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When Tim Laird travels across the country and around the gl ... Read more

When Tim Laird travels across the country and around the globe teaching classes and seminars on entertaining, the question he is most often asked is, "Why don't you have a book on entertaining?" Well, finally, here it is—Tim's lavishly illustrated, easy-to-follow guide to hosting 17 different entertainment occasions throughout the year: Tapas Night • Fondue • The Big Game • Valentine's Day • St. Patrick's Day • Game Night • Derby Party • Brunch • Pizza Party • Fourth of July • Party-to-Go • Tailgating • Wine & Cheese Party • Steakhouse at Home • Thanksgiving • Holiday • New Year's Eve That's Entertaining! contains over 300 pages of Tim Laird's tantalizing menus and creative cocktails, sumptuously showcased through the eyes of one of America's most widely acclaimed photographers, Dan Dry. Tim shares with readers his imaginative ideas for creating simple yet show-stopping occasions that can wow guests and make even beginners look like seasoned hosts. Whether you are hosting a family Thanksgiving or a Big Game Party, celebrating the Fourth of July or St. Patrick's Day, planning an intimate party for two or a Tapas Night for twenty, Tim's simple secrets for creating memory-making occasions make entertaining with flair look so easy that you will be inspired to invite your friends over for a fun, festive event. Believing that hosts should have as much fun at their parties as their guests and that "Entertaining should never be intimidating," Tim guides us step-by-step through each occasion in the book, providing timelines to follow along the way: How to choose a theme; How to develop a menu; How to create a grocery list; How to shop for supplies; and How to present and execute each event like a pro. Tim's complete and easy guide to hosting simple but spectacular events throughout the year is just what every host needs to get inspired, get organized and to feel confident about entertaining at home. Now, That's Entertaining! About the Author: TIM LAIRD – America's C.E.O. (Chief Entertaining Officer) – is an authority on wines and spirits with more than 20 years experience in the hospitality industry. A connoisseur of fine wines, spirits and champagnes, Tim is also a gourmet chef and a master at entertaining and execution. He makes hundreds of appearances every year on radio and television programs and has appeared on The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, The Tonight Show, and the CNBC and FOX networks. Tim also hosts two weekly television shows in his home-state of Kentucky—Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs and Secrets of Louisville Chefs Live—and he is a featured columnist for Louisville's Food & Dining magazine. In his role as Chief Entertaining Officer of Brown-Forman, a major producer of fine wines and spirits in Louisville, Kentucky, Tim enjoys teaching audiences around the world how to make entertaining fun and easy, and how to make delicious cocktails. Tim has had a love for entertaining ever since he was a child. He and his wife Lori host over 50 parties a year and enjoy gathering friends and family to share good food, festive drinks and great conversation. Minimize

Written for everyone who loves and is simultaneously driven ... Read more

Written for everyone who loves and is simultaneously driven crazy by the holiday season, Christmas: A Candid History provides an enlightening, entertaining perspective on how the annual Yuletide celebration got to be what it is today. In a fascinating, concise tour through history, the book tells the story of Christmas--from its pre-Christian roots, through the birth of Jesus, to the holiday's spread across Europe into the Americas and beyond, and to its mind-boggling transformation through modern consumerism. Packed with intriguing stories, based on research into myriad sources, full of insights, the book explores the historical origins of traditions including Santa, the reindeer, gift giving, the Christmas tree, Christmas songs and movies, and more. The book also offers some provocative ideas for reclaiming the joy and meaning of this beloved, yet often frustrating, season amid the pressures of our fast-paced consumer culture. DID YOU KNOWFor three centuries Christians did not celebrate Christmas? Puritans in England and New England made Christmas observances illegal? St. Nicholas is an elf in the famous poem "The Night Before Christmas"? President Franklin Roosevelt changed the dateof Thanksgiving in order to lengthen the Christmas shopping season? Coca-Cola helped fashion Santa Claus's look in an advertising campaign? Minimize

