauces or salad dressings separately, so guests can choose to serve themselves
• If catering for large numbers of people, why not try a buffet?
• Make a preparation timetable beforehand
• A crisp, clean tablecloth and candles or flowers on the table set the mood for a celebration
• Chill a jug or bottles of water well before your guests arrive, so you can offer it with wine during the meal
• Try to enjoy yourself – entertaining at home is not a punishment!