Between us, we have been on enough first dates to know that men shouldn't turn up to a date wearing shorts in winter, and girls shouldn't get so drunk they drag you back to their flat, only to pass out and leave you sitting in their front room for three hours. So this week we've collaborated and shared our new-found knowledge on first date etiquette.

Felicity's advice

I see first dates like interviews – you have one opportunity to make a great first impression, if you fail to do so, the rest of your evening is doomed.

How can a guy make a good impression? Wear a clean shirt for a start and make sure you polish your shoes – most girls notice shoes. Pay attention to personal hygiene, you don’t have to dash out and get your teeth bleached, but at least make sure you brush them. A tiny bit of aftershave is fine but don’t overdo it, if you smell better then the girl then there’s something wrong.

When making the arrangements, I’m a traditionalist, so I like the guy to take control. I find it’s an indication of how keen they are. If a guy hasn’t put a lot of thought into the date, he probably hasn’t put much thought into seeing me.

You don’t have to take a girl somewhere lavish to show you’ve put some thought into it. Maybe think about her hobbies and interests (do some research if you're not sure), and arrange something that involves them. And remember, as a rule if you're doing the asking then you should also be doing the paying. Of course if the girls offers to go halves, then graciously accept. Never undermine a woman's financial independence, they get funny about things like that.

I'm always impressed by guys who go that extra mile to keep me entertained. This doesn't mean turning up to the date riding a penny- farthing and juggling hoops of fire, but just telling a joke or two and keeping the conversation light hearted and fun. And don’t feel you need to get drunk in order to keep the conversation flowing, if you can't hold an interesting conversation while sober then you shouldn't be allowed out of the house, let alone on a date with a girl.

John's advice

I must confess I am definitely not a dating expert. I once took a girl to Krispy Kreme and managed to spill coke on her dress. Classy stuff. I’ve had some horrendous dates in my time, but still I’m happy to ignore my own weaknesses (in all their blinding, unstoppable glory) and nitpick at prospective partners with impressive persistence. However, while I might hold a grudge against a date for saying “like” every third word, when it comes to the rules of dating I think I’m pretty liberal.

For instance, I’d have no problem with a woman asking me out for the first date. Don’t get me wrong, for some (silly) reason men seem to enjoy the pressure of arranging dates and paying for the first meal, but I’d personally have no problem with a woman taking charge every now and again.

When it comes to table manners, a friend once told me that if her date put his elbows on the table, at any point in the evening, then that would be it for him. I’m definitely not such an etiquette nazi, but manners are always a plus.

Also, I’ve had several dates in the past which have steadily descended into drinking sessions. Having a few as social lubricant is fine by me, but there’s definitely a limit, having a girl necking from a hip-flask when you’re ice-skating, for example, probably isn’t the most appropriate thing ever. But like I said I’m no expert. In fact (if past experience is anything to go by), just do the opposite of what I say and you’re sure of a successful date.