Art of the Cocktail Party: The Complete Guide to Sophisticated Entertaining

Leslie Brenner's book is a terrific reference book for anyone who enjoys entertaining. The book starts off with an outstanding recap of the history of cocktail parties. The author includes tidbits like the most popular drinks from certain eras. Who would have thought that the `cocktail dress' deserves it's own discussion? Like any good entertaining book, this one has loads of recipes. They cover drinks, canapés, and hors d'ovres. There are theme ideas if you want to go that route too. I was surprised over the quantity of recipes listed, 130. You could refer to this numerous times and not repeat a menu. As if the book isn't complete enough, there are also tips on the practical aspects of throwing a cocktail party. They include the types of glasses to be used, suggested garnishes to have on hand, and musical suggestions. There are few books I would consider handing out as a gift but this definitely is one. My only complaint is that it didn't have pictures. I'm being picky here and it is not a reason not buy this book. With that said, I wish you lots of fun as you plan your own cocktail party!

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 !

The minute I finished this book, I ran out and got a stack of them to give as gifts to every friend I know. I've never seen (or read) a book anything like this! It's filled with brilliant ideas for entertaining, even if the party is just you and one other. Best of all, the book is hilarious and totally fun to read. Even though I've already read it, it's like a favorite snack that I keep munching on. It's one of those books you can open at any page and find something yummy. GET IT!

Do you owe a lot of invitations to friends and associates? I sure did. Then someone gave me a copy of "The Art of the Cocktail Party" (a not-so-subtle hint!). Inspired by this book, I decided to make a dent in my long list of social obligations by giving a cocktail party.This isn't a book for reading from cover to cover. Read the first few chapters to get a sense of the history and mystique of the cocktail party. Then make your way through the rest of the book the way you would circulate at a cocktail party: check out topics that appeal to you, learn what you can from them, and move on to something else. It's all here: eats, drinks (alcoholic and non-), party themes, music, room arrangement, etc. (The drink and hors d'oeuvres recipes are useful for other types of entertaining as well, not just for "official" cocktail parties.)This handy guide, written with humor and complete with witty illustrations, offers lots of practical advice. It helped me make my debut cocktail party a huge success, and I know I'll keep coming back to it in the future. The many tips I picked up allowed me to arrive at my party feeling prepared, instead of as a nervous wreck, so that I could enjoy the evening along with my guests.

This has to be the definative work on the lounge and cocktail culture of the American 1950's. I am giving this book to all my friends and trying to revive the cocktail party as a social event. This book gives great explainations of how the famous cocktails were designed and ideas of how to customize some of the standards. All the classics are there and what is required for a genuine Cocktail Party. All the rules and regulations that were perfected over the years for those of us that are too young to remember the lounge culture, but are old enough to be more interested in conversation over drinks instead of a mosh pit. My parents enjoyed the book greatly also. If you follow the instructions in this book, even the most socially challenged will be able to host or hostess the best parties that all their friends will be jealous of. Instructions include, who to invite, how to invite, what to serve, what NOT to serve (more important) and how to get guests to leave after the party is over, in very humorous and practial ways. There are numerous 1950's style sketchs and illustrations that add to the feel of the book, and a reasonable explaination on why the rules for the cocktail party are so important. Only thing missing is a more complete listing of lounge musicians and artists. But that is easy enough to find on the net