My food and drinks column for the August issue of Reader’s Digest.

For some of us, the words “dinner party” are inherently jovial, bringing to mind convivial images of friends and family gathered around a table teeming with culinary bounty and the sounds of animated conversation, laughter and glasses festively clinking long after the meal has ended. Personally, I see it as a wonderful opportunity to share my love for food with those I hold dear. Unlike going out to a restaurant – which I enjoy, but can feel rather impersonal – I take great pleasure in inviting people to dine with me at home. Everything, from the menu planning and delicious anticipation as the event draws near, to the actual cooking and sitting down to savour the fruits of my labour with loved ones, is a reason for gratitude. 

Read the full column, published in the August issue of Reader’s Digest UK, here: 124-127.

Read more in the August issue of Reader’s Digest.