If you want to start entertaining your friends at home, it's important to find out what kind of host you are. Once you discover this, you can throw the best dinner parties to suit your hosting character. Which profile do you fit?
The organic hippy
You are: eco-conscious and relaxed
After creating a delicious vegan meal of tofu and nut loaf (washed down with cardamom tea of course), you like to recline on comfy cushions with your guests and chat about the world that you live in. Just don't harp on about your eco-beliefs too much over dinner. Let your friends dictate the topic of conversation and they'll probably go home chatting about how great your all bran muffins are, rather than how pushy you can be with your green views.
The faker-tainer
You're: deceptive and gutsy
You often order takeout and pretend you made it. It's a crafty trick, but be warned! You will get caught out if your friends see the wrappers, ask for the recipe or go to the restaurant that's done all the hard work another time and find the same dish. There's no shame in admitting that you've 'bought in', just make sure you put effort in elsewhere, such as making a cute lemon centrepiece or a bowl of kiwi nation cocktail for them to drink on arrival.
Quick 'n' easy
You are: predictable and safe
Having friends round for a feed? Out comes the packet of pasta and the easy tomato sauce recipe. Yup, every time. It's great that you prefer socialising with your guests rather than spending all evening sweating at the stove, but why not try something a bit different but just as simple, like chicken stuffed with bocconcini and wrapped in prosciutto or a Thai green prawn curry, both great washed down with a refreshing Moscato.
Exotic masterchef
You are: enthusiastic, daring
When pals stop over for a bite to eat, you're likely to whip up a Moroccan feast, encourage everyone to sit on the floor and dig in while waffling on about your overseas adventures. This sounds like fun, but it's a good idea to always check your friends' food tastes before serving exotic foods - not everyone has as well-travelled tastebuds as you. If you want to take your global-themed parties to the next level, introduce Marrakech-style décor and serve Mojitos on arrival.
Stuck in the kitchen
You are: perfectionist, unrealistic
If you always insist on cooking something complicated for dinner, you'll end up stuck in the kitchen the whole evening. This isn't fun for you, or for your guests who have been left sitting alone at the table. Sometimes people appreciate to have a large <a href="/ http://www.schweppes.com.au/drinks/rum-daisy">Rum Daisy</a> poured for them on arrival, eventually tuck into a plate of nachos and spend the night gassing to their friends.
Sharing chef
You are: economical, team-driven
You like to give all your guests a job to do — one can bring the salad, another the dessert. Is this because you all like to share the responsibility, or because you don't want to spend much money and time on them? If it's the first, try a tapas night. If it's the second, there are plenty of cheap meals you can make for all your friends to enjoy without having to lift a finger.
Heavenly host
You are: organised, perfect
You're a rarity. You greet your guests with a perfect smile, a glass of ice cold pinot grigio and a platter of freshly made canapes. The main feast is always pre-prepared and there is never much cleaning up to do afterwards. This is <i>the</i> host to be, but make sure you support your friends when it's their turn to host a dinner party, as they're probably threatened by your brilliance!
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