Stars: ****
Maple Heights Press (2008)
172 pages
Cooking/Entertaining
Summary: Handy guide to hosting your own parties and get-togethers complete with menus, step by step instructions, practical advice and party etiquette, ideas for music, activities, drinks and full colour photographs of some of the foods.
I don’t really host parties at my house very often. However it was decided that I would be hosting Thanksgiving and Easter at my house from now on and we do a monthly games night which rotates from house to house. The few times I have hosted a meal, I’m still running around prepping when people arrive, a part of the meal doesn’t go well or I forgot something important. This is because I don’t plan or start early enough in advance. This book will help me with the net event I host.
The menus themselves weren’t really helpful to me only because our family is picky I guess as we won’t eat most of the foods given. However I would be able to pick my own menu and figure out what things could be made ahead and what timeline to use. If you are new to following recipes and cooking on a timeline, you might have trouble with this, but then again, you might be okay with the menu. The foods aren’t very strange or anything. Let me show you what I mean:
- Coconut Salmon (we don’t eat fish – there are a few seafood meals)
- Baked Potatoes with Blue Cheese Dressing (won’t eat Blue Cheese but could easily substitute)
- Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan (for romantic dinner with two, but hubby won’t eat Broccoli and I don’t like Lemon flavoring)
However there are some I can’t wait to try too:
- Gourmet Burger Bar
- Pinto Beans with Bacon
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Cheddar Hash Brown Gratin
I really appreciate the advice and layout of what to do when (2 days ahead, 1 day ahead, 2 hours ahead etc….)
I wish there was an Easter one in the book. The website though has more tips, hints, recipes and menus including an Easter menu.
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About Kathleen
