Revolving doors!

August is known as the “silly season” and in this house it has not disappointed!

By “revolving doors” I mean a steady stream of visitors. Not that I'm complaining you understand – it's never a problem for me to feed people. It is definitely more challenging however when the details are, shall we say, a little sketchy i.e. will arrive on Saturday, probably teatime and we are leaving on Wednesday, probably lunchtime.

As for the grey areas in between, your guess is as good as mine and indeed for my visitors too since they are at the mercy of the family they intend to visit – you get the picture.

From a catering point of view it's not the easiest, especially when you're like me – only happy when you've a list and a meal plan! I like to cook ahead if I can, if only so that I can spend time with my guests and not resemble a wet lettuce/piece of chewed string/jibbering idiot – not necessarily in that order!

This is the sort of situation that stops me sleeping, I jest not.

The only meal I know for certain is Saturday evening so I suppose it's as good a place as any to begin.

I need to consider, my friends are coming from France and there are certain foods that they really miss from England and cannot get, except for a king's ransom.

I need to consider a meal that can be prepped ahead and will in effect cook itself since on arrival I know they'll be tired and want a well earned drink (or two).

I need to consider how to plan my shopping list for three full days (we're out for breakfast on day four – I think I'll be ready for it!).

I need to consider what to cook.

I can feel the need already for a libation of my choice, complete with straw and retreat to a darkened room!

I need to consider …