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Dinner parties can often mean that we consume more than our daily calorie intake all in one go. So here we have devised a low fat and virtually carbohydrate free three-course meal, so that you can indulge with just a fraction of the guilt. Cheers!
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9 am - Choose what you are going to wear- try on a few options and make a decision so that you are not left undecided with minutes to spare before your guests arrive in the evening. Make sure that you look good and although you want to feel comfortable and not too restricted for eating, here’s a little tip for you; if you wear something that shows off your waist line then you are less likely to over eat!
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9.30 am - Make the base for the cheesecake and prepare the starter too, leave both in the fridge. Pop the champagne and any wine in the fridge.
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10
am - Send the kids out to play or pack them off to the park with dad so that you have an empty house to blitz clean, it will take half the time if no one is in the way. Now of course we can’t predict how long your house is going to take to clean, it depends how many times the kids have thrown the dinner on the floor that week. But just remember that your guests will feel more comfortable in a clean and tidy house – no one can relax in mess. This also includes cleaning the bathrooms and toilets. And always make sure you have a clean hand towel- no one wants to dry their hands on a smelly damp towel that’s been there for two weeks!
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2.15 pm - Have a shower and dry your hair. Why not make an effort and put some large rollers in your hair to create gorgeously, glamorous, soft large curls a la Cheryl Cole!
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3
pm - Prepare the rest of the cheesecake, leave in the fridge and set the table. Always bring our your best cutlery and crockery set. Of course you’re not going to be judged on your table display by your true friends, but if all you have is mismatched plates and bowls, then it’s really worth investing in a matching set. You don’t have to spend a fortune Ikea and Argos do some perfectly suitable ones and if you put it away you can save it for special occasions. A simple tablecloth and candles or flowers are all you need to make your table to look impressive. Just remember presentation is everything and goes a long way to make your guests feel special.
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4.45 pm - Make the kids their dinner and let them eat early. Then stick them in the bath so that they are settled and ready for bed. Now’s a good time to let them watch their favourite DVD until bedtime, whilst you get yourself prepared.
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6 pm - Apply your make-up. Go for something focused more on the eyes, if you are eating, red lipstick is probably best avoided.
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6.30 pm - Set enough champagne glasses out for when your guests arrive and lay out some little nibbles when they arrive. Dips with crudités, cashew nuts, pistachio nuts and kettle crisps are all good choices. Just don’t over ply them with too many nibbles or they won’t enjoy your delicious meal quite as much!
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6.45 pm - Put the kids to bed early. Give yourself enough time if they take a long time to settle down. If they are not tired then they can read a book or do something quiet. You may even want to bribe them by having their own special evening tucked up in your bed watching telly until they fall asleep.
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7.10 pm - Get dressed; your guests will be arriving soon! Choose some tasteful background music to put on, nothing too loud and overpowering and nothing too slow or suicidal, something light, happy and tuneful will go down well!
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7.30 pm - Pour your guests an aperitif on arrival. Champagne is always nice, it makes people instantly feel in that party mood, but if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to that, then Cava makes a great alternative. If you fancy something a bit different, then get some Crème de Cassis to add to champagne or Cava to make Kir Royal. Also pop on your oven to warm up.
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7.40 pm - When all your guests have arrived put the starter in the oven to bake the tomatoes. Open a couple of bottles of wine, one white, one red and leave on the table.
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7.55 pm - Put the peas on to boil for the main course. Announce that the starter will be served in one minute so that your guests can be seated and serve up.
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When you have all finished your starter, clear away the dishes and make the main course. It doesn’t matter that your guests will have to wait a few extra minutes for it to be ready. It doesn’t take long and the scallops will taste much better freshly cooked. As long as you warn your friends that they will have to wait a few minutes and supply them with another drink before you leave the table, they will be fine to amuse themselves!
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Once your main dish is served then it’s pretty much plain sailing from there. Serve you dessert as and when you are all ready. Don’t rush your guests, go with the mood of the table and continue to be a good host by topping up your guests with drinks, but at the same time don’t forget to let yourself go and enjoy your delightful food and friends!
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