Deviot mother and Koukla's chef Ruth Deans, who hosts cooking classes at Hadspen's Red Feather Inn, says cooking does not have to be complicated - the trick is to keep it simple and seasonal.

She began sharing her tips of the trade after her mother came to her wanting help to organise a dinner party.

Her mother felt that cooking a meal and serving drinks would take her away from socialising with her guests.

"On the day of the party there was very little to do," Ms Deans said.

"A lot we could pre-do ... we made the aoili and marinated the meat the day before.

"Because she wanted to be social we had a jug of margaritas.

"She cooked the meat on the barbecue ... people could stand on the deck and talk ... she didn't feel separated."

Ms Deans said it was important when selecting a menu to use simple and good quality produce that was in season.

"A lot of it is the menu you decide on," she said.

"You want fresh ... without being too complex.

"Strawberries are going to taste better when they are in season.

"You don't need to be challenging yourself. It is nice to be adventurous but you want to enjoy the day.

"For me it is not only the food but the atmosphere."

Ms Deans hosted comfort food classes at the Red Feather Inn during winter, in which she encouraged her students to try different foods, tastes and textures.

`It was very important for me to use the old-fashioned vegetables like beetroot and turnips," she said.

"We took away the mystery of fennel.

"A lot of people decide to go out because it is less fuss, which is a shame."

I was a guest at the cooking school and can vouch that I have made all nine recipes I learnt on that day - and for the first time have confidently shared my creations with friends and family.

The Red Feather Inn hosts a variety of cooking classes at its school. For more information, visit www.redfeatherinn.com.au

•Tasmania's Wine Show gold medal winners will be on show at a Sommeliers Australia event at The Pinot Shop, Launceston, on Monday from 3pm to 5pm. The tasting has been opened up to non-members for free as an introduction to Sommeliers Australia. Some of the wines on offer include 2009 White Rock Riesling, 2002 Moorilla Estate Chardonnay and 1994 Rotherhythe Pinot Noir. Details at www.sommeliers.com.au/