Reviews (11)

Very Inspiring
This book is certainly not a how to book. It is most definately a coffee table book showing off the talents of Mr. Bailey & his design team.
preston
the book is quite illustrative, however there is a lot of overlap with his other book on Fantasy Weddings, which has better theme pictures.

Preston Bailey's Design for Entertaining: Inspiration for Creating the Party of Your Dreams
Gread ideas book - wonderful, stimulating pictures.Interesting reading - provides what I would term an overview of how to achieve a good design for an event.It is NOT a how to book however and there realy are no specifics on creating a specific look. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Entertaining    6. Entertaining - General    7. Entertaining - Party Planning    8. Interior decoration    9. Parties    10. Planning    11. Table setting and decoration    12. Cooking / Entertaining   

Editorial Review

Halloween books abound, but none is as elegantly spooky or as eerily opulent as this gorgeous guide from Read more

Reviews (19)

GREAT to have if you don't have the magazines
If you have the special Halloween issue of MSL from 2000, don't bother buying this book.I have the magazine, and several of her other October issues from over the years, and was disapointed that there was nothing new in this book, which is why I only gave it 4 stars.
More Like A Magazine...
There ARE some good ideas in here. Unfortunately I just couldn't get past the fact that it is such a thin book with a lot of rehashed stuff. 14.95 is a lot to pay for a magazine, even if some of the ideas are OK. Also, Ms. Stewart doesn't seem to feel the need to test her recipes out first. When following ANY of her recipes, allow a little extra time for recipe adjustment.

Totally surprised by all the excellent Halloween ideas!
My mother-in-law actually bought this book for me as a joke. I LOVE Halloween (and LOATHE Martha Stewart), so she thought it would be a good gag. When she handed it to me, she said she thought it would be funny, but she had looked through it and thought I might actually like it.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Halloween    4. Halloween cookery    5. Halloween decorations    6. Handicraft    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Holiday - General    9. Holiday decorations    10. Seasonal    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Seasonal    12. Handicrafts    13. Parties   

Reviews (101)

Cooking down to its' essence.
As a recent college grad, and a male at that, I have been told numerous times that I am a wonderful cook. And truthfully, almost every recipie I've been complemented for or asked to make for events has come from this book. Ina Garten's instructions are detailed and easy to follow, her recipies divine, and her presentation is both beautiful and essentially hospitable. The ingredients are also things that people generally already have around, which is perfect for the average person or family. I am finding that this is the first cookbook I turn to when hosting a dinner party for friends or family, even just for eating by myself. For someone who has managed to botch box mixes over these few years, I will hold on to this book and all it contains for years to come.

Every recipe is a success
I got this cookbook as a gift and what a gift it has turned out to be!Every recipe turns out so well.I often have people ask for the recipe when I use this cookbook.Some of the recipes are a little salty for me, but I don't like a lot of salt in my food and no one else has ever had a problem with it.

Simple Elegance
If you love Ina on the Food Network, then you will definitely love this cookbook. Ina's amazing ability to pair simplicity with elegance translates so well into her cookbooks, and she gives you the vehicle to do the same in your own kitchen and home. Ina entertains with love and sincerity, and almost all of her recipes are thoughtfully designed so that the cook can enjoy her time with family and friends instead of slaving away in the kitchen. The recipes themselves are culinary masterpieces...feel good food with a hint of elegance. Her provencal tomatoes, parmesan roasted asparagus, and roasted winter vegetables are as simple as they are delicious and they fill your soul as much as they fill your stomach. While this book may lack an overabundance of recipes (at first glance it feels skimpy for the price), it certainly compensates for it in quality. What you end up with is a collection of Ina's finest that will undoubtedly become favorites in your own home. And your loved ones will forever thank you for it!
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Cooking / Entertaining    6. General cookery   

Reviews (7)

