I’m not a great host by nature. I get stressed-out about whether there’ll be enough food; I feel a pang of genuine panic if I see guests getting up to leave before the clock strikes midnight. So in the absence of anything remotely resembling a natural gift for party-throwing, what else is there to do but work hard to fake the skills? Alas, the tricky part about learning to become a better hostess is that a key characteristic of the Fab Hostess is that she is totally, utterly, relaxed about throwing parties. Try too hard and you’re pretty much doomed to fail. It’s all so second nature to the Fab Hostess that she never makes a fuss over any of the little tiny touches she makes to ensure each and every guest is having a great time at all times. As a guest, you just know that at the Fab Hostess’s parties, you never find yourself without a drink in your hand, twiddling your fingers alone in a dark corner corner, checking your watch wondering whether it’s time to go home.

Fortunately, and despite the fact I wasn't born a Fab Host, I’ve learned a thing or two through careful observation of my many more talented friends, and a fair amount of practice. Check out these nine secrets towards becoming a better host …

1 Delegate the chores! The smart host knows that you don’t have to do everything yourself. When you’re throwing a big party especially, invite as many of your friends as possible to actually help out with the planning. Make use of your friends’ many talents – ask your artistic pals to help with decorations, your musical buddies to make some party mixes, your culinarily-inclined chums to pitch in with the food prep. It’ll make them feel needed and loved, which is always a good thing, and moreover, make it far more likely for them to feel guilty about slipping out early come party time.