Food and friends are two of life’s greatest pleasures, and combining them doesn’t have to break the bank! A great party isn’t about premium china, the most expensive cut of meat, or fine wine – it’s about getting your favourite people under one roof and sharing the comforts of home.

We’ve put together a list of tips to make sure that your night goes off without a hitch.

1. Plan for success

As with most endeavours, having a clear plan in mind before you start will make life a lot easier. While dinner parties are hassle free (and often cost free) for guests, they require preparation from the host, and that can start up to a month before your guests walk through the door. Luckily, Martha Stewart has put together a Party-Planning Guide that walks you through everything from sending out your invites (a month in advance), to chilling wine (four hours before your guests arrive).

2. Shop smart

If you can’t afford to serve your guests filet mignon (and at £36 a kilo, who can?) then don’t despair. Being aware of what’s in season is a great way to keep costs low and make the most of delicious local produce. The BBC has a great Seasonality Table which tracks some of the UK’s best culinary delights, and will allow you to plan your menu ahead of time. Look out for deals when you go shopping and don’t be afraid to tweak recipes to make use of what’s on offer.

Most importantly, keep things simple, and let the ingredients do the work.

3. Cook smart

Combining steps one and two, think of dishes that offer maximum flavour for minimum cost. Slow cooking a cheaper cut of beef or lamb allows the meat to become tender and take on a depth of flavour that might surprise you. As an added bonus, it will let you enjoy spending time with your guests, rather than in the kitchen!

4. Ask for help

Asking guests to pitch in is a great way of keeping costs down and sharing the prep! Tell your guests you will be providing one “signature drink” and ask them to bring additional beer or wine, or ask one of them to bring a desert or cheese board. Friends and family are also a great source of support - if you don’t have a matching set of crockery, ask ahead of time if you can borrow what you need rather than buying new items.

5. Enjoy yourself!

Last but certainly not least, enjoy yourself. Being a great host costs nothing and will set your evening apart from the rest. On the night, most of your work will be done, so focus on making your guests feel welcome, keep the conversation flowing, and spend time relaxing and enjoying the fruits of your labour.