Never try and make pudding. Do the chic French thing and buy in a cake or pie instead. Then at least that's something made in advance and guaranteed to be good!
Real life advice from real women
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Topics: entertaining
How to be an unstressed hostess
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Another tip for easing the stress is to invite four friends round rather than two. You can then take longer in the kitchen without feeling guilty about leaving them on their own or with just your other half. Also you can call on your other half to help you in the kitchen without there being a lull in the conversation. And hopefully you get TWO return invites for, less face it, NOT two lots of hard work.
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Never attempt a dish that you haven't prepared before.
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For me planning is the key. I set the table the night before, use the slow cooker for one or part of my menu courses. have the drinks & coffee tray set up. Have a cold starter & desert. freeze fruit slices days before as ice cubes. Have my outfit right down to underwear & accessories on one or two hangers so Im ready to go. or alternative you could be stress free and order out;)
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Try to prepare once course or even two courses the day before and ask a friend (or two) to round earlier to help with the hot course, salads, drinks, table laying and quick runs to the shop for forgotten items. And have your shirt ironed the night before!
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Get ready before you tackle the cooking and wear an apron. It's much less stressful to finish the cooking with a friend or two in the kitchen, or to dart upstairs for some face powder as the doorbell rings, than it is to be still wrapped in a towel, with wet hair, as everyone is arriving.
