Entertaining Simple

"Entertaining Simple is about restoring sanity to entertaining, without sacrificing style in the least. It's about creating easygoing events where the focus is on what matters: the people. After all, what's the point in having friends and family over if you can't enjoy their company?"

—Matthew Mead

There's nothing better than a relaxed get-together with friends and family. But how do you relax when you're in charge of putting the party together, making sure your décor is just right, and cooking food your guests will love? 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.

Entertaining Simple is packed with beautiful color photographs, innovative ideas, tasty recipes, and complete game plans for all kinds of get-togethers. The book starts with a rundown of entertaining essentials—the simple white tableware, clear glassware, and basic serving pieces that are a must for any party. The fun part begins when Matthew shows you how to get creative with these essentials—and add a level of casual sophistication to your parties. You'll find great ideas for using old standbys in new ways, like egg cups as bud vases or votive holders as espresso cups. You'll discover how to use printed paper doilies, stamped napkin rings, or stylish vintage flowers to create personalized place settings. And you'll learn fresh ways to add style with stickers, decals, and rubber bands.

To demonstrate how to put his simple entertaining ideas into practice, Matthew gives you complete plans for eight fabulous get-togethers, from a Lazy-Day Brunch and a Summer Barbecue to a Good Spirits Cocktail Party and a Holiday Open House. For each party, he provides inspiring photographs, creative serving ideas, and tempting menus. The 54 recipes included—Herbed Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Lobster and Avocado Salad, Herbed Goat Cheese Bites, and Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Filling, to name just a few—are as easy to make as they are tasty to eat. Your guests will love the stylish ambiance, delicious food, and relaxed atmosphere. And with lots of do-ahead tips and shortcuts using prepared foods, it's easy for you to get out of the kitchen, join the party, and have fun.

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. Best of all, with Matthew's simple entertaining tips and strategies, you'll be able to relax and enjoy the party yourself!