More than eight in 10 adults feel the heat when hosting for friends and family – with 41 per cent happy when it’s over.
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.
Half are concerned something will go wrong – with 30 per cent admitting they have cooked a dish that didn’t turn out as expected.
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.
And 14 per cent have burnt something they were cooking, with one in 10 experiencing a red wine spillage.
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.
Kevin Riley said: “I may have become synonymous with whisks, but my culinary skills have definitely improved since the nation saw me last.
“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.
“After this, I hope the nation can learn something from my attempt at hosting redemption.”
It also emerged 64 per cent feel stressed when guests don’t arrive on time, which leaves 92 per cent uninspired to host again.
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.
While eight per cent would be less stressed during a job interview and seven per cent rate moving house as easier than entertaining.
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.
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.
Pasta is the most popular go-to meal for 25 per cent, with lasagne and spaghetti Bolognese also popular.
Although eight per cent of those polled, via OnePoll.com, will opt for a cheese board to avoid any unnecessary drama.
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.
Nearly one in five (17 per cent) have ‘taste tested’ their dish with their fingers – with 16 per cent even doing a double dunk.
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.
Ella Jonas, for Ritz at Mondelez International, said: “Incorporating a simple dinner party classic dish or two can help reduce the pressure of hosting.
"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.
“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.”
Brits top 10 hosting secret mishaps:
- Taking packaging out of the bin to re-check the cooking instructions
- Putting a finger in the food to test the flavour
- Double dipping a spoon in the food to test the flavour
- Pulling a hair out of a dish and not telling anyone
- Dropping ingredients on the floor and using them anyway
- Prepping food without washing your hands
- Using a dirty plate/ utensil, and pretending it was clean
- Accidentally sneezing in the food and not saying anything
- Putting an entire whisk in your mouth to try the food
- Prefer not to say (...what are they hiding?)
