It's party time! Actually it's party season. Whether you want to throw a party or give the gift of a party book, these entertaining tomes are just the thing.
Easy Entertaining: Everything You Need To Know About Having Parties at Home
This book is all about taking the fear out of playing host or hostess. The focus is on recipes and there are plenty of good ones. Some of the recipes have a definite Irish slant not surprising since author Darina Allen, (recipient of the IACP Cooking Teacher of the Year award) is from Ireland. But you'll also find Baja-style Fish tacos with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Beef Rendang and everything in between. There really is something for everybody here. Every season, every kind of guest and just about every budget is covered. Even fussy sounding recipes like Meringue Roulade with Pomegranate Seeds and Rosewater come off as surprisingly simple. Party throwing tips are sprinkled throughout.
Party Confidential
If partying in style is your thing, Hollywood party planners Lara Shriftman and Elizabeth Harrison are who you need in your corner. Their book is filled with photos of celebrities at parties and the lowdown on how to recreate their fabulous parties yourself. Not surprisingly every party has a theme. You'll find Jackie Collins' Hollyrich Cheesecake and copycat recipes like California Pizza Kitchens Spinach-Artichoke Dip and of course signature dishes like Nobu Black Cod with Miso and what's a party without Mini Paris Cupcakes? This book is a guilty pleasure along the lines of reading InStyle magazine.
I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence
This book will delight both party lovers and those who avoid them like the plague. Like her brother David Sedaris, Amy Sedaris is a humorist. If only she were writing for Saturday Night Live we would all be watching. Her book is a bit of a scrapbook approach to life. Photos mirror the style of Time-Life entertaining books from the 1970's. Place tongue firmly in cheek. There are plenty of good recipes in here, from potluck pastas to decadent cakes but really you will spend more time cracking up over "hints" on how to iron your hair, pantyhose crafts and the Lumberjack Prayer.