The zombie apocalypse can really put a downer on your holid ... Read more

The zombie apocalypse can really put a downer on your holiday... 38 holiday-themed zombie stories from new and established authors including Night of the Living Dead co-writer, John Russo, Tony Burgess, Shaun Jeffrey, Rod Glenn, Ian McKinnon, Matt Hilton, David Dunwoody, Wayne Simmons, Bowie V Ibarra, Joe McKinney, Remy Porter, A P Fuchs and Eric S Brown. Over 500 pages crammed full of flesh-eating horror and dark humour from the cream of UK, US and Canadian talent. Theme parks, serial killers, seaside resorts, Christmas, Thanksgiving and fishing trips. You'll scream, you'll laugh and you might even shed a tear... Holiday zombie horror has never been so entertaining. Minimize

Bite by Bite: 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for An ... Read more

Bite by Bite: 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party Callahan invented high-end party food as we know it; now, he shares his secrets. Callahan invites readers to enter his world of whimsy and wit, where tuna tartare becomes an ice cream cone, shrimp cocktail becomes lollipops, and frites are served next to mini sliders. Mr. Boston Holiday Cocktails "Mr. Boston: Holiday Cocktails" contains the perfect drink for entertaining in every season--from hot winter toddies to festive, refreshing punches. Minimize

Truly great parties cast a powerful spell. They delight the ... Read more

Truly great parties cast a powerful spell. They delight the senses, lift the spirit, and enchant their hosts as well as their guests. No one wants them to end, and in fact they never do, as the best ones live on as cherished memories. But how exactly do you produce one of these magical gatherings? The first thing you do is consult David Tutera's "A Passion for Parties." One of the world's premier event planners, Tutera produces extraordinary parties for such disparate luminaries as the Rolling Stones, Tipper Gore, and the Prince of Wales. Now, in this lavishly illustrated entertaining guide, he reveals his trade secrets and helps you stage your own unforgettable event.As inspiring as it is informative, "A Passion for Parties" is a comprehensive guide to planning any kind of party, on any size budget. Tutera begins with the basics: how to find a location; select the invitation; choose a theme; and make decisions about menus, table settings, music, lighting, flowers, and decor. Then he shows you how to apply those basics to a variety of events: intimate gatherings, birthday parties, weddings, formal celebrations, and holiday entertaining. For the major events, he guides you through the technical details -- what to know if hiring a caterer, live band, valet parking, or tenting service -- and pulls in specialists like wedding cake expert Sylvia Weinstock and culinary master Wolfgang Puck.Best of all, Tutera identifies the key elements of all parties, large or small, and offers a dazzling array of possibilities to make each party special. Throughout the book you will find dazzling photographs that bring all of his ideas to life. So whether you are planning a romantic fireplace picnic, a ladies' breakfast, a tented bat mitzvah bash, a New Year's dinner party, a Memorial Day clambake, or the wedding to end all weddings, David Tutera helps you throw the party with your own personal flair.As lighthearted as it is invaluable, David Tutera's "A Passion for Parties" is sure to become your party bible. Minimize

Thomas Dekker's The Shoemaker's Holiday is one of the most ... Read more

Thomas Dekker's The Shoemaker's Holiday is one of the most popular of Elizabethan plays--entertaining, racy and vivid in its characterization. Revealing a vital portrait of Elizabethan London and the interaction of social classes within the city, its social commentary is on the whole optimistic, though darker tones are discernible. The play has had a lively history of performance on both the professional and amateur stage. Minimize

The timeless and collectible classic on entertaining-at las ... Read more

The timeless and collectible classic on entertaining-at last back in print!Dorothy Draper (1889-1969), like her contemporaries Diana Vreeland and Elsie de Wolfe, became an icon of stylish living through her interior decorating and many books. Originally published in 1941, Entertaining Is Fun! is one of Draper's most delightful creations, hailed in the original flap copy of the book as "neither a cookbook nor a book of etiquette, but a vivacious and inspiring book on home entertaining." With its charming retro package, this book teaches you how to host the most fabulous dinner parties, holiday meals, and weddings, and also makes a great gift! Minimize

