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 The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook: Secrets from the East Hampton Specialty Food Store for Simple Food and Party Platters You Can Make at Home
ASIN: 0609602195
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Simple and Delicious!
Comments: This is not your ordinary cookbook. It is a visual feast for all your senses. The photographs are stunning, the recipes are simple to understand, and the tips are actually very helpful. Ina Garten expertly walks you through preparation to presentation, and injects personal anecdotes throughout. I was left with the impression that she truly wants her readers to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of a great meal.
The book begins with an introduction to fresh ingredients and again, the emphasis is on quality and simplicity. Ina guides us through a farmer's market of fresh fruits and vegetables, explaining what to look for and how to select the very best ingredients for our meals. In the midst of this primer, she delivers a simple recipe for fresh lemonade (a quick application of what we have just learned!), followed by a glossary of kitchen terms, and all accompanied by beautiful photographs. The first section is devoted to appetizers, and includes detailed instructions on what to serve at cocktail parties (and exactly how to serve it) and how to make and present an elegant, yet simple fruit and cheese platter. My favorite recipe from this section was the vegetable sushi. She then covers Soups (including home made croutons), Salads (the French Potato is tremendous!), Dinner Entrees (including a kitchen clambake and the famous Indonesian Ginger Chicken recipe), Vegetables (with instructions on creating a stunning vegetable platter), Desserts (the country dessert platter is perfect for small groups get-togethers!) and a section simply entitled "Breakfast" with a wonderful recipe for White Hot Chocolate and a short primer on how to make "the perfect cup of coffee". The book ends with details for assembling party food and has a complete resource section loaded with information on how to find specialty items.
I own many cookbooks, but I have found this to be the most inspiring and entertaining that I have read. The recipes are simple, and quite delicious, making this a terrific resource for both the experienced and novice cook.
5 Stars. Magnificent!
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 Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun
ASIN: 0609606441
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: She's done it again!
Comments: She's done it again! This is a beautiful book just as her first one was. I've cooked nearly every recipe in the first Barefoot Contessa cookbook and all of them work! They're delicious. The kind of recipes that you cook for years and years and not just because it looks interesting. I ran out to the bookstore yesterday and bought this book and the recipes look fabulous. Her commentaries are also entertaining to read and helpful. And, I can't believe it, but she included a recipe for a lemon cake in this new book that I noticed in one of the pictures from her first cookbook. I was positive that it wasn't worth chasing after when I saw the picture but it was such a treat to find it in this new one. It'll be the first thing I try!
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 A Passion for Parties: Your Guide to Elegant Entertaining
ASIN: 0743202287
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: What An Easy To Follow Book!
Comments: I was given a Passion for Parties as a gift and thought it was great. It has really beautiful color photos and the instructions are actually easy to follow. I like that Tutera outlines every aspect of throwing a party, outside of the obvious (like the food) he also discusses the importance of the invitations, the lighting and the music. This book is really helpful because I feel his "Tutera tips" are all very do-able. Since I have now given this book to all of my girlfriends, I would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes to have gatherings or throw parties.
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 Make Some Noise - Over 101 Great Things to do at a Club, Bar or Party
ASIN: 1929554028
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Wild, crazy, FUN!
Comments: I got tired of bikini contests, but it's really difficult to constantly think of new and fun things to do with people. So I did some homework and --tadah!-- I found this crazy book! In the past 4 months, I have worked non-stop and have enjoyed quite a success, due in part to inspiration and general kooky behavior described in this book! I now own TWO copies of "Make Some Noise", one which I carry with me to all gigs, and one that I leave at the club, and they're both well loved and dog eared. This book has been a source of ideas for mayhem and merriness for me, and I would like to keep on keeping on! I am anxiously awaiting the sequel... HIGHLY recommend this fun book to anyone in the entertainment business, whether you're a DJ, band, bar manager, or party planner. You won't be disappointed!
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 At Home Entertaining: The Art of Hosting a Party With Style and Panache
ASIN: 1581823061
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Jorj Mrogan has done it again!
Comments: Kudos to Jorj Morgan, she has done it again! In the logical and splendid follow-up to "At Home in the Kitchen," she captures the essence of entertaining in your home. From an intimate dinner for two to a house warming party for 100, Jorj guides the reader, whether a seasoned hostess or novice through the party planning process. Her tips on everything from the recipe to details such as decor are not only marvelous, but are realstic as well. It is refreshing to read a book on entertaining that does not talk down to the reader or expect us to have a bee hive in our backyard from which to extract the honey needed for a recipe! It is well researched and written. I am convinced that if Jorj doesn't know something about throwing a party, she could make it up in a pinch and it would be perfect! In these times when we just want to stay home and be with friends, this is the perfect primer!