Loaded with help for your parties!
This book is loaded with help and ideas, and will save even the most clueless host/hostess. You get tips for setting up your bar, decorations, and invitations. You get information about wines and beers. But the best part are the individual party ideas. There are cocktail parties and dinner parties. Holiday parties and unique theme parties. Each party comes with a schedule for planning ahead, so you don't have to do any mad scrambling around the day of the party. Each party comes with a unique "signature drink", so you can cut costs by just offering a signature drink, wine, and beer. There are recipies for each party and shortcut ideas if you don't have time or don't want to cook. There are also music ideas and decor ideas, in good detail, to really help you. No other entertaining book I've ever seen includes help with so many aspects of your party so well. And unlike most entertaining books, there's a resource section so you know where you can actually find the items featured in the parties (food, decor, etc.), so you don't see something you love but can't copy. (There is one problem, however, I've found some of their resources only sell wholesale and won't sell to you unless you have a reseller ID, which is really disappointing. They should have only included retail resources anyone can use.) Everyone who either entertains or likes to daydream about it should have this book - the ideas are unique and fabulous. I bought this book because I needed an idea for our wedding rehearsal dinner. Within 20 minutes of looking through the book I had a brilliant idea (there is no "rehearsal dinner", but I found a perfect theme party to use). I have many party and entertaining books, and this one is definitely my favorite. I love it.

A must have
Perfect. Everything I was looking for and plenty moore. Very helpful and easy to follow. Thanks InStyle

Great book with many helpful hints
Leave it to an entertaining powerhouse like In Style to deliver time and time again. This book gives great hints that come from celebrity party planners. Tips on invitations, menu, decor, music and much more. The book even goes on and tells you what to do two months before the party, one month, two weeks, one week, day before, etc. Definately a great gift book. Many delicious beautiful quick recipes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining - General    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. General    8. Art / General    9. Parties   

Subjects:  1. Calendar    2. Calendars - Cooking    3. Entertaining - General    4. Non-Classifiable   

Editorial Review

Over time, twin enterprises Read more

Reviews (60)

My favorite Cookbook
I recieved this cookbook for Christmas last year, and it has quickly turned into the most used in my kitchen! Everything I have made from this book has turned out incredible, especially the meatloaf recipe. I also recomend the Cook's Illustrated cookbook, which includes an amazing Macaroni and Cheese recipe.

Great Overall Cookbook
I am a huge fan of cookbooks that cover everything and this one does.Not only does it have great recipes, they are easy to follow, with tips on good equipment, ingredients, and cooking techniques.This is one of my top two cookbooks!

The best cookbook!
This is the best cookbook I've ever used...that's right used.Many (most) of my cookbooks are read front to cover but are rarely used due to the fact that even the simplest dish seems far too complicated or "eccentric".This cookbook has great everyday recipes and special occasion recipes as well.What makes me love my America's Test Kitchen cookbook as much as I do is the fact that they make the most impossible dish seem within my reach.I consider myself an experienced cook while my husband is newer at it and we both are able to get plenty of use out of this book.I can't recommend it enough.One suggestion is to buy the reinforced tabs for ring binder hole when you buy the book your are bound to need them but you shouldn't let that be a deterrent in buying this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, American    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Methods - General   

Editorial Review

"As a chef," says Michael Chiarello in Read more

Reviews (5)

Another Success!
Am an admitted Chiarello fan but also a serious, experienced cook.Found this new book to be as good as his last one.Love the pantry recipes - having these extras onhand make the ordinary extraordinary just like he promised.Best section is the side dishes.If you are looking for new dishes for your vegetables, this is a great source.Most are good enough to stand on their own and do in this carnivore's home frequently.If you like things just a little different - buy this book.The recipes are clear, the writing entertaining and your friends & family will be impressed!

Good recipes, beautiful photography and plenty of unique ideas on serving.
To be honest I don't watch many of Michael's shows but the book is beautiful and perfect for those who are constantly on the lookout for entertaining recipes and ideas.
WHERE does The Food Network get these people???
Michael Chiarello needs to stick with the non-Italian dishes because dude doesn't have a clue how to pronounce Italian nor, to compund the problem, does he know the reason why he cooks the Italian dishes.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery, Italian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    7. Southern style    8. Cooking / General    9. Etiquette & entertaining    10. General cookery   

Reviews (1)

Great source for appetizers and a nice read. Buy It.
`Big Small Plates' by northern California restauranteur / chef / cookbook writer, Cindy Pawlcyn, assisted by her restaurant co-owners and co-chefs, brothers Pablo Jacinto and Erasto Jacinto needs just a little explanation on its title and contents. The contradiction in the `Big Small' is explained by substituting `seriously delicious' for `Big' and `appetizers' or `hors `d'ourves' for `Small'. `Plates' obviously doesn't mean crockery, it meats a dish of food. Read more

