With more than 500 dinner parties under his belt, Simon James Bailey knows a thing or two about hosting. The host of the SBS TV series Toast the Host believes entertaining should feel joyful, not like a test of endurance – and that a beautiful evening doesn’t have to come at the cost of your sanity.

“What I love most about it is curating a lovely experience for my friends, in my own home,” he says. I love it when we can just sit down, have a good catch-up and a good chat, and enjoy some lovely food and a few glasses of wine.”

If you too want to recreate the magical experience of dining out at a fancy event, without spending a fortune on bringing the pros in – it can be done.

Before planning your dream menu, take a moment to check in with your guests. Preferences and dietary requirements can change, whether it’s due to allergies, cultural or religious reasons, or new health issues.

“I've always been fortunate to have a great range of friends who come from all different backgrounds, cultures, and religions. So, I enjoy creating a menu that suits everyone at the table,” he says.

He suggests saving his friends' dietaries on his phone contact list, so the information will be easily at hand when you're out shopping.

Slow-cooked meat can also save you a lot of time on the night. Bailey’s go-to is a pulled beef brisket, which can be served as tacos or nachos later in the evening.

“When I'm planning a multi-course dinner party, I usually plan it in a way that there are pre-prepared items, cold items, and then the main course and a pre-prepared dessert,” he says. “The most important thing is to pick food that you know how to cook, and that doesn’t require a lot of finesse on the night.”

“A beautifully set table makes people feel welcome, and it also shows them that you have made an effort. It's a little bit outside of the ordinary,” says Bailey.

He recommends setting the table earlier in the day, so you’re not fussing with cutlery and wine glasses at the last minute.

“I've learned over the years to not drink a lot of wine while I'm doing anything that's related to heat," says Bailey, laughing.

Music matters. “Find nice background music that may sound familiar to people, but that isn't intrusive to conversation. It will make people feel welcome and comfortable,” says Bailey.

His favourites? A bit of modern jazz or Sade to start. After dinner, he’ll switch to upbeat pop to keep the energy flowing. And when the evening is winding down? “I put on something slow and dull, and everyone gets the hint,” he says with a smile.