Dinner Party Cookbook: Menus Recipes And Decorating Ideas For 21 Theme Parties [Paperback]

Karen Lancaster Brown (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999

21 memorable dinner parties that will win rave reviews from your guests

This cookbook makes entertaining easy. The 21 special-occasion and ethnic theme dinner parties include complete menus, over 100 easy-to-follow recipes, and dozens of ideas for invitations, decorations, table settings, music, and beverages -- everything you need to have a great party, except the guest list. Inside you'll find:

* Formal Dinner, featuring Pesto Pinwheels, Salmon en Croute with Dill Sauce, Wild Rice with Pine Nuts, and Crème Brûlé;
* Happy Housewarming, featuring Spinach and Oyster Crostini, Roast Pork Loin with Cherry Relish, and Praline Cheesecake;
* Backyard Barbecue, featuring Barbecued Spareribs, Potato-Vegetable Salad, Watermelon Sorbet, and Lemon Squares;
* New Year's Eve, featuring Lobster Bisque, Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms, and Tiramisu;
* Romantic Dinner for Two, featuring Caviar with Toast Points, Cornish Hens on a Bed of Wild Rice, and Chocolate Mousse;
* Flavors of Asia, featuring Spring Rolls with Hot Mustard, Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, and Orange/Almond Salad;
* Middle Eastern Elegance, featuring Lamb Kebabs, Couscous with Eggplant, and Baklava;
* Russian Repast, featuring Borscht, Chicken Kiev, Boiled Potatoes with Dill, and Charlotte Russe.

Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Meadowbrook (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067131727X
• ISBN-13: 978-0671317270
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #587,246 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book! Five-star rating!, July 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dinner Party Cookbook: Menus Recipes And Decorating Ideas For 21 Theme Parties (Paperback)

Had everything I needed with step-by-step guide--menus with recipes, inexpensive centerpiece tips and decorating ideas, even background music selections! I've tried two of the dinners so far: Southwest theme with fish and mango salsa with a quick black bean and corn salad, and the roast pork loin with cherry relish and praline cheesecake menu, and am going to try more. Highly recommended!

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Straightforward, Easy & Delicious, November 3, 2001

By 

Julio Nascimento (Corona, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dinner Party Cookbook: Menus Recipes And Decorating Ideas For 21 Theme Parties (Paperback)

I normally wouldn't have the time or really care to right a review but I felt I owed it to the author. I am an Executive Chef and often do private dinner parties. Most cookbooks I am ususally satisfied with 25% of the recipes but I have tried about half so far and every single one is fabulous! I like that they are simple and give great decor ideas as well. I only wish there were more menus to choose from. Just my two-cents.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect addition to any cookbook collection, September 26, 2003

By 

PadreRat (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dinner Party Cookbook: Menus Recipes And Decorating Ideas For 21 Theme Parties (Paperback)

Karen Brown's book offers a terrific format for throwing parties. The recipes are easy to follow and delicious. I like the fact that the ingredients are common so you aren't searching various specialty stores to complete the ingredient list. The themes are spread out throughout the year so it's easy to plan a party at the drop of a hat. Not only does this book have lots of recipes, it goes into everything from suggested invitations, appropriate music and decorating ideas. My only complaint is no pictures. I admit I'm a fan of the glossy books and like to see the author's interpretation of what was said versus my ideas. However, the book is so well done that I think you will refer to it over and over like I have.