Editorial Review

At last! An antidote to Martha Stewart. Read more

Reviews (3)

A fun and useful book!
Suzanne Williamson and Linda Smith have outdone themselves by writing a wonderful book that everyone will love to read.This is the most practical guide to entertaining that you can get, and is a must have for anyone who is planning on throwing or attending a party any time in the future.Buy one for yourself, buy a few for your friends too.You will be glad that you did.

Great for instilling courage
I've always been a party-goer, not a party-thrower. Why? Throwing a party scared the heck out of me. Far, far too much could go wrong, and I felt that nothing could be more devastating for a relatively shy person than a disasterous party. Yet as I've moved around a number of times, I've realized that there's no better way to meet people than at a party, and that it's silly to wait for the parties to come to me. This is the Best-Party book out in the stories
I give Suzanne Willamson and Linda Smith a pat on the back with a great job in writing the all-purpose entertaining guide. They covered everything very well and the forward by the renowed author, Pat Conroy, was superb. If you are looking for a book for enertaining, no matter the occasion ,Enertaining for Dummies is the book to get. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Entertaining    3. Entertaining - General    4. General    5. Home Economics (General)    6. House & Home    7. Menus    8. Self-Help    9. Etiquette & entertaining   

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

Reviews (7)

A Tasty Treat
This book is exceptionally interesting - combining details about the books, recipies that relate to (or are included in)the books and details about book clubs all over the country...This is my second copy - I bought this one as a birthday gift for a friend!

Great Book!
This book is great for starting up a book club and trying to think of recipes that co-inside with the book.Some of them were very imaginative.I enjoyed the reviews of the books, and how they decided on the recipes for the stories they were reading.
The Great Culinary Companion to Book Clubs
Have you ever wondered how to serve a suitable meal for a book discussion at your local book club? Whether you can serve a meal which is thematically related to the book being discussed? If the answers to both are yes, then the perfect solution is acquiring a copy of Judy Gelman's and Vicki Levy Krupp's "The Book Club Cook Book". The authors contacted members from over one hundred book clubs within the United States, soliciting comments not only the books themselves, but also on the meals served at these discussions (For the record, I am an outgoing coordinator of a book club, and am quoted in several entries.).
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Subjects:  1. Books & Reading    2. Cookery    3. Cookery in literature    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Cooking in literature    7. Courses & Dishes - General    8. Food in literature    9. General    10. Cookery dishes & courses    11. Cooking / Entertaining   

Reviews (6)

Old fashioned, deep fried goodness
Elvis loved to eat.Who doesn't know that?This was a good concept for a cook book, and the recipes are quite good.It's comfort food but they made a point to include a chapter on vegetables subtitled with "Yes, the King ate vegetables".There are many typically Southern foods (grits, biscuits and red eye gravy, fried chicken, etc.), but the main dishes are crowd pleasers.
Great concept
What a great time to be buying cookbooks! While we have for a long while had access to recipe collections and representations of the cuisine of various nationalities and popular restaurants, recently there has been a growing library of culinary tomes that give us the skills for producing creations of our own minds. Titles such as Sauces by James Peterson, the 1-2-3 series by Roxanne Gold, Culinary Artistry, Great Wine Made Simple, and now this book provide us with the information about tastes and combinations of flavors and textures to deconstruct, reconstruct, and just plain construct familiar and novel dishes. Share A Meal From the Heartburn Hotel
Elvis Presley may have been the King, but he ate like a common man---and this book is filled with common Southern fare that will stick to your ribs (and probably hips!) I particularly enjoyed trying Elvis' signature dish, the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, as well as the banana pudding which was prepared daily at Graceland so it would always be available for late-night snacking.Also getting high marks from me are the recipes for biscuits and red-eye gravy, potato cheese soup, heavenly mashed potatoes and more.The book features great pictures of Elvis including one of he and Priscilla cutting the Royal Wedding Cake.And yes, the recipe for that six-tiered mountain of a cake is included (serves 500 so do invite a friend over).A delightful romp in the kitchen for fans of Elvis and a great cookbook for those who like down-home cooking. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1935-1977    2. Cookery, American    3. Cooking    4. Entertaining - General    5. Presley, Elvis,    6. Reference    7. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States    8. Sale Adult - Cooking / Wine    9. Southern style    10. Cooking / Entertaining    11. General cookery    12. Presley, Elvis    13. Sale Books   

Reviews (2)

great retro crafts!
i bought the book for the crafts from vintage linens--beautiful. the food doesn't look bad either.

