Reviews (8)

Wow!A book that will give you confidence and make entertaining simple, yet sifisticated.
A great book, I loved how she organized the recipes according to what type of party you will be having. She also has entire party menu suggestions at the back. My party is in exactly one month, so I've already started trying the recipes out on my family. Everything I've tried so far has been wonderful. This book was such a score for me. I highly recommend. 5 BIG STARS!

The complete party planning guide
If what you are looking for is just a cookbook, then Perfect Party Food definitely provides that, with between 5-600 scrumptious recipes from which to choose. However, this is much more than just a cookbook!
ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS IN MY COLLECTION!
Spending my time in the kitchen while entertaining is not my idea of a good time.So when I saw this cookbook, I was anxious to purchase it and try the recipes!I have made several recipes in this book and they have all been excellent. The recipes are easy to follow, delicious and creative, with ingredients that I usually have in my pantry or are easily found at the store. The recipes feature a lot of fresh veggies, herbs and quality ingredients making the recipes fresh and healthy.There are not a lot of high fat, high salt ingredients called for. I love the fact that all of the recipes have steps that can be done in advance that will allow me to have most everything prepped and ready to go before company comes.I find myself referring to it over and over.Great find! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Make-ahead cookery    8. Tablesetting   

Reviews (3)

The Complete Book of Floral Design
This is a great book for visual pictures of different arrangements and ideas you may want to put together!! Lots of pretty pictures!

beautiful book
I love the book, and there is some great advice in it but I was looking for abit more of a "how-to" type of book. The book is mostly photos of her work with a black and white section of some instructional aspects of making bouquets, etc. There is also a small encyclopedia-like section of flowers which explains some aspects to the flowers but does not include general price range. I was hoping it would be the only book I needed to buy to do my wedding flowers, but I don't think it will be.

Best floral book ever!!!
This book was a Christmas present and the best floral book I own. The author gives you her wonderful insight into how she draws her inspirations and gives instructions on how to design each arrangement. Beautiful pictures, beautiful designs! I own other books by Paula Pryke, and like them all, but this is my favorite! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Flower Arranging    3. Flowers - General    4. Gardening    5. Gardening/Plants    6. Gardening / Flower Arranging   

Editorial Review

Wreaths and garlands take floral decorations out of the vase and into large-scale special-occasion decorating. Fresh and dried florals, greens, fruits, herbs, and other natural materials can be transformed into wall, door, tabletop, and mantel decor to welcome guests, mark a change of season, utilize a bountiful harvest, celebrate a holiday, or just brighten up a room. Hundreds of color photographs and step-by-step directions for well over a hundred projects fill this vast volume, along with a good introduction to materials, equipment, and techniques. A circlet of fresh flowers surrounds a bowl of floating candles; a swag of seashells and grasses graces a window; a ring of mosses and dried fungi commemorates a country stroll; lovely floral wreaths mark Valentine's Day, Easter, and Mother's Day. And of course there are Christmas decorations: a lush bay leaf and dried orange mantelpiece swag; a gold-flecked Yuletide kissing wreath; a lovely Advent candle ring. Complexity ranges from beginner to advanced--from novice wreath maker to expert, there's something here for everyone. Read more

Reviews (1)

Gorgeous, instructive book.
Absolutely lovely book- I've read as many wreath and garland books as I can get my hands on, and this book is superior to most. The quality of the photos and instructions, as well as the great variety of projects,materials, and quantities (of materials) used, contribute to the beauty ofthis book. I love their many ideas for roses, especially, and lavendar.Great book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Wreathmaking    6. Crafts    7. Crafts & Hobbies / General    8. Floral crafts   

Reviews (8)

Beautiful book
I keep this book out and just enjoy looking at it, even when I'm not making anything.Great book.

Ribbonworkk The complete Guide:Techniques for Making Ribbon Flowers and Trimmings
Excellent easy to follow instructions.Pictures very helpful.

Techniques for Making Ribbon Flowers and Trimmings
BEAUTIFUL book...worth having just to look at the pictures.BUT the flowers appear to be more difficult to make than I expected. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Floral Arts    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Ribbon    7. Ribbon flowers    8. Ribbon work    9. Textile Fabric (Applied Arts)    10. Flower making    11. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Editorial Review

"A good party is not about the food," says Ina Garten, "it's about the people." That may be true, but her Read more

Reviews (73)

The Best Cookbook!
This cookbook is absolutely fantastic.As are all of Ina Garten's books.I have cooked at least half of the recipes and they never fail to get rave reviews.The recipes use common ingredients which are easy to find and no fancy techniques are required.It is also nicely illustrated.Watch out though if you are "fat" conscious!Low-fat is not her style!

