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You're planning a party and the cookbooks are scattered across your kitchen table. But which recipes will be the right ones to choose? Here are some handy do's and don'ts to help you select the best recipes for your next party.

The Do's

• Pick recipes that are suitable to the season and use ingredients that are in season.
• Use recipes that you have prepared before and know will turn out well.
• Choose recipes that can be fully or at least partially prepared in advance.

The Don'ts

• Don't pick more than one recipe that will require intensive last minute preparation.
• Don't pick recipes with long lists of ingredients and instructions.
• Avoid recipes that involve techniques that you've never attempted before.
• Don't select recipes that require out of season ingredients.

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