Editorial Review

With more than 1,600 recipes,there's something for every palate in this handsomely-designed and sturdy cookbook by the author of 11 best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening and home improvement. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Not much of a cookbook
Like other reviewers, I agree: the recipes are definitely "hit or miss."Don't rely on recipes from this book to impress (although they certainly "sound" impressive).
I LOVE IT!!
This is a GREAT cookbook - maybe the reviews about wrong recipes are right, but I have made quite a few and they're all absolutely delicious.
A Complete Waste
Did anyone bother to check any of the recipes in this book? I think not. Not only are some of the ingredients difficult to get a hold of, the end product is a disaster. How difficult is it to compile recipes that have actually been made? Not very. But apparently it's much easier to just make them up. Like many have posted here, it is not the occasional recipe but a substantial proportion of them. I think Martha owes us all a hefty refund, if not for the time, money and effort wasted, as least for the book! For now, this one goes in the fire kindling pile. ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

All the charm of a Christmas holiday on Nantucket!
As a ardent fan of Nantucket "style" and history, I can't be more delighted that the author has compiled a book devoted to the charms of a Nantucket Christmas! The copy and beautiful color photographs share all the beauty and uniqueness of the special holiday season on this "faraway" isle. In addition to sharing the special ambiance that is Nantucket, creative ideas abound in this book for bringing a bit of a Nantucket holiday to your own home. Thank you, Leslie Linsley, for a book I will treasure for many years to come!!
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Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Christmas    3. Christmas decorations    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Decorating    7. Entertaining - General    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Holidays (non religious)    10. Holidays - Christmas    11. Massachusetts    12. Nantucket    13. Nantucket (Mass.)    14. Religion - Christian Life    15. House & Home / Decorating   

Editorial Review

The many shades of white, beautifully complemented by the velvety verdure of evergreens and ivy, are a perfect choice for holiday trimmings--the decorations, the accents and accessories, the table settings. Glowing with candlelight and sparkling with sun-kissed snow, these pages are filled with glorious arrays of white and green. Noted designer Tricia Foley has a way with white: dozens of elegant little ornaments, a creamware-bedecked table, a frosty tree encrusted with crystal and silver decorations, an all-white gingerbread house, even a boxwood-swagged gauzy bed canopy. "Like a Currier and Ives print or a snow-capped New England steeple," Foley reminds us, "the image of the perfect white Christmas is firmly etched in our minds." Her visual feast shows how truly stunning holiday decor can be when planned in a symphony of whites. Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas decorations    2. Cooking    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Handicraft    6. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration    11. Table setting and decoration    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (1)

First book in the series
Let me say that this is a nice book. But, it doesn't have all the color photos, details and recipes that the later editions do so if you have those, don't expect the same with this one.I buy these for friends annually because they are that great and this one is pretty good.I think the third and fourth are the best so far, and this one is just average.The recipes are incredible, however, so it is worth the price of admission just for those.I love these books and it's hard to be disappointed with them once you start using them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    4. Seasonal   

Reviews (5)

Rucker's Best Yet!!
Allen Rucker continues to have a handle on brilliant and entertaining writing.The recipes are fabulous, the pictures are tops - but the sidebar stories and historical/background info is interesting and captivating!Rucker is the author to follow - he brings humor and down-to-earth thoughts to his work!

Authentic Italian food +
This cookbook actually is full of really good recipes plus if you love the Sopranos you will love the pictures and stories.It also has a few decorating tips for the holidays as well as menus for all occasions.

Do not buy this for a cookbook....
You will be disappointed if you buy this book for a cookbook. It does contain some great recipes but few of them. The photographs are great! The book is about the Soprano family and how they entertain. It is written as if the Sopranos were a real family and is funny at times. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, Italian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - General    5. Entertaining    6. Entertaining - General    7. Italian Cookery    8. Parties    9. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    10. Tablesetting    11. Cooking / Italian    12. General cookery    13. Italy   

Reviews (3)

"Emily Post Etiquette " - A Valuable Companion
This 17th edition in hardback is excellent.I have constantly referred to it since its arrival here in Bundanoon, Australia (Down Under)and have already had favourable results from its usage.I have consequently recommended it to several members of my family and my friends.

"Emily Post Entertaining" -Everything you need to know
This was so good I immediately passed it over to my granddaughter as a gift and made plans to buy more copies for friends and relatives.I found it suitably covered all occasions for entertainment including St. Patrick's Day.Bravo!!

An Informative, Non-Stuffy Etiquette Resource
I purchased this to serve as a guide for my first-ever party in my new-ish apartment.What a great resource!Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Entertaining    3. Entertaining - General    4. Etiquette    5. Reference    6. Cooking / Entertaining    7. Etiquette & entertaining   

Editorial Review

Can it be that there are no bad cooks in Italy and Sicily? Or maybe there are only a few really good cooks, while the rest aren't so much mediocre as simply ordinary. But it's the children of the really good cooks who end up on TV cooking shows and in magazines and writing cookbooks, much like Read more

Reviews (5)

In 2 years, I haven't moved past the Pasta chapter!
I love to cook, and my family loves to eat, but we don't always have time for that!Nick Stellino has a wonderful repertoire of quick pasta dishes, for which we usually have the ingredients on hand(or can come close enough).These aren't your typical spaghetti and meatballs pastas, but interesting, exciting, alternatives that my whole family enjoys (I have 4 kids from 8 to 15).I can't live without this book, and his others!

