Millions say they always regret hosting dinner parties - but like the idea of it
A poll of 2,000 adults who cook food for guests found the most challenging things about hosting include making sure the meal tastes nice, elements of the menu are cooked at the same time and being stuck in the kitchen and not able to socialise.
While a third worry about keeping all their guests entertained and 19 per cent start cleaning when they want to hint it’s time for people to leave.
Despite this, 26 per cent are planning to host this Easter bank holiday weekend with 24 per cent of those feeling apprehensive about festivities.
In a bid to help combat the stress, Jamie Oliver has partnered with Tesco, which commissioned the research, to create a fuss-free, prep ahead five ingredient roast leg of lamb recipe, and a hot cross bun pudding which uses leftover buns and costs just £0.63 per portion.
Jamie said: “My secret to cooking a roast for a crowd is to choose a deliciously easy recipe that’s reliable, you can prep ahead of time, and one where the oven does all the hard work, so you can spend time with family and friends and not be stuck in the kitchen.”
It also emerged 47 per cent stress about getting the house clean enough for guests, while 38 per cent worry about the meal tasting good enough to impress.
Easter will be spent celebrating at home this year, and of those who aren’t hosting, 22 per cent will enjoy being a guest at someone else’s house.
It was found that 43 per cent of hosts have regretted overcomplicating a menu for a get-together, with 52 per cent of those desperate to impress.
While 44 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, want a challenge.
Tesco has worked with Jamie Oliver to curate 30 limited edition “Easter in a box” hampers including recipes and treats, which can be won via the supermarket’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
Alessandra Bellini, chief customer officer, said: “We know that many of our customers celebrate Easter, and we want to help them to come together with friends and family over good food at great prices.
“We’ve created some delicious recipes with Jamie to show people that hosting a gathering over the long weekend can be low stress, low spend, and maximum enjoyment, especially when taking advantage of our cracking Easter offers in store.”
Top 20 most stressful things about hosting at home:
Making sure my house is clean and tidy for guests
Making sure the food tastes nice
Making sure all elements of the meal are cooked at the same time
Keeping guests entertained
Catering to everybody’s tastes
Making sure the food is cooked to perfection
Getting through all the washing up afterwards
Being stuck in the kitchen and not able to socialise or chill out
Worrying the meal is good enough quality
People turning up early or late
Not having enough food to go round
Not having enough time to prepare
Guest dietary requirements/restrictions
Worrying the chosen recipe won’t work
Worrying your guests will break something or spill drinks on your furniture
Topics of conversations with guests
Who to invite and ensuring all guests get on
Keeping guests waiting between courses
Cooking too much food
Family members quizzing you about your life, work life, love life, etc.