What's your best advice for someone hosting a big gathering for the first time and feeling nervous?

A natural way to answer

My main advice is to prepare as much as you can in advance, so the day itself is calmer. Have a few easy backups in case something goes wrong, and remember that warmth matters more than perfection. People remember how you made them feel.

Key phrases to use

• take the pressure off — to reduce the stress or demands on yourself or someone else“Asking for help takes the pressure off.”
• muck in — to help with a task as part of a group, without being asked“Everyone mucked in with the clearing up.”
• go with the flow — to relax and accept how things unfold rather than trying to control everything“On the day, just go with the flow.”
• kick in — to start to take effect or become noticeable“Once the music started, the party atmosphere kicked in.”