Key ingredients of a good house party: Delegate, make lists and keep it simple

Keep it simple: guests just want good company and a bit of food. So relax, and you’re halfway there.

Recognise your limitations, whether they are culinary or financial. Be realistic about how much time and energy you have for preparations, and plan accordingly.

Make lists for everything, from the jobs around the house to the clothes, food and decorations to be bought.

Lower your standards, at least when it comes to your home. We may aspire to appear as if we live in a showhouse, but that’s not what’s important.

Think disposable: use paper plates and cups (and you can get appropriately themed ones if you’re that bothered) to save on the washing up, even if you do draw the line at plastic cutlery.

Delegate: if you’re lucky, your partner is just waiting to be told what to do. Extended family and close friends are usually happy to help.

Prep and prep some more: doing as much as you can in advance means you will have more time to enjoy the guests.

Count the hours: church ceremonies don’t wait (unless you’re the bride), so timetable your morning because the logistics involved in getting, say, a baby clean and fed out to a Christening on time are not to be underestimated.

Go easy on the drink: if it’s a child-centred occasion, there’s an argument for sticking to soft drinks, tea and coffee.

Pump up your beverages: if you can, get your hands on a couple of catering vacuum flasks that allow people to take tea or coffee at their leisure.