Q. How can I prevent my guests from arguing over politics at the dinner table? I have been working abroad for far too long so have taken a house in London next month to give a few dinners to catch up with friends. To one of these I want to invite two couples in particular. Both are good friends of mine, although they have never met each other. I know they would get on extremely well and probably even work together as they are in the same fields – but they have very different politics and are bound to start discussing these as soon as they walk through the door. Mary, how can I prevent the evening turning toxic before people have had the opportunity to find out what they have in common and exchange their creative ideas?

– J.C., Florence

A. Collaborate with an extremely old man or woman who would be prepared to play ball on this occasion. Greet your friends at the door and hiss the revelation that one of their fellow guests is a total gem, but frail and suffering from a heart condition. This guest will be leaving early so you are begging everyone to stall discussing the political scene until then as any tension could trigger health consequences. Then make sure the oldie stays till the bitter end.

Q. I’ve become so allergic to bores that I now turn down practically all dinner-party invitations. Even if I know four out of the five other guests, I say no for fear of sitting next to the unknown person, who might turn out to be a crasher. I don’t want to become a complete hermit. What should I do?

– M.H., London W14

A. Rethink your attitude. Many seasoned socialisers will head for the most boring person in a room. Not only will your host be eternally grateful, but the company of an established bore can be, paradoxically, the most rewarding. Just wait… and a reservoir of interesting nuggets will start flowing. These will be exclusive to you since few others have ever had the patience to listen to the bore long enough.

Q. At the party for my son’s 21st in 2019, I was irritated by several of his friends spoiling our carefully thought-out dinner placement by moving their name cards to what they considered more advantageous positions. Our daughter is now planning the party we are giving for her 21st and I wondered if you had any ideas how to prevent this happening again?

– N.M., Bodnant, Wales

A. Do not use name cards at the table. Instead employ a skilful calligrapher to write the guests’ names, in washable ink, directly on to the tablecloths above the relevant settings. In this way disruptors will be unable to deviate from your plan.