Not as good as her other books, but a good addition
I wouldn't start with this book -- I actually 'inherited' it from someone who didn't care for it. I like the recipes, but the book is laid out as a series of party menus, rather than desserts in one section, main dish in one section, etc. While I appreciate the menu suggestions (they are a big help, as I am sometimes stymied as to what to serve with what), I would rather see them listed in the back of the book, rather than have the book organized this way. Otherwise, the book is stellar.

Something out of the ordinary
I must disagree with some of the reviews that have placed this book at par or below. Ina hits it out of the park yet again with Barefoot Parties! It is true that you will not find your run of the mill "holiday" parties in here, but who needs more books on those types of parties? We need ideas and recipes for all of the months in between! Parties! delivers just that. First of all, the recipes work; every time. Secondly, Ina chooses menues that one might not associate with that particular get together. It's a refreshing book that you will use over and over again not only for parties but for every night of the week. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Parties    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    9. Cooking / Entertaining    10. Etiquette & entertaining    11. General cookery   

Reviews (1)

A Cook After my Own Heart!
As the busy holiday season approaches, so does lots of cooking and baking. This book is full of easy, tasty and impressive dishes that can be made ahead, or mostly ahead. This is a great way to approach Holiday cooking! Whether you're making an entire meal or a pot-luck contribution, you'll find something wonderful here. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Holiday - General    5. Holiday cookery    6. Menus    7. Methods - General    8. Reference    9. Cooking / General    10. General cookery   

Reviews (8)

The Party Planner
This book is a definite must have! Mr. Tutera covers everthing from invitations, to atmosphere and everything in between. His hints and tips can even make a novice look like an expert. It is easy to see why his parties are so memorable. He gives you everything you need to make your party a smashing sucess!

Can't wait to plan a party
The book's great and the idea's behind each party are wonderful. I love that a scent is included to enhance the atmosphere of the party.
Grain of salt
My questions on reading this book were, "who GOES to these parties?" and "who THROWS these parties?"If you can get your mind around those questions, the book is useful.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Decorating - General    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Entertaining - General    7. Entertaining - Party Planning    8. General    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Home Management    11. Parties    12. Etiquette & entertaining    13. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (6)

I love this book
This book is so warm and inviting to me. I loved it so much that I bought it for my little sister, as well as myself. She loved it too. If you are a lover of the Autumn season, and I am, then you will also love this book, I am sure.

summer girl embraces autumn....with a little help.
I have to admit, I am a big fan of Susan Branch's books. There is something comforting about cracking open one of her new books and delving in. I don't know if it is the colorful, homey drawings, the short little asides about her family or her traditions, or if it is that the recipes are so easily made and delicious. I just love the books and "Autumn" is no exception.
Evocation of the Season in New England. Not just a cookbook
`Autumn' by Susan Branch at first appeared to me in its Amazon listing under newly published cookbooks to be simply a cookbook of dishes appropriate to Autumn produce. As you in the know about Susan Branch's series of `Heart of the Home' books chuckle over my misunderstanding, I have to shift gears and change the criteria by which I judge the book, as it is not intended to be only an Autumn produce cookbook, and at almost $30 list price, it is not worth the money as simply a seasonal cookbook.
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Subjects:  1. American Regional Cookery    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining - General    6. Seasonal    7. Cooking / General   

Reviews (2)

Great Reference Book
I just got this book today and I am so happy that I purchased it. It is the perfect reference book that i have been looking for. It has great pictures of the flowers and foliage , pronunciation as well as design applications. Great book, a must have to all beginner florist.

Wonderful resource book
A friend of mine recommended this book to me and what a friend he is!Ms. Diehl Scace has written an excellent guide for everyone in the floral design industry.It is very easy to use, has terrific photographs and is packed with useful information.A book like this has been sorely needed in our industry for many years.Buy one for your design library and buy another one for your friends. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Agriculture - General    2. Counseling - Vocational Guidance    3. Cut flowers    4. Cut foliage    5. Flower Arranging    6. Flower arrangement    7. Flowers - General    8. Gardening / Horticulture    9. Life Sciences - Horticulture    10. Science    11. Science/Mathematics    12. Floral crafts    13. Technology / Agriculture & Animal Husbandry   

Editorial Review

Miniature houses have an undeniable appeal, especially when they're made out of food. But the architectural achievements in this guide are so charming and sometimes so elaborate that it's hard to imagine actually eating them; they're meant to be admired, not devoured. From rustic to royal, humble to ornate, this eclectic assortment ranges from cooking-school complex to child-simple. Some were even designed by kids and could certainly be constructed by them. (Just be sure to buy extra trimmings, since the budding architects are bound to do some nibbling!)Read more