Can I give it 0 stars??Save your money
Not one "original" idea that I havent seen in every magazine or craft book for years.Most of the items were scrapbooking related, which was little things like tags and noting worth duplicating.
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Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Entertaining - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Seasonal   

Reviews (1)

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISMUKKAH!!!!
THE BEST, MOST HILARIOUS--AND USEFUL--BOOK EVER FOR MIXED FAITH FOLKS WHO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AND HANNUKAH WITH DOUBLE-THE-FUN FANFARE! FOR EVERYONE WHO KNOWS THE JOYS AND OYS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, THIS BOOK VALIDATES, ENRICHES, ENTERTAINS, AND IS SO FUNNY EVERY STEP OF THE WAY, "YULE PLOTZ!" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity and other religions    2. Christmas    3. Cookery    4. Cooking    5. Entertaining - General    6. Hanukkah    7. Holiday - General    8. Holidays - Christmas    9. Holidays - Jewish    10. Inspirational    11. Judaism    12. Topic - Religion    13. Christmas books    14. Holiday; Christmas; Channukah    15. Religion / Holidays / Christmas   

Reviews (3)

Jetsetters cookbook
So you've been to France, Japan, Italy, Cuba and Russia and whatever hot international destination, or do you just want to eat and entertain like you have? This book let's you do this.Its really thorough- from making cocktails to setting the table, to making theme based dinners.The recipes are thorough too - you can have a country type garlic chicken (inexpensive) but you'll also reach for this book when you want to treat yourself to caviar (expensive).This is not the Joy of Cooking.My only complaint is some of the dishes are "heavy" and this is not a cookbook for the sake of a cookbook (some recipes are hit or miss)- there are better ones -and do take MUCH MORE THAN AN HOUR.My husband complains that its too rich.Maybe his model thin guests actually don't eat what he prepares?Also, I have his other Cookbook.Between these two, I am ready to entertain for any event.That one is more "practical" since it has non dinner recipes.If you are going to entertain to the Jet Set crowd you should get this one.For production & style & menu ideas , it lets you dream.

Spectacular as always
I was delightfully enchanted with Colin's newest book. Having read his previous publications, I was very pleased with Colin's creativity and design style. I am always pleased with the calibre of design in all his books, but I find I am always left wanting more. Everyone has a favourite, some old hat, some new and hip to contemporary fads, but Colin is timeless, creative, and mindful of your budget. He's a Creative genius and I truly enjoyed this book.It sits on my desk at work where people come by to borrow it and have a hard time returning it!

All Style......
I have to be upfront and say that basically, I don't like this guy. More's the pity for me because he has style in spades. The menus are at times great, at times bs, but it is the setting in which he casts them that sets him apart. Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Dinners and dining    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Tablesetting    7. Cooking / Entertaining   

Editorial Review

For more than 40 years, designer Lilly Pulitzer has lead the charge in pretty, preppy chic--a resort look long-worshipped by prim teens and stylish ladies alike. While the signature pink-and-lime-green floral frocks are what she's famous for, Pulitzer has also become known over the decades as the consummate hostess, now celebrated in her book Read more

Reviews (11)

not too impressed
i read some contents of the books, and was really interested. It turns out to be nothing special, but the illustrations are adorable. Overall i was not too impressed. Lilly seems like a Martha Steward hippie version.

Light summery fun
Yes, Essentially Lilly is frothy, silly and mindless, but like a light angel food cake and berry dessert, that's what summer is about. If you like recipes and entertaining, this book is fun to flip through. One doesn't have to belong to the country club or routinely throw chic parties for a few dozen of her closest friends in order to aspire to such ideas. War and Peace it ain't, but who expected that from Lilly Pulitzer? (Maybe the last name threw some people off.) This is a pretty book with fun party and food ideas, which is sufficient entertainment for a lazy summer day either at the country club, or just dreaming about being part of that scene.

