Food Bloggers' Best Party Tips

Dinner party disasters come in so many forms —a guest announces they have a severe nut allergy just as the pecan pie comes out of the oven, that new recipe you've been dying to try is a complete failure, and wait, how many pounds of meat per person is it? But dinner parties don't have to be stressful. We've turned to food bloggers and writers, the people whose job it is to inspire us by sharing their recipes and stories about cooking and eating, for their best dinner party tips.

Click here to see the Food Bloggers' Best Dinner Party Tips Slideshow.

Wondering what acclaimed cookbook author Melissa Clark cooks (or rather, doesn't) when hosting guests? Or perhaps your chocolate cake is underbaked (or fell on the ground) — what then would a pro do? Armed with advice from these experienced hosts, you can confront your next shindig with confidence.

When it comes to hosting a dinner party, there are a few basic rules that these talented bloggers adhere to. Keep it simple, cook something you've made before, and choose a dish that you can prepare most of ahead of time.

That said, no matter what your dinner party style is, remember that it doesn't take the hand of Martha Stewart to create a special evening. Natalie Slater of Bake and Destroy reveals, "My get-togethers are always super casual, people come over, we have pizza and watch a movie — no big deal." Even food bloggers understand that all parties don't have to be a monumental event. The best meals are often about the company that you share them with.

Click here to see the Food Bloggers' Best Dinner Party Tips Slideshow.