You need to let your hair down now and again …
My life as a mum has meant that I get to spend less quality time with my friends. For one, flopping on the sofa (once you’ve got everyone fed, washed and into bed, then tidied up) on a Saturday night with a large glass of wine is more appealing than throwing a dinner party. In the back of your mind, however, you know you should cling on to your social life just for your own sanity, and a good grown-up gossip is a lovely antidote to the crazy conversations you’ve been having all week with your children.
So this chapter is all about getting people over to your place for a bite to eat, a chat and a few drinks, but taking into account that cooking for four or six or even eight (depending on the size of your dining table) is no mean feat. I’ve thought about everything to help make your gathering as stress-free as possible by using all the tricks I know. All the recipes are easy to shop for, simple to prepare and a doddle to cook, leaving you time to enjoy being with your friends and reminiscing about your carefree old life. But make sure you don’t talk about children – the subject is totally banned at all dinner parties.