Do you dread being invited out to eat? Do you convince yourself that you will use the wrong cutlery or not be able to understand the menu?

Well worry no more, help is at hand. Read on and learn a few tips that will enable you to eat out with confidence.

It is always best to find out where you are going to eat.

If possible, do a bit of research before you go. Look up the restaurant or hotel on the internet and find out what kind of food they serve, what the décor is like, and try to pick up as much as possible from the photographs and blurb on the website.

If you know other people who have eaten there, speak to them to find out what the ambience is like and what the "specialities of the house" are.

If you have been invited for dinner at someone's house, once again, try to find out as much as you can before you go.

Talk to the host, or the person who has invited you, to find out what the occasion is.

Is it a dinner party with lively guests, is it a family occasion and you are the "honoured guest"? Is it likely to be rather formal, or will there be a relaxed atmosphere.

It is always a good idea to take a small gift for the host or hostess - a small bunch of tasteful flowers are always very acceptable.

Find out if you are expected to take a bottle of wine.

Do as much research as you can in order to feel prepared for the occasion.

When you arrive at the person's house, or at the restaurant, without being too obvious, scan around and take in the atmosphere and ambience.

Is it lively? Is it formal? How loud is the conversation level? How formal are the waiting staff?

Stand up straight, shoulders back, take a deep breath and try to look happy and relaxed. Take a lead from the other people in your party.

If you are asked if you would like a pre-dinner drink, listen to what other people order, and follow their lead. If you are still unsure as to what to order, mineral water is always a safe and chic option.

Making small-talk is an art that does not always come naturally.

If you feel that you should try to strike up a conversation with a fellow guest, always stick to safe subjects such as the weather, holidays, Christmas or something else that most people can talk about that is not controversial.

If someone instigates a conversation with you, respond in a full sentence and ask something back in return. Do not just give "Yes" or "No" answers - it will kill the conversation stone dead.

For instance, "Have you been away on holiday this year?"

"Yes, I went to Florida in April. Have you been anywhere?".

When you look at the menu, don't gasp at the prices!

Check by asking, or by picking up on what is going on, whether your companions are ordering one course or if they are ordering the full works - then follow their lead.

If there is anything on the menu that you don't understand, ask a member of the waiting staff to explain it to you.

You can be certain that other guests will also be mystified by some descriptions on the menu!

If you are daunted by an extensive array of cutlery, then once again, watch what your companions use and follow their lead.

A good rule of thumb is always to start from the outside and work inwards with each course.

Place your napkin on your lap - don't be embarrassed in a formal restaurant if the waiter places your napkin on your lap for you - just smile and accept it.

If you do not feel confident when ordering wine, either leave it to somebody else, or ask the waiter, or sommelier (wine waiter) what he or she recommends.

Don't feel that you have to taste the wine - you can just ask the waiter to pour if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Don't get drunk to compensate for your nerves.

Breathe deeply and evenly, smile and enjoy yourself. It is much better to be yourself than to try to pretend to be something you are not.

People like and admire sincerity and honesty.

If someone else wants to look down their nose at you, then they are not someone worth worrying about.

Relax and enjoy!

Bon appetit!