“If you'd rather wear an Alaia than an apron, bring in the experts to see to all your at-home catering needs. ”

For those of you who would rather drink Champagne than serve it, there are plenty of catering companies who can come into your home, serve delicious drinks and canapés, host intimate dinners or larger affairs, and leave without a trace, without breaking the bank or your finest china.

If you want to keep things simple but superb, intimate but inimitable, then my top picks are Archie's at Home, Pickle, Sugar & Salt, Dish, Simply Catering and London Private Catering.

If you want to have the food delivered but add the finesse yourself (i.e. take all the credit), True Deli, Octopus and Harry's Kitchen all provide a food delivery service (as well as exquisite on-site catering).

Or for something really flamboyant and fabulous, Event Oracle, Urban Caprice, Zafferano, Table Talk and Mise en Bouche will surpass all your expectations.

And for the environmentally-conscious, Eco-Cuisine will keep things green, whilst still delivering top-notch results.