Entertaining

Rating:
Summary: beautiful visuals, complete menus simplify entertaining
Review: I got this cookbook last year, and it has become one of my favorites. The menus are complex, yet not fussy, and offer a wide variety of dishes and cuisines. I especially like the sections on table settings --some fresh ideas, and appreciate the section on where to put glasses, silverware, napkins, etc. Useful to young hostesses and for those of us who need a reminder now and then. I have many cookbooks, but find myself going to this one when entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty pictures, silly suggestions
Review: Some of the recepies were enjoyable, but on the whole not particularly exciting. The book provided very little insight into the entertaining process, and even less guidence regarding the appropriate method of execution for each of the menus.

The suggested decorations, while somewhat interesting, were completely useless provided one doesn't own at least 5 sets of brightly colored tableware, or a spare 40 hours to assemble some of the decarations detailed in the book.

Rating:
Summary: Entertainer in Nashville
Review: This book is beautifully put together and offers a lot of great pictures and interesting ideas. Originally got from the library and had to buy a copy for myself. Great planning ideas too.