Fantastico!
After watching Nick's program on PBS, I was dying to try some of these mouth-watering recipies.Fortunately, this book is a gift that keeps on giving!Some of the recipies require more preparation time, but they are very simple and easy to follow.So far, I have yet to try a bad recipie.Some of the combinations of ingredients are very unique, but haveincredible bursts of flavors.It is a must-have for those who love Italian and Sicilian cooking!

Nick Stellino's Family Kitchen
I just seen Nick at a recent cooking demo and he explained that when he wanted to write this book he spoke with his publisher and said that if he could have "full say" in this book he would do it for half thegoing rate! He was that passionate about every aspect of this book. Therecipes are simple and wonderful, the stories are heartwarming. NickStellino... great chef, even greater person. Grazie molto Nick!Read more

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

Reviews (14)

AMAZING!
Five stars are not enough - Fifty stars would be more fitting!We are 3+ years away from my oldest daughters bat mitzvah.I've been dreading this time mainly because of the meaningless and costly party that I felt compelled to throw for the occassion.While I am not at all religious, I do have strong feelings for Jewish tradition, culture and history, and wanted the bat mitzvah to have meaning and not be just another over the top theme party.
Mitzvah Chic deserves an A+
This book has been indespensible for me in planning my daughter's
I'm available to be your new best friend!
I'm the author of MitzvahChic and I want to personally invite anyone planning a bar or bat mitzvah -- whether they've bought my book from Amazon.com yet or not -- to come see me and your mitzvah-planning peers at www.MitzvahChic.com. You'll not only get lots of personalized help, but you'll learn about other books you can get at Amazon and ideas that will enhance your experience many times over. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bar mitzvah    2. Bat mitzvah    3. Cooking / Entertaining    4. Entertaining - Party Planning    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    7. Religion    8. Religion - Judaism    9. Religion / Judaism / Beliefs, Practices, Rituals    10. Theology    11. Writing Skills    12. Cooking    13. Entertaining   

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Entertaining - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Seasonal   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (4)

EVERY THING A PARTY PLANNING BOOK SHOULD BE!
In one word...perfect! This book is great, every recipe I have made from it has been fabulous. (Try the coconut cream pie :)) And more importantly all the foods kind of meld together so each dish is distinct but not so diffrent as to not blend. This book has become my party reference! The parties are creative and go into details like flowers, recommended wines and music. And there are so many parties, from summer pool parties, a kentucky derby party, and big promotions to the standards like Christmas, and Easter! Buy this book you will NOT be disappointed!!!

Create a special occasion, just so you can use this cookbook
This cookbook covers a nifty range of special occasions--much better than that in any other cookbook I've seen! It includes traditional holidays, non-traditional holidays, and things that aren't holidays at all (the "congratulations on a new job" menu, the "Saturday night with friends" menu, the "Springtime bridal shower" menu, a menu for a big family reunion, a birthday bash, a housewarming, a cozy dinner for two, and more).
Reason to Throw a Party
This is simply creative, well done and inspirational.From the unique concept to the exciting layout to the fab recipes, this is one to have and use and celebrate and enjoy.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, International    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - General    5. Entertaining - General    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Holiday - General    8. Holiday cookery    9. Menus    10. Cooking / Holiday    11. General cookery   

Reviews (3)

Storybook Cakes, stepbystep guide to creating enchanting novelty cakes
I received this book and was enchanted with the many cakes I can make.The instructions are very clear and well worth the price of the book.I was very happy with my choice.Thank you Amazon.com

Love it!
I really love this book.Instructions easy to follow and the pictures are fabulous. I also love the matching cupcakes.Great book to start working with fondant!

Inspiring
Beautiful book, with cute ideas for (mostly) kid oriented cakes. What I loved is that with ever design there is a suggestion for matching cupcakes within the theme, and a suggestion for slight changes in the original design that give you a total different look. Very nice and inpiring pictures. I'm giving it four stars because I am used to the elaborate 'how to's' in Debbie Brown's books and find those directions (and step by step pictures) better. This one is definately one every cake decorator interested in sculpted fondant cakes must have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Courses & Dishes - Cakes    4. Courses & Dishes - Desserts    5. Entertaining - General    6. Methods - Baking    7. Cakes, baking, icing & sugarcraft    8. Handicrafts   

Reviews (4)

The junior League at Home:Meals and Menus for Everyday and Special Occasions
It's got great recipes in it.I love it.Can hardly wait to use it.It was recommended by a friend.

