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Entertaining Simple

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Author: Matthew Mead
Publisher: Wiley
Category: Book

List Price: ~~$24.95~~
Buy New: $13.92
You Save: $11.03 (44%)

New (40) Used (9) from $13.92

Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

6 reviews
Sales Rank: 16269

Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 256
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.2
Dimensions (in): 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.9

ISBN: 0470174994
Dewey Decimal Number: 642.4
EAN: 9780470174999
ASIN: 0470174994

Publication Date: September 16, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New, Perfect Condition, Please allow 4-14 business days for delivery. 100% Money Back Guarantee, Over 1,000,000 customers served.

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com Review
In Entertaining Simple, lifestyle and entertaining guru Matthew Mead shows you how to say goodbye to party jitters and say hello to stylish, easygoing gatherings. He gives you everything you need for parties that are wonderfully simple--and simply wonderful.

Packed with beautiful color photographs, this great guide gives you innovative ideas, tasty recipes, and complete game plans for all kinds of get-togethers. To demonstrate how to put his simple entertaining ideas into practice, Matthew gives you complete plans for eight fabulous get-togethers and he provides creative serving ideas and tempting menus for each party.

Complete with source listings and savvy tips on everything from setting up a bar to storing linens, Entertaining Simple is simply indispensable if you want to impress your guests with great food and creative table settings--without spending a lot of time or money.

Photos from Chapter 3: "Make It Your Own: Personalizing the Table" (Click on Image to Enlarge)

Exclusive Recipe Excerpts from Entertaining Simple

Shrimp with Fresh Tomato Salsa

Herb-Roasted Chicken

Roasted Vegetables

Apple Coffeecake

Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...

3 out of 5 stars

entertaining intermediate? December 1, 2008
I confess ... the secret of my success in the kitchen is in the way I present the food, and I'm always on the lookout for food styling ideas.

"entertaining simple" shows different ways to use basic serving dishes, in much the same way as books on fashion illustrate different ways to accessorise a basic wardrobe. This is the idea that attracted me to the book when I first glimpsed it in the bookshop, and it was what I took out of it on a detailed read. (The recipes and shortcuts were "bonus material" for me). As other reviewers have mentioned, Mead uses only white flatware (and glass). My personal preference is to use more colour in my flatware, but I can find plenty of ideas on mixing and matching colour in the glossy mags and other books.

What I think would have been a useful addition to the book (and maybe a launch point for a sequel, or a different concept, without the recipes) is some guidance on selecting the various pieces. Mixing and matching shape and scale. Choosing between the different types of "china" on the market (buy the lightest platter you can afford if you intend to carry or offer food or other dishes on it). Other practical considerations (will the plates fit in your dishwasher or will you chain yourself to the sink after every gathering you host??).

I liked this book and am pleased it will help me find more potential in the beautiful items I have already collected.

1 out of 5 stars

It should have been titled "Entertaining Ugly" November 11, 2008
0 out of 3 found this review helpful

Too many pictures of white dishes. Nothing new in this book -- just cheap and ordinary suggestions. A dog deserves a better party than this.

5 out of 5 stars

At last! Real practical advice! October 28, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Okay, I am entertaining-impaired. I WANT to have people over, I WANT things to look and feel beautiful--but instead, I spend my whole time stressing about how to make things go better, and running around like a madwoman doing things that I should have thought of way in advance, if I'd had any sense or any organization. This book, with its beautiful photographs and its wonderful simplicity, makes me want to actually give a party! With the information here, I feel as though even I can make it work! And have fun at the same time.

5 out of 5 stars

Perfect Holiday Gift October 28, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

At this time of year, I always consider throwing a holiday get-together and then talking myself out of it. After reading "Entertaining Simple," I'm going to make it happen. The ideas are doable, fun, engaging and the photography is beautiful. This is a lovely book to use and own any time of the year.

5 out of 5 stars

Finally, a way to have fun when hosting a party! October 28, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I've spent too many parties in my own kitchen, rushing around crazily trying to make things perfect, without having any time left to talk to my guests. This wonderfully imaginative yet practical book tells me exactly how to avoid that scenario--so I can throw a beautiful party, show my friends a good time, and really enjoy myself too. I highly recommend it!

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