Fun & Famous

THE TOTAL PANIC THAT HITS WHEN YOU HOST A DINNER PARTY

And how to solve it

Total panic might be a strong word because we do host dinner parties at home, and as far as I know, people generally enjoy themselves, but when I have to do it all by myself, I still end up in a state of mild panic.

How do people do that? I suddenly wonder. What should I serve, and is that not too easy/little/specific? Does everyone like it, or am I the only one who enjoys this? What if they don't like meat or fish, and vegetarian is too boring? I find it all so difficult.

When friends used to come over for dinner, I would ‘cook’ salad with cheese and Chocotoffs for dessert. And to be honest, my dinners (when my partner isn't around, because he can cook really well) are a puffed-up version of that idea.

So, for everyone who can't cook well: follow along with my so-you're-hosting-a-dinner survival tips.

1. Styling is everything

Amaze your guests with a beautifully styled dining table (here you will find the best tips from Joss). Rent nice, mixed plates, place different small vases with a different flower in each vase, provide cool candles, napkins, glasses, fill water jugs with strawberries and blueberries and others with lime and mint. Make sure to have ice cubes, wine in coolers with crushed ice: pull out all the stops. Blow them away.

2. Serve a welcome cocktail

The frosé from Jet, for example, or a Bellini, a Hugo, an ‘old-fashioned’ Aperol Spritz, then everyone knows right away that you're excited. And they'll forgive you any mistakes that come later...

3. Snacks!

Feed them with things that can't go wrong. Make some Italian bruschetta, slice some tasty Italian salami, some crudités with a nice vinaigrette or this slim sauce from Jet. That will also take the edge off the high expectations.

4. The appetizer

Yes, now you really have to get to work. I think oysters are a great idea because they look a million dollars and you can't really go wrong here. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that not everyone likes oysters, so it might be safer to make a whole seafood platter with shrimp, crab, and clams.

5. And now... the main course

I find this really scary because this is where it comes down to skill. My secret is to make a casserole. You can't go wrong with that. If you've served fish as an appetizer, I would choose meat with vegetables here. If you really, really can't cook, just secretly use that basmati rice from Albert Heijn that can go in the microwave. Real chefs might look down on that, but I'd rather have you walk out of the kitchen glowing and relaxed than standing there cursing because you've ruined half your outfit while draining the water. Serve it with a bowl of nice, simple green salad and a nice dressing, and really, it will be fine.

6. The dessert

Accept that you're not a kitchen princess and just buy a cake from the best pastry chef. Provide delicious liqueurs and nice coffee, and really, you've passed your home dinner diploma.