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 Be My Guest: Theme Party Savoir-Faire
ASIN: 2843233453
Customer's Rating: 4
Summary: I'd be a guest anytime!
Comments: I LOVED this - although I've been to some great parties here in the city, I'd adore to make it to some of these parties. I thought the ideas for creating your own event were great and in fact, read a story on the front of the New York Times Styles section on Sunday about someone who did follow her suggestions and had the best party - despite initial reservations about it being worth the effort! The photograpy is great - it's Jessica Craig Martin's style - she pokes her camera at people - it's not supposed to be perfect - but more snapped on the go. I think this book makes a great gift - I'm also planning my Valentine's day party now!
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 Great Games for Great Parties: How to Throw a Perfect Party
ASIN: 0806983191
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: The greatest "handbook" for non-game-players!
Comments: If you've always thought party games were silly, this book is for you. Adult games both fun and challenging, guaranteed to get your guests laughing and talking, and lots of basic step-by-step party-planning ideas that will help novices and pros alike to throw the most popular parties. The chapter on party themes is a great place to start and is bound to spark a few ideas of your own. With this book in hand, you'll never be afraid to throw a party again!
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 The Dinner Party Cookbook: Menus, Recipes, and Decorating Ideas for 21 Theme Parties
ASIN: 067131727X
Customer's Rating: 4
Summary: Easy And Delicious Ideas For Your Own Perfect Dinner Party!
Comments: Karen Brown's third cookbook is a winner, with 21 themed and ethnic special events, from Superbowl Parties, Romance Dinners for Two, Academy Award Dinners, Backyard Barbecues to Italian Feats and New Orleans-style cuisine.
The recipes are simple for the most part, and usually feature easily obtainable ingredients. Each recipe features numbered steps which are not difficult for the cook with even average cooking skills.
Some of the delectable recipes include Pesto Cheesecake, Butternut Squash Soup, Potato and Vegetable Salad, Spareribs, Watermelon Sorbet, Caramel Brownies and the easiest Chocolate Truffle recipe I've ever seen!
Along with recipes, the author gives clever ideas for invitations, place settings, centerpieces and other decorating ideas, as well as recommended beverages and even the sort of music that would work best with your own special bash.
This light-hearted, yet elegant cookbook is highly recommended, and the glossy stain-resistant cover of this over-sized softbound book is likewise appreciated, as one of the little details that will having you "wow" lucky guests with your own special events.
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 The Best Wedding Shower Book: A Complete Guide for Party Planners
ASIN: 0671318241
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Great for beginners
Comments: When my sister announced that she's getting married, I announced that I'd love to throw her a shower. I'd never thrown a wedding shower before, and I needed to find something to help me plan one--fast! I was pleased with Ms. Cooke's "Best Baby Shower Book" that I'd bought to plan my friend's baby shower a couple of months before, so I thought I'd try her again. I wasn't disappointed. This book offers instructions and tips for throwing fun parties in a straight-forward way, and none of the parties seemed overwhelming to plan or impossible to pull off. The theme I chose was fun to plan, and the party was a blast. This book is a new edition, and it seems as if the problems with the previous edition mentioned in the previous review were addressed.
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 The Art of the Cocktail Party: The Complete Guide to Sophisticated Entertaining
ASIN: 0452272351
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Excellent entertaining ideas
Comments: I don't know about any of you, but my social inadequacies come up when I have people over to entertain. This book was very helpful to me and humorously written. The recipes are varied and good. I especially loved the "Mango Lime Dipping Sauce" and the "Coconut Shrimp" combo. I have recommended this to friends as well as presenting it as a housewarming gift on many occasions. Enjoy !
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 Complete Idiot's Guide to Throwing a Great Party
ASIN: 002863974X
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Fabulous resource to make any party sensational and easy
Comments: I was very impressed with the numerous party themes and quantity of ideas for each theme. This is planning made easy and I recommend this book to all hosts and hostess -- whether this is your first party or you have been throwing parties for years, this book is perfect for different ideas, more ideas to enhance been-around themes with easy to follow directions, everything to make a party memorable! Great resource for any organization (church, Scouts, philanthropic, etc.) planning social and fundraising events. I have been a professional party planner (family and corporate) for years and love this book! I recommend it highly as one of the best on the market and I personally give these books as gifts.