Subjects:  1. Appetizers    2. Cookery    3. Cookery, International    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Entertaining - General    7. Methods - Quantity    8. General cookery   

Editorial Review

Warm and calmly authoritative, Lidia Bastianich has won the trust of many cooks, who also devour her TV shows and books including Read more

Reviews (22)

The desserts in particular are unlike anything I have ever tasted.
The desserts in particular are unlike anything I have ever tasted.
Great book and recipes.
I am a big fan of her show on PBS, I watch it every Saturday morning.I love her style of cooking and I love Italian cuisine so I decided to give it a try and purchased the book.I have tried many of her recipes in the book and although some of them are not to my liking others are just great.I do believe it is just a matter of taste.I like the way she has structured the book and the recipes are easy to follow.If you like Italian food this is a great book to have in your collection.

One of my favorites
I love her magazine and her cookbooks and view on life. Lidia rocks. Its like your grandmother telling you all the little things you need to know to be a great cook. Thanks Lidia...you rock!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, Italian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Italian cooking    7. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    8. Cooking / Italian   

Reviews (7)

Good food!!
Regardless of what you think of the author(s), the true test (or proof) of a good cookbook is "in the pudding," so to speak.I have owned this cookbook since it came out here in the United States, and not only do I find it charming, I have had the opportunity to try many of the recipes.They have been received with rave reviews by friends and family.I find they are easy to read and follow.The ingredients have been readily available, and the taste, in a word "superb!"Buy it, you won't regret it.But you must take the time to use it, and see for yourself!

I want to live in the Lake House
I was so captivated by this house, the farm and the recipes.One can only imagine what it is like to live in such a beautiful place along side a lake, with your own vegetable garden and animal farm.This is my dream life! What a lucky woman.And it doesn't hurt that she's married to a rich sexy rock star that can write songs about their perfect life, play the guitar and sing to her. Ok, I'm officially a wee-bit jealous!

Just like the "Stings" to do something like this
Trudie and Stingy are hardly "self-sufficient" as the book description suggests. It's a euphemism for "wealthy." I wish *I* had a mansion and a bunch of acres to live in and grow organic food on. Then I could be as "self-sufficient" as these famous couple. This book is just an excuse for Sting's rich, bored housewife (or is it "actress" or "philanthropist" this week?) to display one of her ostentatious homes on a bookcover for the envy of all eyes that gaze upon it. I'd assume that the recipes contained within are as bland as Stings last two albums. (And no, this is not Stewart Copeland writing this review.) At least there isn't a picture of the Sting-peddling Jaguars and Microsoft products scattered about the country side. And by the way, aren't gas-guzzling luxury cars like Jaguars somehow contratictory to the ethos behind growing organic potatoes and Rainforest preservation? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Entertaining - General    4. Cooking / Entertaining   

Reviews (112)

Great recipes, plus the science, with excellent organization
This is probably the best cookbook we own (and we own a lot of them).If you have ever read Cook's Illustrated magazine, you will know what to expect.The recipes have been developed painstakingly by the editors through experimentation (and they explain the process they use).It is comprehensive - it has every classic recipe I can think of and quite a few I wouldn't have.The ingredients are typically attainable in normal supermarkets and the techniques are explained along with the recipes, so you don't have to go searching.
Fantastic
Great cookbook, I love the methodology of their recipe testing and what the results of varying or substituting ingredients were.I suppose it's a kind of scientific cookbook for food geeks and I love it.

its pretty good......
this book is a good cook book. it has so many recipes in it... you can find anything. i have made about 10 recipes from this book and they were just okay. i expected them to be WONDERFUl, just because the book says that they have been tested again and again, but they were just so-so. but this book does have a TON of cool and useful information in it, and im in culinary school, and it has helped me to write so many papers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Methods - General    6. Reference    7. General cookery   

Reviews (8)

The Ultimate Gift for the Lover of Beauty
Carolyne Roehm demonstrates her exquisite taste from the very first page of this lavish book.Organized by season, each chapter celebrates the beauty of all sorts of blossoms in stunning arrangements.These arrangements are lush and full and show an artist's mastery of texture and extraordinary combination of color.The photos are reminiscent of the sumptuousness of the movie, The Age of Innocence, with lovely gilded gold, crystal and porcelain containers. The photography truly is breathtaking and includes not only close ups of the bouquets but also glimpses of elegantly set dining tables, gorgeously furnished rooms and spacious gardens.Her prose is poetry, but also practical in the sections on containers, elements of style and basics.A better book on flower arranging couldn't possibly exist.

