Handy hints for the morning after

Toast is good for settling an upset stomach.

It's party time. There's ample opportunity to drink too much and wake up with a crashing headache the morning after.

At catered functions it can be hard to tell how much you are drinking - with those friendly wine waiters always topping you up.

Other times the party gene just kicks in and before you know it, you're buying rounds for total strangers.

There is no shortage of hangover remedies. I've probably met half a dozen chefs who recommend eating pastrami salami before drinking - it's meant to line the stomach.

If you do go beyond your limit, there are steps you can take to make the aftermath a less painful experience.

Drinking on an empty stomach is the worst thing you can do. When you decide to throw a little bash, look after your guests with some proper food. If you care enough to invite them, take the time to whip up more than just chips and dip. Party foods that include ingredients like rice, grains, cereals or peas are all good because they're stuffed with Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), which helps your body break down the alcohol and stabilises the nervous system.

A mixed platter of sushi with dipping sauces makes a great alternative to store-bought snacks. Try offering some non-alcoholic drinks like fresh lemonade, ginger ale, iced tea, watermelon juice or cranberry juice with the food.

Come the morning, make sure you have some restorative provisions on hand. Sports drinks like Gatorade or V8 tomato juice are two of my favourites. They help replace the salts and minerals flushed out during the many visits to the little drinker's room the previous evening.

Drink plenty of water while you're drinking - it is dehydration that gives you those pounding headaches.

I find eating toast is good for settling an upset tummy and if you have to function the next day, ginkgo biloba will help you focus more clearly. Sleep is the other guaranteed cure - just don't let the boss catch you.

Worldwide cures

America: Corned beef and cabbage for breakfast, blender drinks made from eggs and milk or sugary foods like chocolate pudding and doughnuts.

Mexico: Bread with hot chocolate, tamarind soft drink, or chicken with rice and an egg on top.

Crete: Farmers drink a small wine glass of olive oil before a big night out on the tiles.

Turkey:Tripe soup. Considered a guaranteed hangover cure. If you can't stomach tripe, try lentil soup instead.

Korea: Licorice tea, chicken stew and noodle soup.

New Zealand: Marmite on buttered toast, or baked beans straight from the can are my personal favourite.