Let's face it: there are those of us who are one with our inner Martha Stewart and those of us who turn into Linda Blair at the sound of: "let's have some folks over for dinner." 

But, truth to tell, you can be the host with the most by following these simple pointers for hosting a great dinner party: 

GUESTS ARE LIKE DOGS...

...and, they will smell fear. So chill the heck out! Whether close friends or new in-laws, you set the tone for a gathering and if you're having a fun time, everyone else will, too. 

Approach your dinner party with the mindset that people are ultimately there to spend time with you and everything else is going to be just fine. Especially, if you have a lot of wine!

YUMMY OR CRUMMY...

...it'll soon be in your tummy, so don't panic about Top Chef-level food. Again, a home-cooked meal for most people is a real treat. And, if yours happens to be worthy of a Food & Wine feature, all the better. But, whatever you dream up for the menu, make sure it is something you will enjoy making.

And, no matter how bad of a kitchen disaster you might face, Postmates and GrubHub will always come to the rescue.

BE A PAPA BEAR...

...and make sure your guests stay close. Your job is to make sure people make connections with and get to know each other. If two of your guests are into contemporary art, make that explicit when you introduce them to each other. 

Always keep an eye out for those who are stuck in a conversation or off to one side. You don't want anyone to fall prey to a bad time.

BE BOSSY...

...and tell your guests what to bring. They are going to bring something, so why not make sure it works with what you're serving. Don't have your guests spend money on a bottle of wine that won't go with dinner - or that you won't drink later. 

Suggest that they bring flowers or dessert or even an ingredient for a dinner you'll make the next time you have them over.