More than eight in 10 adults feel the heat when hosting for friends and family - with 41 per cent happy when it’s over. <br /><br />A poll of 2,000 people, who have played host in their home, found 76 per cent feel pressured when it comes to making sure their guests are having a good time. <br /><br />Half are concerned something will go wrong - with 30 per cent admitting they have cooked a dish that didn’t turn out as expected.<br /><br />While 17 per cent weren’t prepared for their guests’ arrival and 15 per cent didn’t spend enough time talking to those they were hosting. <br /><br />And 14 per cent have burnt something they were cooking, with one in 10 experiencing a red wine spillage. <br /><br />The study was commissioned by cracker brand Ritz, which has teamed up with former Come Dine With Me contestant, Kevin Riley - aka ‘Whisk Man’ - to showcase his hosting hiccups in ‘Host Right with Ritz’, narrated by comedian TikTok icon, Shabaz Says. <br /><br />Kevin Riley said: “I may have become synonymous with whisks, but my culinary skills have definitely improved since the nation saw me last. <br /><br />“Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of leaning on all round crowd pleasers that are always ready to go, even if you’re not. <br /><br />“After this, I hope the nation can learn something from my attempt at hosting redemption.” <br /><br />It also emerged 64 per cent feel stressed when guests don’t arrive on time, which leaves 92 per cent uninspired to host again. <br /><br />For 11 per cent, hosting is seen as more pressured than meeting a new partner’s parents, and 10 per cent feel more relaxed public speaking. <br /><br />While eight per cent would be less stressed during a job interview and seven per cent rate moving house as easier than entertaining. <br /><br />To avoid a mishap, 49 per cent practise new dishes in advance, but a brave 41 per cent attempt an unfamiliar recipe for the first time on the night. <br /><br />And although 10 per cent of those claim it was a success, 64 per cent do have a ‘fail-safe’ dish they always turn to. <br /><br />Pasta is the most popular go-to meal for 25 per cent, with lasagne and spaghetti Bolognese also popular. <br /><br />Although eight per cent of those polled, via OnePoll.com, will opt for a cheese board to avoid any unnecessary drama. <br /><br />But hygiene also seems to be lacking for some hosts with 18 per cent admitting to taking packaging out of the bin to re-check cooking instructions. <br /><br />Nearly one in five (17 per cent) have ‘taste tested’ their dish with their fingers - with 16 per cent even doing a double dunk. <br /><br />While one in 10 have pulled a hair out of their guests’ food but not told them and 11 per cent have continued to use ingredients they accidently dropped on the floor. <br /><br />Ella Jonas, for Ritz at Mondelez International, said: “Incorporating a simple dinner party classic dish or two can help reduce the pressure of hosting. <br /><br />"This allows you to focus on welcoming your guests and having a great time together, rather than worrying how your soufflé is going to set or getting your meat the perfect colour. <br /><br />“Sometimes hosting can go wrong, be that overcooking your meal or rushing to get your home ready as guests arrive, but relying on a dinner party classic as part of your menu will help you glide through even the most stressful of dinners.” <br /><br />BRITS’ TOP 10 HOSTING SECRET MISHAPS<br /><br />1. Taking packaging out of the bin to re-check the cooking instructions<br />2. Putting a finger in the food to test the flavour<br />3. Double dipping a spoon in the food to test the flavour<br />4. Pulling a hair out of a dish and not telling anyone<br />5. Dropping ingredients on the floor and using them anyway<br />6. Prepping food without washing your hands<br />7. Using a dirty plate/ utensil, and pretending it was clean<br />8. Accidentally sneezing in the food and not saying anything<br />9. Putting an entire whisk in your mouth to try the food<br />10. Prefer not to say (...what are they hiding?)
