The Hostess Handbook

From the author of The Newlywed Table (70,000 copies in print), The Hostess Handbook offers readers 100 easy entertaining recipes, party planning advice, and curated menus to pull off the most delicious and delightful of gatherings, from an epic holiday bash to a casual get-together in the backyard, or an inspired dinner party.

What's the secret to every good party? Is it the tasty but not overly fussy food? The warmth of a good host who doesn't disappear into the kitchen halfway through the night? The beautiful tablespace or the eclectic mix of glassware? It's all of the above, and now, you don't have to sweat it because The Hostess Handbook shows how to master the art of entertaining.

Author Maria Zizka starts with the first rule of party planning (being, there are no rules!), then walks readers through some options and considerations to host guests comfortably—from serving supplies to decorating tips and strategies. The array of recipes includes snacks, sides, and salads so good they could be the whole meal, like Chicken Wings with Apricot-Honey-Chile Sauce and Toothpick Gnocchi with Oregano Breadcrumbs. Mains can be made ahead (Brisket and Harissa Buttered Carrots) and will have guests coming back for more (Potato Chip-Crust Chicken with Green Olive Relish). Plus, there are fabulous desserts fit for any type of celebration (from Gingersnap and Lemon Ice Cream Sandwiches to a Pavlova with Chamomile Cream and Citrus). Batch cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks—a Negroni Pitcher, a Sparkling Strawberry-Rhubarb Elixir—make bartending easy.

Throughout, Zizka offers expert advice to coach readers through the party-planning process, from setting the table to cleaning up the inevitable red wine spill. As a bonus, fourteen curated menus—including a pack and go picnic, a Sunday supper for the family, or a promotion party feast—take the worry of meal planning off your plate, making it even easier to get together with loved ones. After all, isn't that the whole point?