How to host a successful dinner party

In the wake of the successful Come Dine With Me television show, thousands of Brits are hosting their own dinner parties, complete with three course meals and fantastic guests.

But what would you cook for your dinner party? Choosing the right main course can be a bit of a nightmare, especially if we are not especially confident in our culinary skills. When it comes to red meat for the main course, we will all favour the traditional dishes like lasagne or spaghetti bolognaise, fearing that something like a steak or a roast will be too costly or complicated. Yet there a loads of different cuts and types of meats out there which can make a delicious dinner party menu, from lamb chops to strips of beef for a tasty stroganoff.

It’s not just about the food though; a successful host not only serves a delicious meal but spends equal time planning entertainment, table plans, decor and drinks. If you really want to go all out, you might even want a theme to match your menu.

Fortunately, help is on hand from ‘hostess with the mostest’, TV presenter and interior designer Linda Barker. Having herself appeared on the popular show to come joint first, it was not only her cracking menu that delighted her guests but the extra touches that set her apart from the rest. In this live webTV show, she’ll answer your questions on how to coordinate your food with your theme, make your guests feel special and how to get the ambiance just right. She’ll also highlight some common dinner party faux-pas and offer her fail-safe tips for success.

So whether you’re cooking Steak Diane and want a demure candle-lit dinner party or are serving up a feisty Mexican theme with fajitas and burritos, Linda’s tips will ensure it all runs smoothly.

Also on the show is Keith Fisher to help pick the perfect meat to wow your guests as much as any decorative place settings. You can log on to this live webTV show on Tuesday 16 March at 3.00pm and submit your questions before the chat at:

webchats.tv/chat/daunted_by_hosting_dinner_parties

For more information visit: meatmatters.com