Family holidays can often be a headache to plan, and feel m ... Read more

Family holidays can often be a headache to plan, and feel more like hard work for parents than time to relax. 1000 Great Places to Travel with Kids in Australia offers a wealth of suggestions to keep kids entertained (and parents happy), including over 100 free attractions to visit. Divided into state chapters, author Anna Ciddor has carefully highlighted the best kid-friendly activities, events, eateries and accommodation options for each capital city, as well as the best regional destinations all year-round. She's also come up with fantastic 'Kids Quests' that will hold kids' attention for more than 5 minutes. And with information on travelling with toddlers, young children and 'tweens', every family will find this a lifesaver on road trips. Insider tips for parents, such as buying your tickets online to avoid queueing on the day with restless kids. Must-see attractions. Fabulous facts that will interest both parents and children. Recommendations on attractions for different age groups. Free, budget, mid-range as well as high-cost experiences. Kids Quests to keep your kids entertained (with answers for parents at the back of the book). Black and white images, and illustrations drawn by the author. Minimize

Deeply rooted in ancient rituals, the seasonal rhythms of t ... Read more

Deeply rooted in ancient rituals, the seasonal rhythms of the land of Israel, and biblical commandments, the Jewish holidays mark a time for Jews around the world to reconnect with their spiritual lives, celebrate their history, and enjoy tasty foods laden with symbolic meaning. With Phyllis and Miriyam Glazer's The Essential Book of Jewish Festival Cooking as your guide, you will gain a rich understanding of the Jewish calendar year and its profound link to the signs of nature and the produce of the earth in each season. This landmark volume addresses a central question often left unanswered: Why do we eat what we eat on these important days? Organized by season, the ten chapters cover the major holidays and feast days of the Jewish year, providing more than two hundred tempting recipes, plus menus and tips for creative and meaningful holiday entertaining. In-depth essays opening each chapter illuminate the origins, traditions, and seasonal and biblical significance of each holiday and its foods, making the book a valuable resource for Jewish festival observance. Inspired recipes add a fresh, contemporary twist as they capture the flavors of the seasonal foods enjoyed by our ancestors. For Passover, prepare such springtime delights as Roasted Salmon with Marinated Fennel and Thyme, alongside Braised "Bitter Herbs" with Pistachios. On Shavuot, characterized by the season's traditional bounty of milk and the wheat harvest, try fresh homemade cheeses; creamy, comforting Blintzes; or luscious Hot and Bubbling Semolina and Sage Gnocchi. At Purim, create a Persian feast fit for a king and learn new ideas for mishloah manot, the traditional gifts of food. The Essential Book of Jewish Festival Cooking offers accessible, healthful, and intensely flavorful recipes with a unique and tangible connection to the rhythms of the Jewish year. The Glazer sisters will deepen your understanding of time-honored traditions as they guide you toward more profound, and delicious, holiday experiences. Minimize

Daisy Martinez offers up a mix of traditional and modern La ... Read more

Daisy Martinez offers up a mix of traditional and modern Latin American cuisine to turn every celebration meal into an unforgettable experience.9781439801390 A distillation of decades of published research, this book is a primer on age-related changes in cognition, perception, and behavior organized into meaningful principles that improve understanding. It explores the complex set of mental and physical changes that occur during aging and that can affect technology acceptance, adoption, interaction, sa Minimize

You don't have to be professional chef or nervous wreck to ... Read more

You don't have to be professional chef or nervous wreck to host great casual at-home entertaining. You will have all of your questions answered, from what to serve to what to do. Even if you have never entertained in your life, you can have a terrific time putting together a superb celebration. Included are 13 delicious complete menus with easy-to-follow recipes, full color photographs, ideas for music, activities and drinks. Checklists ease readers step-by-step through every phase of planning, preparation, and presentation. You will gain confidence and have a terrific time putting together successful celebrations. Occasions include: My First Cocktail Party, Family Fiesta, Dinner with Close Friends, Guys Night Out, My First Thanksgiving and more! Minimize

Christmas just isn't Christmas without Christmas on TV. Whe ... Read more

Christmas just isn't Christmas without Christmas on TV. Whether it's the made-for-television specials of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, a M*A*S*H* Christmas in Korea, Kramer playing Santa on Seinfeld, or the annual holiday disaster on The Simpsons or South Park, television's many representations of this beloved holiday have become as essential a part of our holiday season as lights, gifts, or mistletoe. In this entertaining chronicle of television and the Christmas season, former Television Critics Association President Diane Werts weaves discussion of the many programs that have appeared during the holiday season throughout the years with interviews with writers, producers, and stars. Not only are readers given a chance to re-live their favorite holiday moments on TV, but also to gain illuminating cultural insights into the increasingly strong bond that unites these two American traditions.Diane Werts's book is the first to cover the entire history of the depiction of Christmas on television, and includes a discussion of programs that celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the winter solstice. An introductory overview helps readers to understand the basis on which television's success with the holidays is based, and chronological chapters go on to consider the many different ways in which the season has been celebrated in variety shows, sitcoms, specials, and dramas of the past six decades. Minimize

