Worst trait: I’m often late. Not ridiculously late… more fashionably late.

Best trait: I always bring a present and offer to wash-up (although I don’t really mean it).

Cooking style: Completely eclectic. I love to try anything and everything at least once. I love cooking authentic Indian, Mexican, Italian, South African, Japanese… you name it, I love it!

Likes: To be noisy and vibey and spice things up a bit!

Hates: Sweet potatoes and perlemoen (thank goodness it’s illegal to dive for). I’m really not keen on tongue either… I hate the thought of something tasting me while I’m tasting it. I struggle with religious fanatics and rugby-mad people too.

Signature dish: My very delicious Bosman pea and ham soup with homemade seed bread (the kids love it), and my mini beef wellingtons (which are quite legendary amongst friends). I also make great apple Martinis.

Worst CDWM nightmare: Too little food!

Perfect dinner party entertainment: Games, games, games! I have created some of the best dinner party games ever, with prizes of course. They are usually slightly adult in nature but never rude or trashy. There’s nothing better than a round of ‘I have never’. Brilliant!

The special thing about my dinner parties is: The atmosphere. I’m lucky to have a big enough personality to be able to get people to relax and enjoy themselves. There’s nothing stuffy or pretentious about dinner at my house.

Other interests: I’m a REALLY passionate amateur actress and take part in many musicals at local theatres. I also love reading… cookbooks, mainly.

Worst trait: I can talk too much.

Best trait: I’m good company.

Cooking style: A bit of mix: Asian, South African and freestyle cooking… it depends on my mood. I would definitely say that I’m a chef in the making and would rate myself a 7-8 out of 10.

Likes: Humble, relaxed and spontaneous people.

Hates: Traditional stews. Dominant, boastful and snobbish people.

Signature dish: There are quite a few but if I must choose, it would definitely be my sushi or banana served with coconut ice cream.

Greatest culinary success: The most spectacular meals I have cooked include sushi; Mozambican prawns, stir-fried in my secret sauce and served on a bed of lemon-infused pasta rice salad; and pan-fried ostrich fillet, served with roasted baby potatoes and seasonal veggies, stir-fried in a honey and soy mix.

Worst CDWM nightmare: My recipes flop.

Perfect dinner party entertainment: Depends on the company but anything from a live band to karaoke or a good board game.

The special thing about my dinner parties is: A fantastic fire blazing, superb background jazz and really good conversation.

Other interests: Organic farming, agriculture and jazz music.

Worst trait: When the food and vibe is bad, I go quiet.

Best trait: When the food and vibe is particularly good, I let the whole world know about it!

Cooking style: It ranges from wholesome family food to exotic Eastern food with a focus on fish, meat and lots of flavour. I consider myself to be a pretty good cook – I’ve completed quite a few Silwood kitchen courses (I am on their website!), and have even attended a few cooking sessions with celebrity chefs.

Likes: Fun people who are well-travelled, a bit over-the-top and enjoy loads of wine.

Hates: Anything with gherkins or sultanas.

Signature dish: All things Thai.

Greatest culinary success: Besides cooking a Russian-themed Christmas in July, I catered for 60 guests at my 40th Birthday party. The theme was pink, black and white.

Worst CDWM nightmare: Sitting next to a boring old fart!

Perfect dinner party entertainment: PlayStation SingStar. Especially ABBA!

The special thing about my dinner parties is: That’s my secret… all I can say is they are always memorable.

Other interests: My family and wine.

Worst trait: I have a very strong and confident personality, so I tend to intimidate some people.

Best trait: My wicked sense of humour.

Cooking style: Huge slabs of slow-cooked aromatic meat, anything shellfish and potatoes. Always potatoes! I’m very Jamie Oliver… generous and wholesome.

Likes: Meeting new people and experimenting with different tastes and cooking techniques.

Hates: Offal – can’t cook it, don’t eat it!

Signature dish: My roast chicken pie.

Greatest culinary success: Cooking slow-cooked lamb shanks with bubble and squeak and honey-glazed root veg for 80 guests at my husband’s 50th birthday party.

Worst CDWM nightmare: Burpers!

Perfect dinner party entertainment: This little karaoke thing that scores your singing is always a blast. A bit of Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey brings out the best in everyone!

The special thing about my dinner parties is: Me! If we connect, you’ll love me forever.

Other interests: Travel, my motorcycle and my husband of 28 years (he still makes me giggle).