Dinner party

Invite them round, tell them you're not a great cook, plain food only, but would love to return the invitation and get to know them better. Then buy a starter and dessert and cook something you're used to doing for the main course. They will be happy to be invited back and meet friendly people.

Well it’s not a cooking competition but I do understand what you mean, so as I don’t enjoy cooking it would be a visit to M&S and I would let them know I did, I wouldn’t make out I’d made any of it, just be honest, it’s about the good company as well as the meal

I’m with those who say cook something you are confident with and good at. If it’s plain food, it will still go down well. We used to be part of a dinner party circle of eight good friends, where one couple, when it was “their turn” always served up an excellent roast beef dinner. You knew what you were getting, you knew it would be really good and everyone looked forward to it. Buy the starter, and a pud or two.

I'm in a similar situation. I've reciprocated once with my tried and tested stifado, Greek salad etc. We've since been back to theirs for another meal but was totally put off inviting them back when they said they made their own pasta!

I would do what I do well and has gone down successfully with others. It's people we're about, not stuff. Try to relax and enjoy. It's potential long term friendship in the offing so competition is foolish. Good luck.

This time of year, casseroles all the way! Just add veg and spuds (or even rice). Cook ahead and chill or freeze to save work on the day. Mary Berry’s “Cook Now, Eat Later” book has some good tips. The Beef and Venison Casserole is excellent. I gave it to guests and it was well received. It really is about the company, not Masterchef so just relax and enjoy.

I have those sorts of anxieties when folk come to stay and have learned to stick with something I usually cook and enjoy. Vegetarian lasagne, chilli or a curry would all be good options. They can all be prepared in advance. Totally agree, buy the starter and pudding, add cheese, relax and enjoy. I suspect your neighbours just love to cook and feed people, they will enjoy your company and won’t be giving you marks for your food. Let us know how it goes.

Just go for it, even if you're a bit hesitant. Have a great time whatever you cook will be lovely.

Spag bol
Crusty garlic bread
Wine
Cheese and biscuits
coffee and mint chocs
Dress up
Don't compete
Enjoy
Never waitrose m&s asda ...
Everyone tecognises shop brought !

Brilliant time of year to do it - Waitrose, M & S, Aldi - they all have delicious canapes that can be the first course and as everyone says buy a pud - Gu are delicious and then something simple for a main course - lasagne is great because you can make it in advance or if you really don't have any confidence buy something from Cook - they have great frozen stuff. Add a bit of salad and some cheese for a real feast! Good luck - it's your company, not the food that's important.

It’s not a competition, don’t turn it into one. Just cook something that you know you do well. Get a starter and a dessert from Waitrose or Sainsbury’s and serve it with love and friendship, and enjoy the evening.

Move house!

M&S party food.

The neighbours will be delighted to be invited. I am sure they value your friendship more than the food. Just go for it and do your best! It will be fine!

I would buy the dessert and spend a happy few evenings browsing recipe sites/blogs for something delicious but quite easy for a main course. Anything you can do most of the prep ahead (lasagne, curry) is helpful and takes stress off.

But I would 100% buy in the dessert. No pastry chef am I.

Waitrose entertaining!