A very good source for family meals and entertaining at home
This `Junior League' cookbook is almost exactly what you would expect from such an organization, where all recipes appear to come from home cooks. I give this book four stars (with a caveat) instead of three because it surpasses expectations in at least two ways. First, it provides four complete entertaining and family menus per month, with instructions on day before and other advance preparations to prepare for the meal. Second, the range of dishes is very international. I was surprised to find a good recipe for Filipino spring rolls. This is not exactly Iowa church supper fare. Junior League cookbook not "junior" on taste!
This cookbook is charming to read, gives great ideas of meals to serve, and includes many delicious recipes.The blueberry muffins are fabulous! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Seasonal    6. Cooking / Entertaining   

Reviews (2)

A MUST HAVE BOOK
This I purchased for my mother as she wanted this book. It is a very well illustrated and the recipes are wonderful. The showing of how to put on a spread is great!! The collectible dishes they show and the presentation is so nice. My mother leaves it out on her living room table and it gets picked up quite a bit. A really nice book to sit and read and glance through the beautiful pictures. A must have~

elegant and lovely book
Have owned this book for about 3 years, yet I find that I open it and use it often. Also, just a lovely book to sit in the garden with a nice glass of wine (or ice tea) read. Good presentation ideas as well. ... Read more

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

Reviews (15)

It may be the only book I need!
I ordered four or five books about Wedding Day flower arrangements, as I'm determined to do my own.When I received this in the mail, I was extremely impressed by how well everything is illustrated and explained.It makes it all seem very managable.
Save your money
I read the reviews and thought this would be a helpful book, it wasn't. The designs are outdated, the instructions aren't clear. I actually found better instructions on the internet for free!!! Even the pictures aren't that great to look at.

Helpful for Beginners
When my daughter took her ideas for her wedding to our local florists, the estimates were over $3,000. When we finished laughing, we bought this book. Even though we had very little previous experience with florals, with a little practice we were able to make quite a few of the things she wanted ourselves. And perhaps more importantly, we were also able to determine what we couldn't do ourselves, and how best to work with a professional florist.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bridal bouquets    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Family/Marriage    5. Flower Arranging    6. Flower arrangement    7. Seasonal    8. Wedding decorations    9. Weddings   

Editorial Review

What would the holidays be without a fresh book from Martha Stewart?Remarkably, she manages to come up with something new every year. Read more

Reviews (9)

It's Classic Martha!
Even if you aren't a true fan of Martha, you will enjoy her book filled with decorating and crafting ideas that you can either incorporate into your own traditions or expound upon to revise them to your personal taste. Pretty to look at !
I have found that Martha Stewart books are to be viewed rather than used as a basis for trying to make anything because her instructions and recipes are often convoluted and/or incorrect.I just do not understand why, with her vast resources, Martha does not hire better and more thorough editors and testers. Pretty neat stuff in here!
Although, like the rest of the "Christmas with Martha Stewart" books, they are republished features from the magazine, this one is pretty good. You do not have to use red and green every year; Silver, white, and even pastel colors can be used festively.I love the neat snowman article; unfortunately, here in Houston, we don't get much snow! Cookies. . .oh, I licked my lips over the snowflake wafers, but I've never made them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas decorations    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Entertaining - General    6. Handicraft    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Holiday cooking    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Seasonal    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Decorating    12. Home furnishing & decoration   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Floral Arts    4. Flower Arranging    5. Hobbies/Crafts   

Reviews (2)

Outstanding! TNT recipes from across the country
Although I have over 2,000 cookbooks, this is one of my top favorites.It contains recipes from customers all over the country -- and almost all are preceded by descriptions of why their family loves them, how many people beg for them, etc.Many also include directions for packaging as gifts.The book also contains cute illustrations, many of which provide great ideas for decorating one's own gift containers.There are also a number of quotations, some of which you may want to incorporate in your own crafts.There is nothing fancy about this book or the recipes -- it is primarily down home cooking, and everything I've tried has been delectable -- from layered cookie mix in a jar to main dishes.VERY highly recommended.

Outstanding! Great TNT recipes and crafts from all over
I LOVE this book, and everyone on my gift list to whom I have given it has loved it as well.The recipes are the tried-and-true favorites of Gooseberry Patch's staff members and customers from all over the country.Almost all are preceded by brief descriptions (usually about why they're family favorites and/or popular with guests), and many have unique packaging ideas. The illustrations are also warm and wonderful (and provide many ideas for one's own gift-giving).Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    4. Holiday - General    5. Cooking / General   

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

Reviews (2)

50 Fab Parties for Kids
The book delivers on its title.It is broken down into 3 age groups and a section of holiday and family events.Each party includes introductory suggestions, a cake, some things to do and an invitation.Some also have ideas for costumes or favors.Nearly all of the ideas are inexpensive things you can do at home. Great Illustrations
We used it for our kid's party, and it was fantastic!An invaluable resource.Especially the pictures. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Children's parties    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining - Party Planning    6. Child care & upbringing    7. Family & Relationships / Activities   

Subjects:  1. Baking    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - Bread    5. Courses & Dishes - Desserts    6. Holiday - General    7. Macrina Bakery and Cafe    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - Northwestern States    9. Cooking / American / Northwestern States    10. General cookery    11. USA