Glasgow’s upscale bar and brasserie Browns have released a party-planning video after their study revealed that 43 per cent of people will feign an illness to get out of a dull dinner.

Their research revealed that the method of invite, the other people going and the choice of dinner influences guests’ decisions.

The figures say that 51 per cent of us have switched seats to escape someone boring, which Browns chief host Laura says can be avoided by having a rotated seating chart after each meal – and avoid adding people you don’t like to the guest list just to keep the peace.

She added: "Ask the right questions like ‘would I spend £X amount on them normally?’, that way you’ll avoid any issues and will end up with a guest list you’re happy with."

Though social media is becoming second nature, 54 per cent of those quizzed in the research would still prefer to receive an invite through the post, with only 6 per cent of people preferring an E-invite.

Dream party guests were easy to pick, with 38 per cent choosing Ant & Dec for heads of the table, followed up by 23 per cent citing Dawn French.

Julie Thomson, General Manager at Browns Glasgow said: "We enjoy getting together with close friends and family to celebrate key moments in our lives, whether it be a 50th anniversary or the birth of a new baby, but 72 per cent of us still get most worried that no-one will show up, and one in ten of us will miss out on a party completely because we don’t like the stress.

"This is why Browns has introduced the role of Chief Host, who is on hand to show you the dos and don’ts when it comes to planning a party, whether you’re preparing to pop the question or celebrating a new addition to the family, our restaurants endeavour to make every meal, celebratory or not, an experience to remember.”