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The Hassle-Free Host: Super-Simple Tablescapes and Recipes for Stunning Parties
For would-be hosts and hostesses, entertainer extraordinaire Christopher Lowell shares his secret for unforgettable the perfect marriage of sumptuous, quickly prepared food and festive decor. Using experience culled from his eclectic career as an entertainer, which has included stints in theater, the art world, and classical music, in addition to his critically acclaimed interior design and lifestyle television programs, Christopher Lowell shows anyone how to turn an impromptu get-together, a cozy dinner, or a wedding reception into an absolutely fabulous soirée. With detailed how-to instructions for creating dramatic tablescapes and recipes for super-simple and tasty meals, Christopher Lowell channels his you-can-do-it approach to party planning.
Peppered throughout the book, invaluable entertaining tips and essential shortcuts transform even the most harried person into a party-planning savant. By creating a simple tablescape such as Asian Zen Squared or Crystal Blue Persuasion, you can turn an ordinary meal of Chinese takeout into an extraordinary evening. Christopher Lowell, the Hassle-Free Host is brimming with countless ideas to turn common household objects into sensational party props. For more ambitious hosts who dare to dabble in the kitchen, dozens of delicious recipes, including Chilled Avocado Soup, Grilled Beef Salad, and Frozen Key Lim Pie with Macadamia Nut Crust are perfect for the fussiest guests and are organized into convenient menu options. Made from mostly on-hand ingredients and time-saving convenience foods, the recipes are fast, adaptable for any number of guests, and completely foolproof. Mix and match them with any of the tablescapes, for any kind of party, in any room of the home, for an endless number of combinations.
Christopher Lowell’s expert advice will keep even the most hesitant host hassle-free and make any party fun, relaxing, and festive, no matter what the occasion.
Peppered throughout the book, invaluable entertaining tips and essential shortcuts transform even the most harried person into a party-planning savant. By creating a simple tablescape such as Asian Zen Squared or Crystal Blue Persuasion, you can turn an ordinary meal of Chinese takeout into an extraordinary evening. Christopher Lowell, the Hassle-Free Host is brimming with countless ideas to turn common household objects into sensational party props. For more ambitious hosts who dare to dabble in the kitchen, dozens of delicious recipes, including Chilled Avocado Soup, Grilled Beef Salad, and Frozen Key Lim Pie with Macadamia Nut Crust are perfect for the fussiest guests and are organized into convenient menu options. Made from mostly on-hand ingredients and time-saving convenience foods, the recipes are fast, adaptable for any number of guests, and completely foolproof. Mix and match them with any of the tablescapes, for any kind of party, in any room of the home, for an endless number of combinations.
Christopher Lowell’s expert advice will keep even the most hesitant host hassle-free and make any party fun, relaxing, and festive, no matter what the occasion.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 14, 2018
A great little entertaining book! It has tricks & tips for easy, but extremely stylish lunch & dinner parties. There are 12 themed tablescapes (decorated tables) & 12 menus with step-by-step instructions. I picked up several tips and definitely became inspired to host a dinner party!
I thought about using some of these ideas & menus for a regular weeknight family dinner. However, the meals are not clean or particularly healthy. (We've been eating "clean" food for the last 6 months or so.) The recipes are okay for parties but not for everyday eating.
Also, many of the tablescapes used napkin rings. I was taught that napkin rings are only for casual (family) dining when you might reuse your napkin at a later meal. Napkin rings identify whose napkin is whose. You would never use them to entertain guests. And my family uses fresh napkins with each meal, so we don't even use napkin rings for family dining.
I tried to read the book straight through, but got bored around pg. 60. I had to skim some sections. You can't really sustain interest more then a couple tablescapes/menus in one sitting. There is too much detail, if you aren't actually planning to carry out the instructions.
However, I would want to review this book the next time I have a party on the calendar. Lots of great tips and things to think about that I might not otherwise consider (music, lighting, using specific types of meal service based on the group, ect). Every style/recipe didn't appeal to me, but enough did that I would want this book for my personal library.
PS I get all my entertaining books and cookbooks from the library these days. If I really like it, I might buy a personal copy. It is so fun to try something new without first having to invest cash!
I thought about using some of these ideas & menus for a regular weeknight family dinner. However, the meals are not clean or particularly healthy. (We've been eating "clean" food for the last 6 months or so.) The recipes are okay for parties but not for everyday eating.
Also, many of the tablescapes used napkin rings. I was taught that napkin rings are only for casual (family) dining when you might reuse your napkin at a later meal. Napkin rings identify whose napkin is whose. You would never use them to entertain guests. And my family uses fresh napkins with each meal, so we don't even use napkin rings for family dining.
I tried to read the book straight through, but got bored around pg. 60. I had to skim some sections. You can't really sustain interest more then a couple tablescapes/menus in one sitting. There is too much detail, if you aren't actually planning to carry out the instructions.
However, I would want to review this book the next time I have a party on the calendar. Lots of great tips and things to think about that I might not otherwise consider (music, lighting, using specific types of meal service based on the group, ect). Every style/recipe didn't appeal to me, but enough did that I would want this book for my personal library.
PS I get all my entertaining books and cookbooks from the library these days. If I really like it, I might buy a personal copy. It is so fun to try something new without first having to invest cash!
August 8, 2012
I liked the table settings displayed in this book. I wish there were more, especially your typical ones like Hawaiian Luau. Also I would've liked simpler recipes with simpler ingredients instead of things like quail or risotto. How often do you cook with those?
March 31, 2015
Needs more detailed pictures but helpful tips on decorating in a hurry. The "How to Do it" bullets really showed the professional expertise of the author. He takes complex problems and breaks them down in doable solutions.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews