Country Life’s 50 dinner party guests

Top 50 dinner guests

Diana Athill One of the shrewdest publishers of all time, the nonagenarian has a wise cheerfulness that you could listen to forever Joan Bakewell The original ‘thinking man's crumpet' is well informed and disarmingly frank, which can only make for amusing conversation Tony Benn He once said ‘I am kindly and old, but I am not harmless', and he certainly still has the power to produce a compelling argument. Charismatic and never boring Melvyn Bragg Despite being probably the most polymathic broadcaster in Britain, he's not an intimidating dinner guest; indeed, he's a good draw-attentive, funny and interesting Kenneth Clarke The dinner party seems the natural habitat for this old-style, jazz-appreciating politician whose affable rumpled appearance reassures Bill Clinton Whether you approve of him or not, he's not short on social graces or intellect, and you'd feel you had his full attention Jilly Cooper One of those life-enhancing people who just cheers you up, she has inimitable charm and an endearing way of laughing throatily halfway through her own jokes Brian Cox The former pop star has managed to make science sexy, with millions tuning in to hear him describe the Sun as ‘a colossal fiery sphere of tortured matter' Hugh Dennis The bishop's son is as amusing in real life as on stage-a rarity among professional comedians-and has a comic way of ploughing on even when the joke has backfired The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire The last of the Mitford sisters commands undiminishing affection. Debo Devonshire is always captivating, whether expounding on chickens or Elvis The Duke of Edinburgh His acerbic observations have been the stuff of satire, but we enjoy the bon mots of this remarkable man of many interests. He would share common ground with wildlife artist David Shepherd Ranulph Fiennes One of very few swashbuckling British heroes, he could make you feel inadequate, but his tales of frostbitten digits and heart flutters on Mount Everest are so self-deprecatory that you'll be enthralled

John Francome Easily the most charismatic racing comment-ator, his interests extend beyond the race- track and he can be side-splittingly funny Stephen Fry Don't be intimidated; even the wittiest brains share mundane concerns-in a recent tweet, he posted the fairly non-intellectual gambit: ‘Why does no kind of hat suit me?' Lucinda Green Much more than an equestrian legend-friendly, thoughtful and with exquisite manners. Jilly Cooper would enjoy swapping notes, but seat her away from Mr Shepherd the leopard-skin handbag is genuine Germaine Greer Should provide a great antidote to the pomp and circumstance that can arise over cheese and Port at the end of a long night William Hague Probably regrets saying he used to drink 14 pints a day, but he's clearly sociable. His exorbi-tant after-dinner-speaking fees are justified David Haig Not only is the actor funny and appealing on stage, but he's equally endearing off it. A good egg who would bring plenty to the party Prince Harry Has shown an admirable and refreshing ability to make an effort without being sanctimonious. We know he likes parties, he'll get stuck into the games and he isn't as busy as his older brother Miranda Hart Beyond the buffoonery, the comedienne de nos jours is an acute observer who is great company and has an inspiring tale to tell Ian Hislop The way he screws up his face and shakes with encouraging laughter is reason enough to invite him, even before he's opened his mouth to be bitingly funny Jools Holland The master of infectious spontaneity, who can sit down at the piano and play anything. Also a countryman of wide interests Jeremy Irons One of few English actors to achieve true film-star status without selling out to Hollywood, he rides a motorbike, owns a castle, supports the Countryside Alliance and lends glamour Gen Sir Mike Jackson An army officer with an old-fashioned, swashbuckling presence and interesting face who could easily evict the gatecrashers Mick Jagger Is he the coolest man on Earth? You'd almost hope he'd throw a television out of the window, just so you could say you were there P. D. James An asset for her sharp powers of observation, wisdom and lack of pretension. As guest editor on Today, she was pretty scary, but courteous. Should win the game of wink murder Penelope Keith There won't be any sloppy talking from this much-loved actress, who recently campaigned for us to cherish our ‘wonderful' language Keira Knightley The graceful actress is known to have a sweet nature, which should help to paper over any sticky moments during dinner Boris Johnson It'll be a miracle if he doesn't fall off his chair or insult someone, but it won't be dull; he's much cleverer than the buffoon act suggests Dom Joly Don't be put off by the brash comic act; he's far more thoughtful and self-aware in real life. Be prepared, however, for a fearless-and possibly foolhardy-choice of topic Sue Lawley A lively dinner companion who will draw out all sorts of secrets if you aren't careful. Adores the Devon coast and loves travelling Nigella Lawson One of the few beautiful women liked by both men and women, and at least you won't be embarrassed to ask for seconds Joanna Lumley Absolutely fabulous in every way, she will be a gracious and humorous star. But we're not sure about her new badger-hugging tendency Lord Mandelson Yes, really. We think the ‘Prince of Darkness' would be an urbane and riveting addition, and, besides, we know he likes dogs James May It seems invidious to single out one of the Top Gear team, but we like the easy, clubbable charm of this son of a priest and classical musician Alexander McCall Smith The member of the Really Terrible Orchestra must be fun, and he's as charming as his writing suggests. His perceptiveness of human nature might be unnerving, however James Naughtie As long as he says everyone's names clearly and slowly, all should go well. A man of many interests, who can sing for his supper Michael Palin He makes women go weak at the knees and he makes men laugh-a rare combination. You'd want him on your team for charades Michael Parkinson The man who's made putting people at their ease an art form must be a sought-after guest Jeremy Paxman Someone has to interrupt the tedious shaggy-dog stories, but behind the impatience is a thoughtful man who has more than a passing sympathy for the countryside Rosamund Pike Classy British actress and independent thinker who looks self-contained but is endearingly accident-prone (as her Bafta performance proved) and enjoys skinny-dipping Michael Portillo Having left politics, he must be staggered by his popularity as a pundit. His views are interesting, and he's not short on charisma David Shepherd He loves trains, tigers and Elgar, and hates small talk and oligarchs, so there's never a dull moment. Also persuasive-you'll have pledged to his wildlife charity long before pudding John Simpson He's seen it all-Mandela's release, the fall of Ceausescu, being smuggled into Afghani-stan dressed as a woman-and can convey the story with humanity and gravitas Rory Stewart One of the more reasonable debaters in Parliament, the MP has been a deputy governor in Iraq, a diplomat in Montenegro, and walked 6,000 miles across Asia. Plenty to talk about Ed Stourton Every party needs a courteous listener to keep a grip on the conversation, which is why this interesting man is so missed on Today Sir Roy Strong Theatrical and innovative (ask him about his Herefordshire garden). He can also draw on his vast experience of the Arts for riveting anecdotes Emma Thompson As compelling off-screen as on, and with pet campaigns ranging from the third runway at Heathrow to human rights, she would be good for a thought-provoking night Sandi Toksvig The incredibly versatile chair of The News Quiz gives the impression of being someone who would always make a big effort, and she's a countrywoman, too Amy Williams The skeleton bobsleigh gold medallist will lower the average age and raise the glamour stakes, and she's also a sparky conversationalist and artist

Wish you were here Ten blasts from the past we think would have brought something to the party

Lord Byron: was he really that mad, bad and dangerous? Lewis Carroll: fascinating and imaginative Charles II: deeply civilised, interested in sailing, science-and women Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire: glamorous, feisty troublemaker Amelia Earhart: where did she really go? Marilyn Monroe: ideal addition to a birthday party Ivor Novello: could fill awkward gaps with a song and a tune Surtees: a legendary sporting man Oscar Wilde: probably the most acute wit who ever passed the Port Harold Wilson: clubbable, pipe-smoking and fearless

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