Packed with over 125 festive recipes, inspirational styling ... Read more

Packed with over 125 festive recipes, inspirational styling ideas, helpful information on planning and decorating, and stunning lifestyle photography, Williams-Sonoma Holiday Entertaining offers a fresh approach to celebrating the season. With a family-friendly focus, this 288-page guide inspires you to entertain during the holidays, with advice on how to plan, what to serve, and ways to make your celebration--and table--memorable. The book begins with a comprehensive and visually rich section on planning and decorating for the holidays. Sixteen suggested menus offer a full range of occasions for winter entertaining, from a holiday brunch or cocktail party to a fireside fondue party. Next, there are three occasion-driven chapters dedicated to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year`s. Each chapter illustrates a celebration and includes a detailed planning spread, a how-to idea for a centerpiece, plus additional inspirations for seasonal style, such as ways to make holiday place settings special and how to decorate with candles. The recipes are organized into eight chapters: drinks, hors d`oeuvres, soups & salads, mains, sides, desserts, breakfasts, and gifts from the kitchen. Recipes include contemporary twists on favorite classics, such as Roast Turkey with Sage Stuffing, Gingered Cranberries, and Pumpkin Pie with Walnut Crust. There are also seasonally themed specialties, like a Mojito Peppermint Fizz, Fresh Cracked Crab with Chili Dipping Sauce, and Blood Orange Granita. Features Everything you need to plan memorable holiday gatherings in a single, inspiring volume More than 125 kitchen-tested recipes give holiday classics a modern twist Full-color photographs and easy-to-follow preparation and cooking instructions Includes creative gourmet holiday gifts from the kitchen Sidebars throughout offer tips and ideas for successful party planning Minimize

One of America's most critically acclaimed storytellers, Da ... Read more

One of America's most critically acclaimed storytellers, David Baldacci has enthralled millions of readers with his popular novels. Now in a special new gift edition, here is Baldacci's beloved holiday classic-a work that showcases his remarkable versatility as he brings us a uniquely entertaining tale...the christmas train Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to L.A. in time for Christmas. Forced to take the train across the country because of a slight "misunderstanding" at airport security, he begins a journey of self-discovery and rude awakenings, mysterious goings-on and thrilling adventures, screwball escapades and holiday magic. He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart, as he rediscovers people's essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost. Equal parts hilarious, poignant, suspenseful, and thrilling. David Baldacci's THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN is filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief...and shows how we do get second chances to fulfill our deepest hopes and dreams, especially during this season of miracles. Minimize

You don't have to be professional chef or nervous wreck to ... Read more

You don't have to be professional chef or nervous wreck to host great casual at-home entertaining. You will have all of your questions answered, from what to serve to what to do. Even if you have never entertained in your life, you can have a terrific time putting together a superb celebration. Included are 13 delicious complete menus with easy-to-follow recipes, full color photographs, ideas for music, activities and drinks. Checklists ease readers step-by-step through every phase of planning, preparation, and presentation. You will gain confidence and have a terrific time putting together successful celebrations. Occasions include: My First Cocktail Party, Family Fiesta, Dinner with Close Friends, Guys Night Out, My First Thanksgiving and more! Minimize

Warm Glass - Plates & Platters, contains twenty-one fun new ... Read more

Warm Glass - Plates & Platters, contains twenty-one fun new fusing projects for dazzling art pieces that are perfect for gifts, display and entertaining! Popular Montana glass artist, Dione Roberts, has designed a variety of plates and platters for fusers of all skill levels. Create festive holidays decorations, fun free-form fish, exotic bamboo platters and other favorites such as hearts, chilis, dragonflies and geometrics. Learn how to make a unique fused plate using glass "on edge" or how to "bubble fuse." Included are complete instructions, including firing schedules and size suggestions. Pick up this book and fire up the kiln to make some dazzling art glass pieces for your home and business. Looking for unique holiday gifts? There nothing nicer than a hand-crafted piece of art glass! Please note: Basic knowledge of glass fusing and a kiln are necessary to complete the projects in this book. Minimize

