Williams-Sonoma Entertaining: Easy Entertaining

I bought this as a gift, for freinds who love it entertain, and it was really well-received.

I originally got this book from the library, and after renewing it multiple times have decided to just buy it. It's nice to have inspiration for unfussy, yet classy entertaining ideas, because I tend to over-plan and end up exhausted and stressed before the guests arrive. Maybe the ideas in this book aren't as complex as in other Williams-Sonoma entertaining books, but I think that was the point! :-)

I LOVE this book!! I got this book for Christmas and I can't wait to begin using it. I am a newlywed and just begining to entertain in our home and this book is wonderful. Literally every single thing in it was something that my husband I would love to eat or drink and we would be proud to serve to our guests. I love that it gives a full menu for each theme down to the drink or cocktail. For us, alcohol is where the budget really starts to get excessive for us when we have people over. I love the idea of just making one of the signature cocktails and offering that for the evening and maybe beer or wine. It would definitely take our bar tab down!! There was also a large assortment of non-alcoholic beverage options that went past the typical cheezy punches made with 7-Up and are overly sweet. These were cool non-alcoholic cocktails that my guests that don't drink or have to drive that day or evening would love to have as an option. I loved that the food was all geared to be made ahead of time and required little or no attention while my guests were there. All of the recipes (except the dinner party main course section) would be fine to sit out and have people munch as they wanted to. This will definitly simplify my entertaining and I'm sure my friends and family will love it too!!