I love books of all kinds and have quite a collection of cookbooks. The one thing I look for in a book is useful and practical information. Sometimes I will flip through a book just to look at the pictures – but in order for me to actual purchase the book it has to have recipes or idea’s that I can actually use. That’s what I like about Plan to Party by Elizabeth Mascali and Dawn Sandomeno.
This book has plenty of gorgeous pictures to look at but it’s also long on practical advice for planning a party or casual get together (plus a few more elaborate plans). The book is packed with good stuff – from easy to follow recipes to a number of different party themes. There are also helpful checklists to follow so your party goes off without a hitch. Some of my favorite recipes included Potato Nests with Sour Cream and toppings, the Harvest Salad and the Fried Olives.
There’s a section in the book that addresses common barriers to entertaining and how to overcome them – things like time, money and stress, after all the point of having a party is for everyone to have fun (even the host). This book will take you step by step on how to host a great party, and if the book isn’t enough these two women also have a great website: www.partybluprintsblog.com full of more tips for having a successful party. The content is up to the minute. Back in March I used the website to host a March Madness Basketball themed party – the brown and orange wHOOPie pie’s were a huge hit! The next time you need inspiration or just encouragement on throwing a great party just pick up this book – problem solved!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are honest and my own.