The Hostess Handbook - by Maria Zizka (Hardcover)

About the Book

"What's the secret to every good party? Is it the tasty but not overly fussy food? The warmth of a good host who doesn't disappear into the kitchen halfway through the night? The beautiful tablespace or the eclectic mix of glassware? It's all of the above, and now, you don't have to sweat it because The Hostess Handbook shows how to master the art of entertaining. Author Maria Zizka starts with the first rule of party planning (being, there are no rules!), then walks readers through some options and considerations to host guests comfortably-from serving supplies to decorating tips and strategies. The array of recipes includes snacks, sides, and salads so good they could be the whole meal, like Chicken Wings with Apricot-Honey-Chile Sauce and Toothpick Gnocchi with Oregano Breadcrumbs. Mains can be made ahead (Brisket and Harissa Buttered Carrots) and will have guests coming back for more (Potato Chip-Crust Chicken with Green Olive Relish). Plus, there are fabulous desserts fit for any type of celebration (from Gingersnap and Lemon Ice Cream Sandwiches to a Pavlova with Chamomile Cream and Citrus). Batch cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks-a Negroni Pitcher, a Sparkling Strawberry-Rhubarb Elixir-make bartending easy. Throughout, Zizka offers expert advice to coach readers through the party-planning process, from setting the table to cleaning up the inevitable red wine spill. As a bonus, fourteen curated menus-including a pack and go picnic, a Sunday supper for the family, or a promotion party feast- take the worry of meal planning off your plate, making it even easier to get together with loved ones"--

Book Synopsis

From the author of The Newlywed Table, this helpful handbook offers readers 100 easy entertaining recipes, party planning advice, and curated menus to pull off the most delicious and delightful of gatherings, from an epic holiday bash to a casual get-together in the backyard, or an inspired dinner party.

Ready to throw a dinner party? It's easier than you think. With 100 crowd-pleasing recipes and expert tips and tricks, The Hostess Handbook shows how to create an event that's warm, joyous, and imbued with the special glowy feeling of a celebration that we never want to end.

Everything you need to know is here. How to plan a fantastic menu with foolproof recipes for finger foods, make-ahead mains (because you don't want to be in the kitchen when your guests arrive), and festive desserts. How to get your home party-ready, whether hosting two people or twenty, with primers on setting the table, the art of serving, and flower arranging. And drinks, of course--including recipes for both classic cocktails and delicious nonalcoholic libations. Cheers!

Review Quotes

"The Hostess Handbook showcases Maria's knack of pulling the whole show together with her beautiful recipes--plus drinks, playlists, and a checklist for hosting--and her trademark ease and joy."
--Elisabeth Prueitt, author and cofounder of Tartine Bakery

"[An] inspiring guide to hosting. The meals draw from a variety of cuisines, and many have components that can be prepared ahead of time. . . . This go-to volume is sure to help readers prepare memorable and tasty festivities."--Publishers Weekly

"This comprehensive and unpretentious guide is packed with elegant, approachable recipes plus tips and strategies to lessen the burden of hosting. It promises all the pleasures of good hospitality with less stress so you can be present from the first sip of wine to the last bite of dessert."
--Claire Saffitz, author of Dessert Person and What's for Dessert

About the Author

Maria Zizka is the author of numerous award-winning cookbooks. She studied biology at UC Berkeley and food culture at UNISG in northern Italy, where she now teaches as a visiting lecturer. She was named by Forbes as one of the most influential people under 30 in the world of food and drink. Zizka lives and cooks in the Berkeley Hills with her husband and two sons.