It's Christmastime at the Best Little Bakery in TexasThe an ... Read more

It's Christmastime at the Best Little Bakery in TexasThe annual Fredericksburg Christmas parade marks the beginning of the Texas Hill Country's holiday season, which means the Pastry Queen is kicking into high gear at her Rather Sweet Bakery and Café. As party invitations pile up in the mailbox, Rebecca Rather is up to her elbows in sticky meringue, creamy chocolate, and a sleigh full of savory treats to meet the entertaining needs of her neighbors.In The Pastry Queen Christmas, Rebecca shares nearly 100 traditional recipes reflecting her made-with-love-from-scratch philosophy and the tastes of small-town Texas. Show-off desserts such as Chocolate Cookie Crusted Eggnog Cheesecake, Sticky Toffee Pudding with Brandy Butterscotch Sauce, and Warm Pear Ginger Upside-Down Cake with Amaretto Whipped Cream are the perfect toppers to a family-style feast of Texas Spice-Rubbed Roast Pork, Baked Apple Pear Chutney, Brown Sugar Bacon, and No-Peeking Popovers. Still hungry the next morning? No problem-this country girl does an impressive breakfast, too: Bite-Sized Sticky Buns, Sweet Potato Scones, Cast-Iron Skillet Potatoes, and Mexican Ranch Chilaquiles ought to fill you up.And if you're still looking for excuses to entertain this season, you'll find ooey-gooey baked goods wrapped up as gifts, homemade craft and décor ideas to make your home sparkle, and holiday-worthy menus guaranteed to make your gathering a Texas-sized success. Tree-trimming, cookie decorating, and Santas running down Main Street . . . Christmastime is here. Minimize

Like that Biblical, astronomical star of Bethlehem, The Chr ... Read more

Like that Biblical, astronomical star of Bethlehem, The Christmas Carol Reader guides readers on their quest for information about Christmas songs. Studwell gathers a composite picture of the world's most important and famous carols and includes an ample selection of lesser-known Christmas songs. All of the carols are presented in their historical and cultural contexts which adds to readers’understanding and appreciation of the songs.As the only book that covers this elusive topic, The Christmas Carol Reader informs and entertains readers on over 200 songs of all types (sacred and secular), of all periods (Middle Ages through the 20th century), and from a number of countries and cultures. Because many of the songs in The Christmas Carol Reader fit into more than one distinct category, Studwell wisely divides the songs into two major groups--those that reflect Christmas as a Holy Day and those that celebrate Christmas as a Holiday. Here is just a sample of the breadth of coverage of songs:Sacred: From Heaven Above to Earth I Come; O Come, O Come Emmanuel; Angels From the Realms of Glory; As With Gladness Men of Old; O Holy Night (Cantique de Noël); Thou Didst Leave Thy ThroneSecular: Happy Holiday; A Holly Jolly Christmas; God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen; Silver Bells; Here Comes Santa Claus; I'll Be Home for ChristmasMedieval: Puer Natus in Bethlehem (A Boy Is Born in Bethlehem); Coventry Carol; I Sing of a Maiden; La marche des rois (The March of the Kings); In Dulci Jubilo1500--1700's: Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella; I Saw Three Ships; Carol of the Bagpipers1800's: Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful); O Little Town of Bethlehem; What Child Is This?; It Came Upon a Midnight Clear; Stille Nacht, Heiliege Nacht (Silent Night)Spirituals: Go Tell It on the Mountain; I Wonder as I Wander; Mary Had a Baby; Rise Up, Shepherd, and FollowLittle Known: O Bethlehem!; The Sleep of the Infant Jesus; Song of the Nuns of ChesterCountries and Cultures: O Tannenbaum; Lulajze Jezuniu (Polish Lullaby); Fum, Fum, Fum; Carol of the Bells; Patapan; El rorro (The Babe)As readers learn about the history and nature of the Christmas carol in general and the specific history of individual religious and secular carols, they will learn some history and nature of the holiday season which can bring more enjoyment into their celebrations for years to come.On long winter nights, The Christmas Carol Reader can be read continuously as a series of fact-based commentaries on Christmas music. For shorter periods in between holiday activities, readers can peruse one of the topical sections or select, with the aid of the title index, an individual essay of interest. As a library reference, this book can provide facts for research on Christmas songs or just provide an entertaining education for curious library patrons. Minimize