An Aryan Dream
Even as a white woman I find this tough to stomach.If you see people of color in your life and like it that way, this Lily Pulitzer guide is a nightmare.Despite the title of the book, hers is a washed-out and scary vision.Only white people in photos and illustrations.Really really really white people.It's an Aryan Dream to be sure.Lily, come into 21st Century America!I'm returning my copy pronto. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Entertaining    6. Entertaining - General    7. Fashion    8. General    9. House & Home    10. House & Home / General   

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

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

Subjects:  1. Careers - General    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Food Service Management    6. General    7. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    8. Customer services    9. Hospitality industry    10. Management & management techniques   

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cookery, American    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining    6. Entertaining - General    7. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States    8. Southern style    9. Food & Drink / Cookery   

Reviews (2)

A wonderful read for the cigar enthusiast
A Fine Reference Work - Bravo!
This is a useful and well-written cigar guide.It is getting a bit dated, but it is still very good for all cigar lovers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cigars    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Entertaining - General    4. Manufacturing (Specific Aspects)    5. Personal & Practical Guides    6. Reference    7. Antiques & Collectables    8. Customs    9. Reference / Consumer Guides   

Editorial Review

Based on the popular PBS TV series, Read more

Reviews (15)

Great, But Pages Don't Hold Up
I love this cookbook.Maybe it is a ripoff of their magazines and other books, I don't know.However, the pages are weak and rip out easily.Treat it gently.

Combination cookbook & textbook!
I've always wondered why sometimes you use baking powder and sometimes you use baking soda, and sometimes both.Now I know!This book explains cooking theory in little side articles that are easy to find (and easy to ignore if you don't care about them).It has lots of recommendations, for things like cooking equipment (I bought a new grater & love it) as well as ingredients.And there are a couple of recipes that have become classics at my house.Try the chocolate cream pie; it's to DIE for! The ingredient that they investigated in that one was baking chocolates.You'll be surprised which one ended up being used!One of my favorite cookbooks; it stays on the counter rather than getting filed away.

Shop carefully
These books are great!I love my Cooks' Illustrated Books and use them all the time.My one and only complaint is that they have now published the Best Recipe series and now the Test Kitchen books and they don't have enough recipes to fill them each one with enough unique recipes to distinguish one book from another.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Regional & Ethnic - American - General   

Reviews (1)

The Book of Thanksgiving
This book is terrific. It has recipes for everything from turkey (including those turkey leftovers and vegetarian alternatives to turkey!) to sidedishes. The trivia/facts about the holiday are fascinating, and make great conversation starters. The games are aperfect way to keep kids busy. This book makes a perfect hostess gift or a cookbook for yourself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Cooking    3. Entertaining - General    4. Holiday - General    5. Holidays (non religious)    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Seasonal    8. Thanksgiving Day    9. Thanksgiving cookery   

Reviews (16)

Captures the feeling of summer perfectly
Susan Branch is a talented woman.Her cookbooks are beautifully illustrated with her drawings throughout.Her stories convey a warm sense of family and fun and will make you daydream about summer even in August.
Very Special Book
This is a unique book, full of beautiful illustrations, easy to use recipes, quotes and ideas for making Summer a special season.

A Great Escape!
This is my all-time favorite book by Susan Branch! The recipes, the ideas, the personal stories all bring it home. When the dog-days of summer hit I reach for my copy and escape ~ she has so many ideas that don't take a lot of pre-prep.Her recipes are great (try the potato salad or the pacific coast peelers).A great addition to anyones cooking library and a must for those soon-to-be-brides!I have even given this book as a hostess thank you.You won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, American    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Gardening    7. General    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    9. Seasonal    10. Cooking / General    11. General cookery   

Editorial Review

Donna Hay's mission? Even if you're short on time, even if you're new to the kitchen, the award-winning Australian food writer wants you to be a proficient cook. Her Read more

