Mookmoo's Dinner Party Do's and Don'ts*

DON'T optimistically offer to be in charge of the cooking for a dinner party when you can't actually cook.

DO say "Yes it is a bloody problem" when your other half tells you he has a band practice (or similar commitment) on the day of said dinner party - DON'T say "No problem, I'll get on with the cooking in peace!"

DON'T lose track of time watching Sex and the City on DVD, and especially DON'T fall asleep in front of the TV only to wake up without enough time to cook what you planned.

DO thank God for Marks and Spencer.

DON'T be so thankful that you buy every item of ready-to-cook food they offer.

DO work out a detailed plan of what time each item needs to go in the oven/microwave and what time it needs to come out.

DON'T drink two large glasses of wine before writing said plan.

DO remember to preheat the oven.

DON'T think that whacking the temperature up to max compensates for lack of pre-heating.

DO find time to make yourself look nice for your guests.

DON'T let your other half arrive home to a smell of burnt food and you in the shower.

And, most importantly of all, DON'T tell your guests the real reason that you're having a takeaway: "We've just been soooooo busy at work" is always a good excuse...

*I am of course an impeccable hostess and none of these things have ever actually happened to me personally.