**Fantastic Photos**
This book is a joy- the vibrant photos actually helped me through the long Pennsylvania winter.Lots of great tips on arrangements- from colors and containers.I envy Roehme's budget for entertaining!

Incredible photography of the most beautiful flowers
The flowers depicted in this book gave their lives for a truly noble cause and have been honored appropriately by the photographer.Quite simply they were displayed and photographed in the most beautiful fashion possible.Perhaps the key word there is fashion -- Carolyn Roehm has the experience and eye for fashion, having been a former designer, and that experience may be what enabled her to display the flowers in a way that truly does them justice.I coveted this book for a long while, having seen it in a bookstore, and couldn't get it out of my mind.Now that I own it, I consider myself very fortunate indeed.The book is divided into the four seasons.Particularly strong are the photos depicting the flowers prevalent in Fall and Spring.The smoky greens, yellows, oranges, reds, and browns of the Fall months's foliage manage to look festive and lovely despite their representing the waining of life until the Spring.The photos of lilacs and daffodils in the section on Spring make one hopeful for the end of winter and make one realize why all that shivering is eventually worthwhile.I loved this book and recommend it heartily for anyone who loves pretty flowers and doesn't particularly have any special horticultural knowledge. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dried Flowers    4. Floral Arts    5. Flower Arranging    6. Flower arrangement    7. Flowers    8. Flowers - General    9. Gardening/Plants    10. Pictorial works    11. Floral crafts    12. Gardening / Flowers / General   

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Dinners and dining    5. Food    6. Gastronomy    7. General    8. History    9. Cooking / Entertaining   

Editorial Review

The Silver Palate, a small but notable New York eatery, won several national awards and distributed their packaged goods to fine food stores across the country. Owners Julee Rosso & Sheila Lukins wrote Read more

Reviews (36)

Disappointing
Sorry guys, I looked forward to working on recipes from this cookbook due to the very enthusiastic reception it received from the media.The graphics of the book are truly beautiful.The recipes however, hmmm,try again.I followed a simple recipe for Apple Crisp and got a bad result.I now go to respected standard cookbooks for my Apple Crisp recipe and the old family favorite always turns out great.Really people, the recipes are NOT the stuff of greatness.Graphics? Great. Photography? Great?Recipes? You have got to be kidding
This cook book is awesome
I agree, if you own just one cookbook, this is the one. It has the best recipe ever for Potroast and cranberry bread. I'm finally beginning to explore other recipes b/c these two have been so good and I'm not the adventuresome type. I'm dieing to try the gorgonzola cheese tortellini as well as a few others. These women are awesome!

A True Classic
This has been my favorite cookbook for years and years.The recipes are wonderful and the illustrations and quotes are delightful.Forget the new cookbooks and buy this one.It's very charming. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. General    6. Methods - Professional    7. Cooking / General    8. General cookery   

Reviews (2)

Mostly semi homemade recipes
If you like semi homemade recipes, than this book is great. Most recipes call for cake mixes, canned biscuits, canned frostings, etc. The book is very pretty to look through, and has lots of great photos, but the recipes are mainly for beginners. If your into homemade cooking than I would recommend Celebrate by Shiela Lukins.

Better than the other Celebrate Book!
I looked at both Celebrate by Sheila Lukins and the BC Celebrate book and I chose the Betty Crocker. It has more family type of recipes that would be appealing to both adults and children. The Lukins book is good for adults only. It had many, many recipes there's no way you'd get a kid to eat.I also like the BC one better because it had decoration suggestions, table settings, etc that were more doable and cost effective. I like both books but if you have kids you have to go with the Betty Crocker Celebrate book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Holiday - General    5. Holiday cookery    6. Holiday cooking    7. Cooking / Holiday    8. General cookery   

Reviews (18)

Gorgeous coffee table book :)
I love to get this book out to just look at the beautiful pictures. Sometimes I use it for inspiration though. It is not really an instructional book per se. There are "directions" for making the cakes but you really have to be very experienced already.

