Four evenings in York see Rosie, Wayne, Peter and Maria prepare festive meals for one another. With a friendly atmosphere throughout, the only stress comes when Maria realises she's an egg short and sends her husband on a mission.

Five nights in South Wales begin with social worker David. Believing that good hosting is even more important than the food served, he plans an evening of sophisticated dining - but hadn't reckoned with the blunt honesty of Ernest.

As the group reflect on the first night, a new aspect is revealed to viewers - Ernest was flatulent throughout the evening. With his flatulence combined with his constant complaining, everyone is anxious about his turn as the second host.

Third host Sue is also a social worker like David, and plans to present the group with a vegetarian menu. Despite their reservations, the group react well to the new tastes, even Ernest - particularly as Sue has hidden the beers from him.

Air hostess Karen is the fourth host, and after three nights that didn't break the scoreboard, the competition is wide open for her. However, Ernest is back on critical form, and the others are running out of patience with his behaviour.

Eccentric Heather is the final host, inviting her guests to a house full of mannequins, and a flag of herself on a mast. Yet while Heather's food goes well and she's eager to please, her guests notice that she's finding it hard to relax.