Confident speakers are also a key element: it's important that the Address to the Haggis, the Immortal Memory and the various toasts and poems are all delivered with just the right degree of theatricality to get across the drama, earthiness and humour of Burns's verse. Add some good company and the stage is set for a cracking evening.

Suppers tend to follow a set pattern, although this shouldn't be regarded as too set in stone. The evening really starts when the freshly cooked haggis is brought from the kitchen with due ceremony (often accompanied by a piper at grander events). The main speaker then cuts the steaming haggis open with a flourish as he or she recites the Address, singing its praises using Burns' own words:

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face
Great chieftain o' the puddin' race!
Abune them a' ye tak your place
Painch, tripe or thairm:
Weel are ye worthy o' a grace
As lang's ma airm.

The haggis is served with its traditional accompaniments, champit tatties and bashed neeps (otherwise known as mashed potato and turnip). Simple fare it may be but done well, it tastes fantastic. Other dishes on the menu usually include Scotch broth or Cock-a-leekie soup and a meat course, with biscuits and cheese - Scottish, of course - to follow.

The main entertainment gets underway after the meal with the different speeches and recitals: the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns (a personal tribute outlining the greatness and relevance of the poet today), the Toast to the Lassies and their Reply (where male and female speakers take turns to poke gentle fun at the foibles of the opposite sex using the many examples in Burns' verse), followed by any other favourite poems and songs that the organisers wish to include. It's traditional to end the evening with the bard's great song of parting, Auld Lang Syne (and it'll impress your friends if you can actually learn the words to more than just the chorus!)

There's a tendency for Suppers to be something of a tartan extravaganza, awash with kilts and sashes. Many people think this is a de rigour tradition but such obvious 'Scottishness' is a relatively modern addition to the event. As a Lowlander, Burns himself never wore tartan and in keeping with his oft-expressed sentiments, his Suppers should celebrate internationalism and universal brotherhood, rather than any nationalism. So, whether or not it's a kilt, wear what you feel most comfortable with and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique event. After all, a Keats or Wordsworth Supper just wouldn't be the same...