How to invite yourself round for dinner.

1. Talk with friends (in person) about arranging dinner, but leave things tentative (because your wife always has the final say).

2. Leave your mobile unanswered, so that said friends have to leave a voicemail invitation.

3. Forget to delete voicemail.

4. After suitable passage of time, lend mobile to wife.

5. Sit back and watch her resurrect the old message by responding with a hearty "Why yes, we'd love to come round!" to slightly bemused and very lovely friends.

6. Enjoy your dinner.