No, not the 70s ‘keys in a bowl’-style cheating but, rather, ducking down to the local deli, picking up some gourmet dips and passing them off as your own.

The answer is a resounding yes.

Stylist Alex Zabotto Bentley believes you are better off cheating a bit than biting off more than you can chew with an elaborate six course meal: ‘‘Never trial a new dish on guests. Keep it simple and go and buy some things that are premade.’’

Private Sydney journalist Andrew Hornery agrees, ‘‘Whatever you can do to cut a few corners without the guests knowing I think is okay.  Buy a cheesecake and put some strawberries on top.’’

Just make sure you put the packaging in the outside bin... You wouldn't want to undo all that hard work by being busted by a helpful guest.