Entertaining Inspired Menus For Cooking with Family and Friends

Entertaining is an art that anyone can master with the help of a good guide. Whether you are planning a party for a crowd, or just having a few friends over for dinner, Williams-Sonoma Entertaining has everything you need to know to welcome guests to your home with style. In sixteen seasonally organized chapters, the book presents parties of every kind, from a summertime Seaside Supper to an elegant Wine-Lovers' Evening, a Traditional Christmas Dinner, and a sparkling New Year's Eve Cocktail Party. Each includes a complete menu, along with entertaining tips, decorating and style ideas, and a detailed work plan. The more than 100 contemporary, easy-to-prepare recipes are designed for people who lead busy lives, but love to enjoy great food. Dishes like Summer Vegetable Gazpacho, North African Chicken Skewers, and Roasted Asparagus and Morels with Shallot Butter showcase seasonal ingredients, using shortcuts that save time while still bringing big, satisfying flavors and festive presentations to the table. Decorating and drink ideas bring each themed menu to life: From table-settings and centerpieces, to party favors, invitations, and signature cocktails, they are presented in step-by-step photography to make them even easier. Extensive reference sections offer helpful guidelines on everything from inviting guests to organizing, shopping, selecting tableware and glassware, setting up a buffet and bar, pairing food and wine, and much more. It all adds up to a feast of inspirations that make entertaining exactly what it should be: one of life's great pleasures, for both the guests and the host.Dolese, George is the author of 'Entertaining Inspired Menus For Cooking with Family and Friends', published 2004 under ISBN 9780848727819 and ISBN 0848727819.