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 The Best Bachelorette Party Book: A Complete Guide for Party Planners
ASIN: 0671318195
Customer's Rating: 4
Summary: Who's ready to Party?
Comments: A lot of good ideas, many drink recipes and decorating ideas. If it hadn't been for this book, I don't know how my best friends bachelorette party would have turned out. Highly recomend it, many, many recipes.
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 The Best Bridal Shower Party Game Book: Entertaining Games and Activities With Duplicate Game Sheets for Eight People
ASIN: 0671574965
Customer's Rating: 2
Summary: Not for a younger crowd
Comments: This is a book that only contains game sheets, no writing or suggestions. The games are for a mostly older crowd. I'm 21, and most of the games involve questions that if you haven't been around long enough could not be very easy for example One game called famous couples your supposed to write in names of partner some people listed: George burns, Napoleon Bonaparte, Laura Ingalls. Some good Ideas for games but not for a younger group of people. I think I will only use one game out of the 8 listed.
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 Event Planning : The Ultimate Guide to Successful Meetings, Corporate Events, Fundraising Galas, Conferences, Conventions, Incentives and Other Special Events
ASIN: 0471644129
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Live and Learn
Comments: As a spokesperson for a national woman's interest group, I now understand why taking my potential contributors to a gentlemen's club might have been a faux pas.
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 Complete Idiot's Guide to Meeting and Event Planning
ASIN: 0028640047
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Absolutely necessary for starters
Comments: I think this is the best guide for event and meeting planners. there is a lot of source references (especially internet sources available for professional event planners or prospective event planners) It is fun and easy to follow. Everything is clearly explained. There is not too many jargon words used.
I am yet in the middle of the book and I can't wait to see the later parts of it. I am getting all the necessary information I need.
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 The Business of Event Planning: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of Successful Special Events
ASIN: 047083188X
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Planning for Planners
Comments: With a strong endorsement from Susan Fenner Ph.D, Manager, Education and Professional Development, International Association of Administrative Professionals, Allen strives to teach the how-tos of planning special events. This incredibly detailed profession has been known to send any number of otherwise level-headed individuals screaming and dashing for the exits.
Yet, with Allen's assistance and Levine's Guerrilla PR: Wired, which explains the promotions side of events, both a newcomer and an experienced professional can benefit from this book.
Well-written, this book may save many a person from high blood pressure.
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 Advance Coordination Manual (aka AC Manual)
ASIN: 1887926003
Customer's Rating: 2
Summary: Not was I was looking for
Comments: I was looking for a book that could help me set up parades, festivals and meetings. Adavance Coordination Manual focused a lot on stage set up-breakdown and contracts. This book was not very helpful for me. I'm sure it could offer direction for those planning very large events.
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 Event Risk Management and Safety
ASIN: 0471401684
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Spectacular
Comments: The information in this book is priceless. It gives a good idea of some of the mishaps that might happen at events and it gives helpful tips on avoiding disasters. Very informative too.
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 Book Promotion Made Easy: Event Planning, Presentation Skills and Product Marketing
ASIN: 1890158089
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Eric Gelb - Author Comments
Comments: This book is designed to help you make more money at book signings, autograph parties, seminars, workshops and events -- basically anywhere you make a presentation. This guide is a hands on how-to, filled with practical, step-by-step strategies and tactics to increase your profits. You'll learn how to select the right events, plan and deliver more effective presentations and prepare for your event. Youwill learn how to weave your book into your presentation in order to pique the audience's curiousity and get them to buy.
I have been an author and promoter for 10+ years. This book is based on my personal experience. As a matter of fact, I actually do the stuff in this book - no kidding. Some of the tactics will help you avoid the blunders and missteps I made in my early days as a presenter and marketer. My experience ranges from appearing on over 100 radio and TV shows across the US and having made sales calls to 150+ Fortune 1000 companies. Good luck and make more money selling your books, products and services.
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 Bravo! Event Resource Guide
ASIN: 1891492055
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Great Resource
Comments: I have used Bravo's event resource guide for the past 4 years and find it to be the best resource for finding venues and vendors to work with. I always begin with this book.
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 Simplify Entertaining (Simpler Life Series)
ASIN: 0762100648
Customer's Rating: 4
Summary: This is a great book for learning how to entertain simply.
Comments: I love this book it has great pictures and tons of ideas. Not a lot of pictures but enough to help you to use and create more ideas. It is simply written, very organized. It also has a step by step "Checklists and Resources" in the last chapter for you to fill in. Thanks Ladies for this book.
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