You're unique and as long as the house smells great when your guests arrive and you greet them with a big hug and kiss, the evening is destined to be a big hit. Don't be afraid to try new recipes. People can get really stuck in a rut with the same old things all the time. That also inhibits people from entertaining, because your friends have experienced your entire repertoire of recipes. If you find a cookbook that you like, trust more of the author's recipes.
Cooking is a vulnerable sport.
In order to be a really good cook, you should start by learning to cook the foods that make YOU the happiest. Cooking should come from a self-fulfilling place first. Season meats, poultry, fish a day ahead. By the way, those are the days when we all benefit the most from having a nurturing home cooked meal. Although it's not an overnight process, the journey is truly wonderful and rewarding.