14 great entertaining tips from Carolyn Creswell

The Carman’s muesli founder and charming hostess tells us how she throws such memorable parties.

"When my husband Pete and I host a get-together the most important thing for me is that everyone has fun; our guests, our kids and us too! A great occasion is made great by the friends you have there," says Carolyn. "At the end of the day, happiness is great food and great company."

1. You don’t need to make every single thing yourself. The meal can be just as perfect if you purchase the dessert or assemble a cheese platter.

2. For me, the key to successful entertaining and a stress free day is PLANNING. In the weeks prior I make lists of what I want to prepare, ensure I have the recipes, have placed my orders and have a list of all the little extras I need to pick up to make the occasion a raging success.

3. I don’t mind a themed event. My birthday falls in the summer and we once had an outdoor Mexican Fiesta - it was Mexican from my invitations, dress, food, drinks and music. We had a wonderful time! We’ve hosted everything from curry nights, make-your-own-pizza nights (in our outdoor pizza oven) and paella nights. My friends and I have just started having what we call a ‘Men’s Dinner’ - our partners cook the meal for us girls and it’s always lots of fun.

4. Ideally I like to serve food that can be prepared ahead of time - this way I can be relaxed when the guests arrive and I’m not caught in the kitchen too much when I’d rather be mingling with my friends.

5. I prefer our style to be relaxed and rustic. It isn’t fussy at all. I love entertaining at our country weekender. We like to entertain outside (weather permitting) with the kids free to run around. We like to keep the food simple yet delicious, the table gorgeous and the laughs aplenty.

6. I like to pay attention to all the little details, like lighting candles all through the house (including the bathrooms), selecting the perfect background music and choosing fun drink options to match the theme of the meal.

7. I adore lots of colour on the table - coloured glassware, bright table runners and lots of flowers.

8. I love a good buffet and they can generally be prepared ahead of time. Guests can choose what they prefer and go back for seconds.

9. I like to have one special cocktail prepared for arrival (depending on the occasion). For my birthday, we whipped up some strawberry margaritas in the Thermomix.

10. We entertain mostly with our kids. I like to encourage the kids to eat what we are eating, however we always have one dish that isn’t as spicy or is just simpler for them to enjoy. Corn on the cob is always a winner for them too! It goes without saying, when the kids are happy, the adults are happy!

11. People that know me well know that Iike to take time to consider my seating arrangements. You can really enhance the conversation and enjoyment of your guests by placing particular people together.

12. Have lots of drinks on ice.

13. I try to relax when the guests arrive and enjoy my own event.