Good Guide for Experienced Baker
Colette Peters is one of the world's best bakers and cake decorators.I purchased this book with that in mind.The book did not turn out to be what I thought it was going to be.I thought that it was going to teach you generalized ideas on cake decorating and how to create your own designs.This helps you a little, but it really is more about creating the design that is displayed in the book.The designs are open to personalization, which is good.A good thing about this book is that it includes a chart that tells you how manu people a cake will serve depending on the pan size and/or shape. It gives you the basic rules on cake tiering and design which is very helpful.Overall, this is a good book to purchase if you are really into baking and cake decoration.I would recommend it to people who are starting a business or aspire to be master bakers, open a bakery, etc.

Beautiful, beautiful book. Another Colette Peters must-have.
She just keeps getting better and better. Beautiful cakes with FRESH ideas that you can easily incorporate into your own creations. Great use of color, and wonderful new ideas for gumpaste, fondant and royal icing. Fabulous inspiration. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baking - Confectionery    2. Cake decorating    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Courses & Dishes - Cakes    6. Entertaining - General    7. Methods - General    8. Cooking / Culinary Arts & Techniques    9. Food & Drink / Cookery   

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Flower Arranging    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Parties    6. Party decorations    7. Planning    8. Tablesetting    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Flower Arranging    10. General cookery   

Reviews (3)

The Frugal Gourmet Celebrates Christmas
This is the first recipe book I ever sat down and read from cover to cover.It has become one of my Christmas traditions, and one I share with friends and family by giving it as a gift. The Frugal Gourmet Celebrates Christmas
This is the first recipe book I ever sat down and read from cover to cover.It has become one of my Christmas traditions, and one I share with friends and family by giving it as a gift. A great Christmas cookbook -- Not just your standard meals
This book takes you through the history and traditions of Christmas, with full meals illustrated.My favorites - The crown roast of pork, with sausage stuffing.Favorite side dishes include brussels sprouts withbalsamic vinegar and baked onions.A great read, and a must-have for theholidays. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Frugal gourmet (Television pro    6. Holiday    7. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah   

Reviews (12)

Great history with medium depth on the cigar review
I really appreciated this book for the photography and the explanation of the manufacturing process. Del Todesco does a great job of walking the reader through the myriad processes of creating a puro. The only thing about this book that left me a little disappointed was the review of cigars in the back. It seems a little difficult to review a cigar in one sentence, especially cigars that are as complex as a Montecristo #2 or a Hoyo de Monterrey...but time and again, he sums up an otherwise world famous cigar as "suitable for a beginner" or "mild, not much to recommend about this cigar". It just struck me as odd to have a compilation as deep as what is presented in this book and then give the cigars an extremely indifferent and passing glance en masse. The first 130 pages were interesting no matter what level of aficianado you are...the encyclopedia could use a good second edition enhancement.

Great work. One of the "must haves."
I agree with Van55. (What else is new?!) This is a fantastic book. I bought my copy used through Amazon over a year ago, and I am still making reference to it. If you are a fan of quality Cuban cigars, you need this volume along with Min Ron Nee's work.In contrast to Min Ron Nee's book, this one has much more on the history and production of the cigars. The photos, many full page, are colorful and moving.
Excellent historical reference
I found this book at Amazon while searching for the second printing of "An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Post-Revolution Havana Cigars" by Min Ron Nee, that I understand is soon to be released for sale within the United States.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Cigar industry    3. Cigars    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Cuba    6. Entertaining - General    7. Havana    8. History    9. Industries - General    10. Manufacturing Industries (Economic Aspects)    11. Photo Essays    12. Photoessays & Documentaries    13. Sociology    14. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    15. Other manufacturing technologies   

Reviews (1)

Least Favorite of 4 Nell Hill Books
I own all the Nell Hill books and this is by far and away my least favorite. The parties described in the book are not special - and the pictures are less than impressive. There is nothing new in this book - and the information presented is not specific enough. I wish the table settings were described in great detail. There are few fun things - the ideas of having a "sip and see" party to welcome a new infant is fun - but the decorations are not. The Nell Hill family of shops are terrific - but this book is a disappointment. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Parties    7. Party decorations    8. Popular Culture    9. Popular Culture - General    10. Cooking / Entertaining