Richard heads off to Thailand on holiday- alone - and refle ... Read more

Richard heads off to Thailand on holiday- alone - and reflects on getting older over a bottle of beer and a plate of chicken satay.... Minimize

99 Ways to Entertain Your Family for Free offers a variety ... Read more

99 Ways to Entertain Your Family for Free offers a variety of opportunities to both entertain and educate family members of all ages. The major categories of free activities include “Around Town”, “Just Imagine”, “With Nature”, “Rituals and Routines”, and “Holidays”.Mack Thomas, father of five adult children, has written a score of children’s books, including bestsellers The First Step Bible and What Would Jesus Do? A winner of three ECPA Gold Medallions book awards, he lives in Oregon. Minimize

Share Wiccan traditions with friends and family! - Findi ... Read more

Share Wiccan traditions with friends and family! - Finding and Lighting the Yule Log - Imbolc Ice Candles - Ostara Painted Eggs - Dancing around the Beltane Maypole - A Festive Light Midsummer Barbecue - Lammas Harvest-Time Pillow Packet Sachets - Mabon Acorn Cookies - Skull Pinatas for Samhain - And much more Gorgeous Color Photos and Illustrations Throughout Minimize

Throwing a party—big or small, simple or extravagant—just g ... Read more

Throwing a party—big or small, simple or extravagant—just got easier. Whether you're planning your first big holiday celebration or your twentieth, you'll find this memory-making treasury an invaluable hospitality guide for all occasions.Over 350 recipes, 32 menus, and nearly 250 color photographs team up to make this the ultimate holiday entertaining guide. Take the guesswork out of meal planning with complete menus and time-saving game plans–one for every menu. Make entertaining a joy with casual-fare menus, for when you're entertaining family and close friends, and more dressed-up menus, for when you want to go all out.You'll love the make-ahead ease of the Harvest Fare menu that features Bourbon-Glazed Ham and Out-of-this-World Scalloped Potatoes. The Easygoing, Family Breakfast, with its Breakfast Pizza and Cheesy Baked Grits, will delight the entire family. Don't miss the Coffee and Chocolate Party that offers such indulgences as Mocha Fondue, in addition to tips on setting up a coffee bar. The Classic Christmas Dinner, with its entrée choice of Marinated Cornish Hens or Marinated Turkey Breast, will have you preparing this meal year-round rather than waiting for Christmas Day! You'll be ready for every Yuletide event with menus for brunches, buffets, and cocktail parties, as well as a New Year's Day feast.A full-to-overflowing "Holiday Cooking" section encompasses every food category from appetizers and beverages to main dishes and sides; there are breads, as well as cakes, pies, and candies. Treats for Early Risers gives you at-a-glance breakfast and brunch ideas, from Basic Buttery Biscuits to Bananas Foster French Toast and cute, little Mini Sausage-and-Egg Casseroles baked in coffee mugs. You'll refer again and again to Simple Supper Solutions as a year-round source for family-friendly dishes. Whether it's Fiesta Turkey Soup and Green Chili Biscuits or Spicy Coleslaw Reubens, you'll discover a treasure trove of easy weeknight meals. Convenient prep and cook times are listed with every recipe to help you plan ahead.A bonus gift section—"5 Ingredient 15 Minute Gifts From the Kitchen"—shares a dozen quick-and-easy gifts from the heart of the home. Each recipe either has just 5 ingredients or takes only 15 minutes to prepare—and some feature both. Colorful photos show simple packaging ideas, so whether it's Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix or Red-and-Green Pistachio Bark, you'll have delicious solutions to satisfy everyone on your gift list.Be sure to check out the "Holiday Entertaining Guide" for inspiring table-setting ideas, hostess tips, and a special selection of 12 year-round, all-occasion, mix-and-match menu ideas that will have you in good standing for party planning any season of the year. Minimize