Reviews (6)

Great book :->
This book is fantastic.It's beautifully presented and for some reason, with each of her books, I feel like I can cook like she does.All the recipes look easy (and the ones I've tried are) and they look delicious.Each is tempting and makes you want to get into that kitchen.
To add to rodboomboom...
rodboomboom pretty much says all that needs to be said, however being in the design and print industry, I wanted to add some comments about the quality of this book. It's a bit oversized format and may not fit in tighter bookshelves, but I am sure you have a spot for it somewhere. The photography is excellent. Images of tantalizing food, sitting on rustic wire racks and cutting boards and utensils against a white background, which fits with the theme that these are modern versions of classics. The spot varnish on the photography with white backgrounds really makes the food pop off the page. Some of the recipes have a series of smaller photographs which show the process of cooking the food. The design and layout is very clean. This is the first Donna Hay book I have added to my collection, but it won't be the last.

One of My Favorites
I am a cookbook addict and cook quite a bit.I use this book all the time and consider it a classic! Enjoy! ... Read more

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

Reviews (17)

Very Entertaining & Good recipes
I bought this book because my husband invited some work people over for dinner.I didn't realize that this is so entertaining (funny), and the recipes are just so delicious.Needless to say, my husband was very impressed with what I put together that night so we have now invited about 20 people over for Thanksgiving.I use the book all the time, and our children loves the appetizers.I also gave it to my single friend who is now engaged.Highly recommended for people who loves entertaining.

Great Ideas
I enjoyed the way the author added humor to the book. Overall, great book, but the recipes are not really something that can be prepared "Last Minute". Would have like to have seen more recipes that did not require so much prep. But, great tips on invites and decorations.

Pretty cute but needs more...
Although I had read the other reviews before I bought this book (and therefore knew there were no pictures) I was still a little disappointed to see how plain it was.I love the way the author writes and it makes it a much more entertaining read than it may seem to be at first.Directions for a holiday martini which include "shake it like Santa knows you've been bad" had me laughing out loud and picturing how to throw my own holiday bash.I also appreciate the section which tells where you can find many of the items she refers to throughout the book. Overall, the book is a great starting point on how to be prepared for guests at any time...just add your own personal touches and you'll be ready to go! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Consumer Health    3. Cookery    4. Cooking    5. Entertaining    6. Entertaining - General    7. Home Economics (Specific Aspects)    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    9. Tablesetting    10. Cooking / Entertaining    11. Etiquette & entertaining    12. General cookery    13. USA   

Reviews (4)

Mama Dip's Family Cookbook
As in the first book, this also is fun reading and even more fun making the recipes.Definitely recommend this for you all if you want to make things like your mom or grandmom did!

"EXCELLENT"
Excellent as every recipe mama dip hasprovided for us. love her cookbooks and her recipes.

A superb cookbook for creating meals and festive trays with down-home Southern flavor
A follow-up to the popular "Mama Dip's Family Kitchen," Mama Dip's Family Cookbook is a treasury of more than three hundred recipes for savory, homestyle Southern cooking, from traditional meals to festive party foods and dishes ideal for community gatherings. An introductory essay by author Mildred "Mama Dip" Council, winner of the 2004 North Carolina Restaurant Association Neighbor Award for her role in Chapel Hill's annual community dinner, offers memories of her early life and her experiences as her exceptional cooking style became increasingly well-known and appreciated. Taste-tested dishes such as Spoon Bread, Chicken Noodle Pie, Apple-Nut Squares, Candied Carrots are presented with easy-to- follow instructions. Mama Dip's Family Cookbook is a superb cookbook for creating meals and festive trays with down-home Southern flavor.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery, American    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Mama Dip's Country Kitchen (Restaurant)    6. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States    7. Central Southern states    8. Cooking / General    9. National & regional cuisine    10. family cooking; community suppers; community celebrations; Mildred Council; southern food; North Carolina; baking; desserts; setting up a banquet table   

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining - General    6. General    7. Holiday - General    8. Holiday cookery    9. Cooking / General