Hump Day Horizons: Entertaining
Having people over, and cooking for them, is a great joy in my life. There is nothing quite like the high I get when people obviously are enjoying a party at my house or some dish I’ve created. I’m not talking about them saying “this is good,” but rather the inadvertent “mmm’s” and hearty laughter that lingers during happy times.
If you love entertaining as much as I do, these books should catch your interest too. From down home southern cooking to perfect plate creation, there’s a good deal of variety on the horizon in this category.
White Trash Gatherings: From Scratch Cooking for Down-Home Entertaining
by Kendra Bailey Morris – Ten Speed Press/$19.95
I admit it, the name piqued my interest. Reading a little about it, left me curious about the down home southern recipes and the merits of entertaining the white trash way.
According to the publisher, “Bubbling over with treasured family recipes, entertaining ideas, and crafty décor suggestions, White Trash Gatherings has the perfect dish for every occasion, whether it’s potlucking, just havin’ ‘em ovah, headin’ home for the holidays, or creating a holy gatherin’ from scratch.”
This book is due out in September.
Nell Hill’s Entertaining in Style: Inspiring Parties and Seasonal Celebrations
by Mary Carol Garrity - Andrews McMeel/$29.95
Apparently Nell Hill’s is a landmark in the decorating world. According to descriptions I’ve read, this book is organized by season and gives readers everything from tabletop arrangements to recipes so that you can create a memorable celebration.
This book is due out in September.
Two of Us…and Friends: A Young Couple’s Guide to Entertaining (Easily, Affordably) with Wit and Style
by Jessie Carry Saunders - Avalon/$27.50
This book sounds really cute. It would be a great gift for a young couple who are just starting to live together because it’s geared toward entertaining (and decorating and cooking) on a budget for other couples (they use a 2-4-6-8 people arrangement and offer help on how to expand or contract each menu for more or less people).
This book is due out in September.
Working the Plate: The Art of Food Presentation
by Christopher Styler - John Wiley & Sons/$40.00
Add this to the list of things that fascinates me: plating food. My husband draws great amusement from the fact that our ridiculously expensive 8 megapixel camera gets it’s primary use from me photographing food. Divided into styles of plating like minimalist and artistic, this book has photos illustrating how the plating is done along with essays explaining it all.
How cool would it be to serve your guests with a masterfully arranged plate?
This book is due out in October.
