Entertaining for Dummies

Entertaining for Dummies
by Suzanne Williamson, Linda Smith

Entertaining for Dummies
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Book Summary Information

Author: Linda Smith, Suzanne Williamson
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1997-09-22
ISBN: 0764550276
Number of pages: 384
Publisher: For Dummies

Book Reviews of Entertaining for Dummies

Book Review: Great for instilling courage
Summary: 5 Stars

I've always been a party-goer, not a party-thrower. Why? Throwing a party scared the heck out of me. Far, far too much could go wrong, and I felt that nothing could be more devastating for a relatively shy person than a disasterous party. Yet as I've moved around a number of times, I've realized that there's no better way to meet people than at a party, and that it's silly to wait for the parties to come to me.

There's no doubt that this book is basic, but it was just what I needed. It demystified the entertaining process, showing me that even I could throw a memorable bash. Sure, the authors say, things will go wrong, but there are ways to handle them.

This book includes sample menus, suggestions on how to have fun at your party by planning and cooking (or buying) ahead, and a step-by-step guide through a variety of parties. At the last page, I felt inspired and excited about throwing a party--entirely a new feeling for me!

Summary of Entertaining for Dummies

From small dinner parties to big-time shindigs, Entertaining For Dummies shows you how to impress and pamper your guests no matter what the occasion. It?s full of fresh, creative ideas and proven tips for creating an unforgettable experience ? at your daughter?s sweet sixteen birthday party, a fancy dinner in honor of your boss, or any other get-together.

Whether you?re a homemaker in need of creative ideas for your next big party, or a busy professional who needs to impress the boss without spending a bundle, Entertaining For Dummies covers all the bases ? from planning, to decorating, to cooking, to hosting. Regardless of the size of the event or its purpose, you?ll find helpful tips on these topics and more:

  • Planning large or small events
  • Designing distinctive invitations and a balanced menu
  • Creating a comfortable atmosphere in any space
  • Making your guests feel welcome
  • Hosting a business gathering in your home
  • Treating the family to special events like picnics, birthday parties, and Sunday dinners
  • Hosting theme events like costume parties

Renowned entertaining speaker Suzanne Williamson offers all the expert advice you need to make every event a success ? from black-tie parties to backyard barbecues. She?ll give you all the tools and tips you need to get organized and get your party off the ground. Whether you?re entertaining for a dozen or a thousand, you?ll find everything you need right here:

  • Organize a last-minute party
  • Use your imagination to create a unique atmosphere
  • Drinks?from cocktails to coffee
  • Table settings and food presentation
  • Hire a disc jockey or band
  • Cope with accidents, emergencies, and unplanned occurrences
  • Entertain during the holidays
  • Parties for children from tots to teens
  • Entertain for business associates or government officials
  • Solutions for common cooking disasters

If you want step-by-step help on getting your party off the ground, or just a reliable reference for trouble-shooting those unforeseen emergencies, Entertaining For Dummies is the only book you need. It?s full of creative ideas that making throwing your next party a blast ? and a breeze.


At last! An antidote to Martha Stewart. Entertaining for Dummies is a book for the rest of us--a no-nonsense guide to planning and executing every kind of social gathering from a picnic to a formal holiday dinner. The book is divided into five parts; in the first, you'll get plenty of useful tips on planning parties, from making guest lists and planning seating arrangements to arranging the furniture for maximum comfort. Part 2 helps you plan your menu, while Part 3 offers suggestions on how to make a great impression on your guests. This is the chapter to come to if you're wondering just how to set the table or whether it's proper to eat asparagus with your hands. In Part 4, Entertaining for Dummies demonstrates that even ordinary occasions, such as the evening meal, can be social events, then segues into discussions of holiday parties, children's parties, and business entertaining. The last section is "the fun part" in which lots more menus are offered up along with some cooking tips and lots of great once-in-a-lifetime party ideas, such as a "Journey to Ancient Egypt" or a western-style harvest moon celebration. Entertaining for Dummies tells you everything you need to know to make every social gathering a roaring success.

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