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Keep good conversation going - There is nothing worse than a bunch of awkward silences at a social gathering or dinner party! If you do have shy guests, make sure that they are encouraged to mingle.

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A drink on arrival - It's always good manners to offer your guests a drink upon their arrival. 

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Don't leave guests hungry - Have some canapes available. It may be a while before you all sit down for dinner, so it's essential to have snacks for your guests while they have drinks.

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Keep your home presentable - Having a house which is clean and tidy will look very impressive to your guests. If it is also stylish, then all the better!

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Don't complain about breakages - Sometimes people spill drinks or smash glasses. It happens! It might be very annoying, but it is rarely intentional. Your guest will already feel very embarrassed. Don't make it worse.

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Have a good range of drinks - Everybody has different tastes! Make sure that you have enough beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks to cater to everyone's needs.

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Make sure everyone has somewhere to sit - There is nothing more awkward than a guest who has to hover over other seated people, or uncomfortably perch on the arm of a couch. Make sure it doesn't happen.

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Hang up your guest's coats - Don't let your guests think they have to carry their coat under their arm all evening or throw it on the floor. Offering to take their coat should be one of the first things you say to them.

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Be aware of dietary requirements - It's always best to know what your friends can or can't eat. You need to know if your guests are vegetarian, vegan or have any allergies. Just ask! It's the safest option.

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Make sure your food is well presented - It doesn't matter whether you have worked on it for twelve hours, or ordered something from a restaurant and tried to pass it off as your own. Just make sure it looks stylish and appetizing!

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Be with your guests, don't hide in the kitchen - Yes, you have made an excellent dinner. Yes, it requires attention, and is time-sensitive. But you should do enough preparation in advance that you don't need to neglect your guests.

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Defuse any awkwardness - If you see tensions rising between your guests - whether one or both has been rude, or said something controversial, just make sure that you try to smooth things over as soon as possible!

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Be aware of seating arrangements - If you have two friends who you think will clash, don't seat them together! Be aware of which guests will get on with each other.

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Remember what your guests like to eat - It will be appreciated if you have made some notes (even if just mental ones!) about what your guests actually enjoy eating. Surprise them with a dish that they love.

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Top up drinks before being asked - A guest will always prefer to be offered another drink than to have to awkwardly ask for one. Don't put them in that position. Equally, don't force an unwanted drink upon them!

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Serve courses when they are expected - You don't need to stick to a completely rigid schedule, but if you have told your guests that dinner will be served at 9 PM, don't serve it at 9.45!

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Plan activities, but don't enforce them - Most people like to play games at dinner parties. It's fun, everyone gets involved, and it's an opportunity for people to get to know each other better. Don't be militant about it, though.

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Have a perfect and relevant playlist! - You know your guests' tastes and preferences, and so you know which music will be appropriate and well-received. If there are a wide variety of tastes, play it safe!

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Know which wine goes best with each course - While nobody expects you to be a wine expert, it is nice to have at least a basic knowledge of which wine will go best with the food that you serve. It will impress!

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Encourage guests to bring dishes - If one of your guests offers to bring a salad or a dessert to your party, graciously accept! Not only will they be offended if you decline, but you could save yourself some work!

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Don't run out of drinks! - Nobody wants to have to make an awkward exit to go to the store to buy some drinks! It's important that you don't disappoint. If your guests come with drinks also, all the better!

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Have your wi-fi password accessible - While you don't want your guests to be spending all evening gawping at their phones, it is always polite to have your wi-fi password available for your guests.

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Use the correct glasses! - Nobody wants to be served wine from a coffee mug! It will look much more thoughtful and classy if you serve drinks in their appropriate glasses.

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Remember your guests' drink preferences - There is something very nice about remembering what people like, and the spontaneity of handing your guest their drink of choice without having to check first.

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Keep toys tidied away - If you have children, you don't want your guests to be stepping on toys while they are trying to relax with a glass of wine and a conversation. Make sure they are all put away.

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Use your best plates and cutlery - To make a good impression, you don't want to be serving dinner on mismatched plates! It will make your guests think that you haven't put much time or effort into your party, even if that's not the case.

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Be creative or unusual with your cooking! - Nobody wants to be predictable. You want your dinner party to be memorable, whether that is through exquisite attention to detail or something completely outlandish! 

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Make your home interesting - If you have a few guests, especially those who don't know each other, having a few objects around which make interesting talking points is a great way to break through any initial awkwardness.

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Personalize the party - To make your guests know they are appreciated, and also to avoid any awkward seating arrangements, decide where your guests should sit in advance with personalized cards.

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Get a babysitter -

If you have children, or your guests can't leave theirs at home, make sure the children are kept distracted and occupied by a babysitter who is happy to look after them.

Looking for a great gift for your children? Click here to read about children's books written by celebrities!

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