Reviews (11)

I'll keep it but only as a supplement to better books
This book has pictures of some really cool ideas, and pictures of some less-cool ideas. It also has several basic recipes and some general building information, but it isn't very detailed. Most frustrating are the pictures of houses that have only one or two pictures and little or no information about some of the most interesting design details!
Really disappointing
If you are seeking the inside secrets to gingerbread artistry, don't expect much from this book.This book doesn't even begin to cover the many gingerbread/food techniques currently available -- and that home builders can use -- which mimic real-life or fantasy -- building structures and contents.I thought that many of the instructions shown were too simple and general -- the reader deserved to read more details, more inside information on how to work with food items to create effects -- especially since the author is a pastry chef! The book's description also promises photos of the Grove Park Inn's gingerbread competition entries.But if you expect to see the competition's top of the line entries featuring incredible details, don't. I looked forward to receiving this book.I'm sorry I bought it.

Artistic, Excellent Photography, Good Variety!
Highly recommend for your baking library!Lots of great ideas, good instructions, basic templates but lots of room for your own personal taste.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    4. Methods - Baking    5. Seasonal    6. Cakes, baking, icing & sugarcraft    7. Cooking / Seasonal    8. Desserts    9. Food & drink / cookery: general interest    10. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (16)

Indispensable
I'm a private chef who occasionally caters specialty workshops.I appreciated all the information in this book.

Be an Instant Catering Star!
I enjoy cooking for 2 to over 20 people, and there can be so much to remember to have the entertaining/dining event turn out "just right".
This is THE book for party planning!
I am planning on catering my own wedding with the help of a acquintance who does catering on the side.I have been looking for books that could help me plan a meal for 200 people, but without cheesy boring recipes.The reason I'm doing the cooking is we wanted some original and tasty menu items without breaking the bank.I also needed some practical information on how to pull off cooking for a large crowd without going crazy.This book is it, and it's the only catering book I found that fit the bill.Every other book I found had recipes like chicken kiev and casseroles.Snore!Even if you're having 10 people to your home, you can't go wrong with the tips and techniques mentioned in this book.It gives ingredient quantities as well as fabulous recipes and tips.There are even decorating and presentation techniques as well along with ratios for stocking the bar.The writing is crisp and intelligent without being stuffy and dull.All in all, a great book.A must buy for anyone planning a dinner party to hosting a large reception. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Methods - General    7. Fiction / Romance / Historical    8. Methods - Quantity    9. Parties   

Reviews (3)

Charming!
This book is wonderful. I just love Draper's tone and conversational way of writing. She offers ideas for all budgets and lifestyles. Charmingly retro, with plenty of good advice for today's hostesses. I could not put it down.

THE housewarming gift for gay men
Not as important or famous as Draper's "Decorating is Fun," but her 1941 "Entertaining" book is still amusing, deserving a spot on your coffee table next to an old 1940s Emily Post Etiquette book (when is somone gonna get wise and issue reprints of THOSE?).
A fun & inspirational read
If you're looking for some new ideas, as well as a peek into entertaining during the 1940's, you'll find a lot to enjoy in this reprint of Dorothy Draper's charming guide to entertaining. With an emphasis on simple, unpretentious planning, I think it was quite ahead of its time. This might make a good hostess gift! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior decoration    9. Menus    10. Architecture / Interior Design    11. Etiquette & entertaining   

Reviews (1)

I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I bought this book to get some ideas for parties and crafts that my kids and I could make together.I will be making my own beautiful christmas cards and using some of the decorations on my holiday table.We also found some fun ornaments that we could make together as a family. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Holiday    2. Crafts & Hobbies / Seasonal    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Seasonal    5. Christmas crafts    6. Christmas decorations    7. Cooking    8. Crafts & Hobbies    9. Holiday   

Reviews (4)

A great book from ATK 2006!
I have recently become an enthusiast of America's Test Kitchen and watch the show on a regular basis.The material is not 100% brand spanking new but meant to be a companion to what is done on TV, specifically the 2006 series (no not 2003 like one reviewer wrote).
Makes me feel like a chef on TV
I made the "Pan-Seared Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin" with the Cherry Port Sauce.I impressed myself with my gourmet results.I even have tried the Cherry Port Sauce on some venison and the results were great.
Repeats
As in most books from Cooksillustrated recipes already appeared in their other publications - nothing new! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - General    5. Entertaining - General    6. Holiday - General    7. Methods - General   

Reviews (10)

A culinary wealth of many other delectable delicacies
A winner of the James Beard Foundation KitchenAid Book Awards, Savor The Moment: Entertaining Without Reservations is the collaborative effort by members of The Junior League of Boca Raton and a simply glorious guide to hosting a classy gathering, and featuring amazing, kitchen-tested recipes, advice for creating an enjoyable atmosphere, stunning color photographs, and more. Explicit instructions (with side advice for preparations that can be made in advance), make creating mouth-watering dishes such as Filet Mignon with Shallot Sauce; Tropical Island Shrimp; Caramel Drenched Cheesecake, and a culinary wealth of many other delectable delicacies, kitchen and dining room tasks easily within the means of any dedicated host or hostess.

