HOW TO ENTERTAIN FRIENDS..and enjoy it!

A bit of know-how and planning goes a long way

- Amber Bramble.

Parties and get-togethers can be lots of fun, but if you're the one who happens to be doing the hosting, it can also be stressful. Catering expert Alex Cadger from The Blonde Butler shares his tips for a seamless soiree!

PREP IS PIVOTAL

Leaving yourself enough time - almost too much time! - to prepare, cook, present and tablescape will ensure a relaxed, fuss-free dinner party for any host. I also do as much as I can on the day before and the morning of, so I am not spinning out of control before my guests arrive. The idea is to be so organised that you have a crisp glass of rosé in your hand when your guests arrive (a must!).

SET THE SCENE

If in doubt, go white! I set my table with crisp white linen, white crockery, silver cutlery and add a pop of colour with a pastel linen napkin (perhaps green, pink or yellow). My floral tip is to avoid mixed bunches and keep each vase full of one type of flower to create an abundant, luxurious look. And make sure your vases and bunches are low so that your guests can see each other across the table!

CREATE A VIBE

You want your guests to feel relaxed, excited and in the mood to wine and dine. Music plays a huge part in setting the mood for a spring lunch outside, I'd opt for something chilled like lounge music, while for a formal dinner party, I'd go for jazz or something elegant and operatic. For candles, I go to floral design stores and buy glass cylinder vases that are all different heights and place wax candles inside with some sand. Display these in clusters in and around your flowers.

NIBBLES