Birthdays – we all have them, and what better excuse to spend an evening hanging out, having a laugh and enjoying great food and wine with your closest friends. But what should you do if you’re not the guest of honour, but the one who’s put your hand up to cook the birthday dinner?

First, double-check you’re not cooking something the birthday boy or girl wouldn’t eat, and if they are bringing a friend or partner, take their tastes into account too.

A good rule of thumb is, instead of asking the birthday boy or girl what they would like to eat (as this rarely gets a definitive response), ask them what they don’t want. This will usually point you in the right direction of what to make – it’s silly but it works. Try it!

Now, once you’re armed with that information, don’t go crazy. The main meal should be comforting without being too technical. If it’s a really good mate, they might even like you to make a meal you’ve cooked for them before that they really liked.

But of course, the real present isn’t in the savoury at a birthday dinner: it’s all about dessert. This course should be a like a big box (with a huge bow) your guest of honour is just salivating to open!

This is one of the occasions I think you really should really aim to impress by spending time tricking up your arsenal of serious culinary techniques. Again – think of your birthday guest: do they like chocolate, or prefer creamy desserts like tiramisu? If they’re an ice cream fan, try a honeycomb and lavender semi freddo. If you’re feeling brave, research their favourite restaurant dessert. You never know, it could be something you can have a crack at yourself and your friend will be bowled over that you spent the time to get it right – or at least, tried to! This is the kind of gift you can give that no one else will. After all, who else but a truly close friend would give you Peter Gilmore’s eight textured chocolate cake?

They say “diamonds are forever”, but I’ve always thought the saying should be “dessert is forever” (although that wouldn’t have made for such a great Bond title…) Dessert can be such an indulgent, memorable taste experience with elements you just can’t get from any other course – and what better way to say “Happy Birthday” than with a luscious chocolate cake?

Need cake ideas? Check out our ultimate cake collection.