Customer Reviews

Entertaining Simple

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

 

 

I've spent too many parties in my own kitchen, rushing around crazily trying to make things perfect, without having any time left to talk to my guests. This wonderfully imaginative yet practical book tells me exactly how to avoid that scenario--so I can throw a beautiful party, show my friends a good time, and really enjoy myself too. I highly recommend it!

I am quite a fan of Matthew Mead and liked what I saw on the site, however I am returning my book. Some ideas for entertaining simple include a candle in a doughnut, making take out food look like you made it (take it out of the boxes), and wrapping a ribbon around your silverware. I was very unimpressed. I thought it was geared to young persons without the tabletop dishes or experience entertaining. Check it out at a bookstore or library before buying.

At this time of year, I always consider throwing a holiday get-together and then talking myself out of it. After reading "Entertaining Simple," I'm going to make it happen. The ideas are doable, fun, engaging and the photography is beautiful. This is a lovely book to use and own any time of the year.

Okay, I am entertaining-impaired. I WANT to have people over, I WANT things to look and feel beautiful--but instead, I spend my whole time stressing about how to make things go better, and running around like a madwoman doing things that I should have thought of way in advance, if I'd had any sense or any organization. This book, with its beautiful photographs and its wonderful simplicity, makes me want to actually give a party! With the information here, I feel as though even I can make it work! And have fun at the same time.

I confess ... the secret of my success in the kitchen is in the way I present the food, and I'm always on the lookout for food styling ideas.

"entertaining simple" shows different ways to use basic serving dishes, in much the same way as books on fashion illustrate different ways to accessorise a basic wardrobe. This is the idea that attracted me to the book when I first glimpsed it in the bookshop, and it was what I took out of it on a detailed read. (The recipes and shortcuts were "bonus material" for me). As other reviewers have mentioned, Mead uses only white flatware (and glass). My personal preference is to use more colour in my flatware, but I can find plenty of ideas on mixing and matching colour in the glossy mags and other books.

What I think would have been a useful addition to the book (and maybe a launch point for a sequel, or a different concept, without the recipes) is some guidance on selecting the various pieces. Mixing and matching shape and scale. Choosing between the different types of "china" on the market (buy the lightest platter you can afford if you intend to carry or offer food or other dishes on it). Other practical considerations (will the plates fit in your dishwasher or will you chain yourself to the sink after every gathering you host??).

I liked this book and am pleased it will help me find more potential in the beautiful items I have already collected.

This is a decorating, floral arrangement, cooking, and entertaining book, all in one! It is so fabulous, I often sit and flip through it just to get ideas on getting creative around my house with new shelving arrangements to artfully display simple housewares, or an idea for the batch of flowers I've just brought home.

If you like to have people over and create a cozy, attractive environment that shows off a little of your personal style, yet don't like the stuffy, pretentious old way, then this is the book for you. Also, if you're more interested in hanging out with the people you brought over rather than spending the whole night in the kitchen, then this book will allow you to pull this all off with style.

Truly one of my favorite books I own, (and believe me, I own a lot!!!)

I managed to spend my whole life not doing any entertaining - but now I have an extended family and so there are events at my house. I had no clue where to start because the whole idea of feeding a bunch of people seemed overwhelming. I got this book at the library and ended up buying it because it's so handy. What I really like is that it shows how you can use something simple like a juice glass in many different ways - meaning you don't have to buy a lot of new dishes and decorating things.

True, not much new, but I still love the book and getting some different ideas regarding just plain white china.

What a disappointment. A book which provides nothing new on easy entertaining. Poor recipes, poor suggestions.... absolutely nothing new! A great "come on" but just hot air. Better information on every day tv programs.

Too many pictures of white dishes. Nothing new in this book -- just cheap and ordinary suggestions. A dog deserves a better party than this.