I always found family things fairly easy because I have very amenable relatives They never mind me phoning ahead to check the menu, or turning up with extra dishes or accompaniments to fill a gap. After all, they have seen me though a million mad diets over the years so this is really calm and peaceful LOL

doesn't always work out , there was one time that my hostess decided lasagne didn't have wheat in it She had made such a thoughtful effort and was proud of catering for me specially

( I choose gluten free as that suits me best) So I decided to be polite and put a note in my journal.

it was holidays and travelling that I found a real challenge. The first few times were a disaster, I got pretty much everything wrong :) but it was from those times I learnt well. Nowadays its a breeze. Its like the steps, little by little. Sometimes things aren't perfect but I have learnt that sometimes good enough is good enough. Journal is my best friend in this instance.

For family things, I found that a chat ahead of the event was good. Mostly, people just want to help you out . If left to when you arrive, its no good.... I say, just checking what are you planning foodie wise? Don't cater for pud for me, but would you like me to bring anything along?

theres several standby dishes that are really handy to bring to buffet type do's, like falafel, hummus, roasted peppers, cheese board, chicken tikka bites, stuffed eggs

manys the time Ive had a substantial snack in handbag for just in case. And its good to remember, that before step six, to just to do the step you are on..... go for the good brown, the protein thing, and pudding is fine. With all the steps in, there isn't that pull and magnetism. So choosing gets easier, theres no battle then, it is a different situation

another good one is if you are meeting half way in a restaurant is to enthusiastically suggest your favourite ones. Not only is it great for us, you also get a reputation for good taste I always do well at harvester, any Indian restaurant, Italian.....the only ones I haven't got the hang of is Chinese or fish and chips. Sometimes theres no starter that appeals, but then I get to choose something from the vegetable selection like garlic mushrooms or asparagus, I ask for that instead as a starter and they always help so that's nice. And my family are well used to this dance

but these are all things that you find out bit by bit as you step along. You'll find different ones from me and then you can share them right back