A 'breakout board' with solder pads for the SMD chip which converts it to an 8-pin DIL header (and a range of other styles) takes a lot of hassle out of it, and maximises the chance of success, at only 72p each inc VAT from a UK supplier:
http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/soic-dip-breakout-8-ht
Having grown up in an era when a B7G valve-holder was considered 'miniaturisation' as compared to Octal, SMDs do pose something of a challenge, but we know from some forum members that it's a challenge that they relish and rise to. About 18 months ago a chum who was doing some SMD work found it difficult to anchor the devices whilst holding an iron in one hand and the solder in the other, so I made him a little spring-loaded 'hold-down jig' based on an idea I saw in 'SPRAT' some years ago. (Hadn't considered superglue, which makes sense).
If ever I were to go down the SMD route, I think it would be solder paste and a hot air gun.
Best of luck in your endeavours Paul, and every success.