If you long to entertain, but have no idea what to do or where
to begin, have I got a book for you! InStyle Parties, the
Complete Guide to Easy, Elegant Entertaining All Year Round is the Bible of entertaining. It provides you with 15
different celebrations from which to choose, including dinner parties, holiday
parties (although, sadly, Christmas is lacking here), game day gatherings, a
darling woodland baby shower, as well as summertime soirées including a fresh summer
supper, and beach house lunch. I particularly loved the Latin Fusion Feast.
When was the last time you attended one of those?!
Each celebration has its own customized menu of recipes,
including a signature cocktail, tabletop ideas, suggestions for party favors,
group activities, even a timeline to tell you exactly what to do, and when. I
would have loved to have had such an excellent resource when I was first
starting out. Had I, I doubt that I would be suffering from party prep anxiety
today!
I have never had a cookbook quite like this one; it is certainly unique. But,
to call it a cookbook is selling it short. This is your own personal party
planner. The recipes are easy and
doable, there are beautiful, helpful, mouthwatering photos, and copious information
on party favors that complement your theme, and that guests can take home with
them as a remembrance of the fabulous time they had at your gathering.
Additionally, it is also a valuable resource, guiding you, step-by-step,
through the party planning process, from invitations, to stocking the bar, to
planning your menu, advising as to needed supplies, and setting a table. This
book has it all.
There are so many good ideas here that I can't do it justice in this brief
review, you're just going to have to pick up a copy for yourself. And if you
know anyone who struggles with parties, or is just starting out and doesn't
exactly know what to do, this book is their answer. It is a fairy godmother in
book form, a “must have” for the holidays, and welcome addition to any cookbook
library, large or small. The InStyle people know what they're doing, and it
shines through here.
Buy it!
Disclaimer: I received a
complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest
review.
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