Savor Your Guests
I love this cookbook. Because not only is it about cooking, but about entertaining as well. There are great menu suggestions and even decorating tips on making the occasion more enjoyable. For what it's worth..
A nice book but I would have liked it alot more if more of theRead more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, American    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States    7. Cookbooks    8. Cookery   

Reviews (5)

Really Good!
The book is a good book in the sense of what the subject is:drinks for the preps.There was mention of what to "wear" and such, but it didn't get into that, look for other sources like the Preppy Handbook for that.Otherwise, a really good book, fun to read, recipes, and a great sense of humor!You can tell that the authors had fun writing this book.

Preppy memories, anyone?
To really appreciate a book about preppy drinking in the 80s, you had to have been a preppy drinker in the 80s!Reading TIM brought me right back to the days of drinking Tab & rum while pulling all-nighters in prep school and college...This is a PERFECT gift for a fellow preppy friend =D.

Booze for Blueboods
Most of this book is funny and dead-on accurate, however the appendixes on movies, music, and especially books were complete drivel.The excerpts from prep school brochures were a nice touch if somewhat random."Tipsy" is a good intro to drinking even if you're no fan of preppiness.Also, it makes a great companion to Lisa Birnbach's peerless "Official Preppy Handbook", which touched on alcohol but didn't go into the detail of "Tipsy". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beverages - Bartending    2. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    3. Cocktails    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Entertaining - General    7. Cooking / General   

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Entertaining - General    4. Methods - General    5. Methods - Quick & Easy    6. Tablesetting    7. Cooking / Quick & Easy   

Reviews (8)

Breathtaking Floral Designs- Thank you David Stark!!
David Stark has done a wonderful job of giving us fabulous ideas and inspiration for couture floral. I appreciate this book because many times brides can't afford full-blown high-style floral designs, but she still appreciates the very best. This presents the very best to everyone. Thanks, David!

a-m-a-z-i-n-g
THIS WAS A TRULY AMAZING AND HELPFUL BOOK THAT GUIDED ME TO MAKE THE BEST FLORAL DECISIONS FOR THE WEDDING THAT I ALWAYS DREAMED FOR.

FABULOUS BOOK
"WOW!"Is all I can say.Finally a truly inspiring and helpful road map through the sea of floral choices.It was the perfect resource to show my florist what I truly love and want for my wedding.Thank you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bridal bouquets    2. Flower Arranging    3. Flower arrangement    4. Photography Of Specific Subjects    5. Reference    6. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    7. Wedding decorations    8. Weddings    9. Floral crafts    10. PHOTOGRAPHY / Subjects & Themes / General    11. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (1)

A definate Must Buy for Christmas Crafters!
SOOO creative~!!It's worth buying just to see the section on Whimsical Christmas.The homemade gifts, complete with instructions on how to make ADORABLE giftwrap is easy and unique enough to look professionally made.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    6. Holiday - General    7. Seasonal   

Reviews (13)

Excellent Book
I was impressed by this book.I struggle with casseroles, but long workdays necessitate the need for me to master them.If you are familiar with Cook's Illustrated, there's nothing new here in terms of format.I do applaud them for approaching casseroles in a new way by including one-pot meals, slow-cooker meals, skillet versions and more exotic casseroles.
a great cookbook!
I love that the authors did multiple tests on every recipe to come up with the best final version AND told us why, what went wrong and the reason for each process.
A Rare Disappointment from the Cooks Illustrated Series
I usually rave about Cooks Illustrated books because they are the best all-around cookbooks out there, but I have to rant a little about this one.The idea behind Cover and Bake is to improve on classic casseroles by getting rid of sub-par ingredients like cream of mushroom soup and pre-packaged bread crumbs, and simplifying cooking procedures so as to allow as much one-pot cooking as possible.The people at Cooks Illustrated make a lot of references to "Tuesday night dishes," i.e., main courses that can be prepared, cooked and served quickly and don't result in a lot of clean-up.
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Subjects:  1. Casserole cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - General    5. Entertaining - Party Planning    6. Holiday - General    7. Methods - Baking    8. Methods - Quantity    9. One-dish meals    10. Main courses