Christmas Entertaining Christmas is a time for entertaini ... Read more

Christmas Entertaining Christmas is a time for entertaining, and for the host that means hours spent planning, shopping, cooking, and decorating the house. With a good guidebook in hand, the work of holiday entertaining can be one of the joys of the season. In Williams-Sonoma Christmas Entertaining, you'll discover everything you need to know to welcome guests into your home with style and ease. Organized around six festive holiday occasions, this book provides complete menus and decorating ideas, all designed to fit the way people like to entertain and spend time together today: a cozy Fireside Cocktail Party; an Italian Christmas Eve supper; a chic Christmas Eve in the City; a lavish, traditional New England Christmas; a sparkling Snow Country Breakfast; and a casual New Year's Day Open House. There are some fifty easy-to-master recipes for everything from make-ahead finger food to appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The beautiful color photography and step-by-step tyle and drink ideas make it easy to create elegant centerpieces, signature beverages, and delightful welcoming touches that transform the table and the house. helpful reference sections provide guidelines on tableware, setting up a buffet, selecting wine, and more. You can follow the detailed work plans included in each chapter to create a complete party, or mix and match recipes and ideas to assemble your menus. Either way, you'll find everything you need for hosting memorable holiday get-togethers with style and confidence. Minimize

A Taste of the Past is an entertaining reconstruction of th ... Read more

A Taste of the Past is an entertaining reconstruction of the daily life and household of Therese (Riza) Baruch (1851-1938), the great-grandmother of the author, Andras Koerner. Based on an unusually complete cache of letters, recipes, personal artifacts, and eyewitness testimony, Koerner describes in loving detail the domestic life of a nineteenth-century Hungarian Jewish woman, with special emphasis on the meals she served her family.Based on Riza's letters, part one offers an imaginative sketch of growing up in a religious middle-class family in the 1860s and 70s in an industrial town in western Hungary. Part one also describes Riza's reactions to the dilemmas posed by the early signs of Jewish assimilation. In part two, the heart of the book, Riza has married, moved to a smaller town near the Austrian border, and become the central figure of a large household. Koerner recreates a typical day in the life of Riza and her family, peppering his narrative with recipes of the food she served for breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon coffee-and-cake, and the much more modest evening meal.Riza's family was religious, and Koerner also describes the special foods (pike in sour aspic, cholent, apple-matzo kugel, and much more) she served to celebrate the Sabbath and the six major Jewish holidays. Short introductions to the recipes describe the evolution of the dishes through the centuries, their role in Jewish culture, and how cultural influences and religious traditions shaped Riza's cooking. More than 125 evocative pen-and-ink illustrations bring Riza's story and her food to life. A Taste of the Past offers an enchanting look at Jewish daily life in western Hungary in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, a time when middle-class Jews were increasingly assimilated into mainstream Hungarian life and culture. Such small-town Jewish life had completely disappeared due to the Holocaust. Koerner's book revives this lost world and invites the reader to be a guest in Riza's house to watch her caring for her family, shopping, cooking, and preparing for the holidays. By offering easy-to-follow updated versions of her recipes, the book also allows readers to savor Riza's dishes and desserts in their own kitchens, thus completing this experience of a visit to the past. Minimize

Written for everyone who loves and is simultaneously driven ... Read more

Written for everyone who loves and is simultaneously driven crazy by the holiday season, Christmas: A Candid History provides an enlightening, entertaining perspective on how the annual Yuletide celebration got to be what it is today. In a fascinating, concise tour through history, the book tells the story of Christmas--from its pre-Christian roots, through the birth of Jesus, to the holiday's spread across Europe into the Americas and beyond, and to its mind-boggling transformation through modern consumerism. Packed with intriguing stories, based on research into myriad sources, full of insights, the book explores the historical origins of traditions including Santa, the reindeer, gift giving, the Christmas tree, Christmas songs and movies, and more. The book also offers some provocative ideas for reclaiming the joy and meaning of this beloved, yet often frustrating, season amid the pressures of our fast-paced consumer culture. DID YOU KNOWFor three centuries Christians did not celebrate Christmas? Puritans in England and New England made Christmas observances illegal? St. Nicholas is an elf in the famous poem "The Night Before Christmas"? President Franklin Roosevelt changed the dateof Thanksgiving in order to lengthen the Christmas shopping season? Coca-Cola helped fashion Santa Claus's look in an advertising campaign? Minimize