Macarons: The friend who arrives with a neatly wrapped box of macarons is probably someone you already knew was fabulous. This whirlwind friend is always on the go – jumping with impossible enthusiasm from book launch, to party, to restaurant opening. This also means, however, that they are probably a little bit unhinged in that they think they are Carrie Bradshaw in Paris at the end of the Sex and the City series and pronounce them “macarons” instead of “macaroons” like the rest of the English speaking world.

Homemade Cookies: Amend this to include homemade anything small and confectionary, including brownies and bars. This purist Martha Stewart-esque friend does not believe in “ready-made” and is sweeter than the baked goods they show up touting. Pleasant and kind, the only place they will swat your hand away is in their kitchen. You can also count on just as much perfectionism going into the twine wrapped, pine sprig accented, sustainable paper enveloped presentation as went into the dessert.

Liqueur infused cakes: This person probably showed up with an extra bottle of liqueur for after dinner to pair with the dessert. They know what makes cake batters moist and hearts warm and will be the first to bust out a guitar and lead karaoke to the music of the Lumineers around the fireplace. Keep an eye on them however as they will either have their rambunctious ass piled into a cab or be found passed out behind the couch by the end of the evening.

Champagne: What this person lacks in imagination or home economics skills they make up for in money and kindness. A few bottles of Veuve Cliquot may be a half a paycheck but they enjoy being the centre of attention and appreciate the finer things in life so they are willing to spend. Screw New Year’s Eve, this is the friend willing to pop and spray the room with a bottle of bubbly any day. Just be ready to hold their phone and forced to take 100 Instagram photos.