Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

Karen Brown's third cookbook is a winner, with 21 themed and ethnic special events, from Superbowl Parties, Romance Dinners for Two, Academy Award Dinners, Backyard Barbecues to Italian Feats and New Orleans-style cuisine.

The recipes are simple for the most part, and usually feature easily obtainable ingredients. Each recipe features numbered steps which are not difficult for the cook with even average cooking skills.

Some of the delectable recipes include Pesto Cheesecake, Butternut Squash Soup, Potato and Vegetable Salad, Spareribs, Watermelon Sorbet, Caramel Brownies and the easiest Chocolate Truffle recipe I've ever seen!

Along with recipes, the author gives clever ideas for invitations, place settings, centerpieces and other decorating ideas, as well as recommended beverages and even the sort of music that would work best with your own special bash.

This light-hearted, yet elegant cookbook is highly recommended, and the glossy stain-resistant cover of this over-sized softbound book is likewise appreciated, as one of the little details that will having you "wow" lucky guests with your own special events.

I love this cookbook and have used it for years to throw small themed dinner parties. The recipes are all simple, healthy and quick, and there'll be no shortage of food with the robust menus it provides. The decorating ideas are inexpensive, easily obtainable, and fun, and each theme even comes with a short list of mood music recommendations to create a completely themed atmosphere. Perfection!

The book breaks down step-by-step how to put each themed party together, so that it has two added benefits: One, each theme's menu can be easily broken down and assigned to different guests for "pot luck" parties (for example, one person brings the bread, the other brings the theme dessert, another brings a CD, etc.) Two, it has such a wide variety of ideas, and the ideas are so flexible, that there's plenty of room to be creative. If you don't like the theme's dessert, you can find another recipe on the Internet easily and the "spirit" of the idea is kept intact.

User-friendly, thorough and flexible, this is the only resource for themed dinner parties I'll ever anticipate needing. Whether you're having 3 or 30 people over, dinner parties never need be boring or stuffy again - the ideas in this book are sure to delight and impress your guests and make your life a LOT easier.