Seriously Simple Parties: Recipes, Menus & Advice for Effortless Entertaining Paperback – August 15, 2012

I was not familiar with Diane Worthington's cookbooks until purchasing Seriously Simple Parties. It is a handsome book with glossy pages and beautiful color pictures. But the real value of the book lies in her approach to meals, the essence of which is to use quality ingredients and keep it simple. I bought the book because I was looking for an idea for an entre for a family dinner and I found it in this book, though I did not follow her menu suggestion or even the recipe. The idea for the main course was all I wanted and it was splendid. As a bonus, the chocolate cake made in a single twelve inch layer pan was very good. It served as many people as a layer cake without the nuisance of messing with layers. That idea in itself was worth the price of the book.Amazon's service was also excellent. The first copy was marred and Amazon quickly replaced it. I am very happy with the book and will consider purchasing more of her cookbooks.

If you're ready for some different dishes for your parties, but not up for cooking Veal Orloff for a big crowd, this is a great book. It doesn't have a LOT of recipes, but the ones I've tried have been fairly easy and delicious, and could easily be adapted in some different directions depending on your taste. I didn't notice any ingredients that I couldn't get at my local Whole Foods. The book has great food photos, too.

I bought this book because I was hoping for a book with recipes to feed a crowd or to plan big party menus. (I'm talking 20 people or so). None of the recipes or menus here are designed for more than 8 people. I can do that on my own. The recipes are fine and look nice, but I needed help with recipes that can be serve as a buffet or for large groups and still look nice.

This is a wonderful book whether you like to entertain or not. The recipes are wonderful and I love that she includes some make ahead options for each recipe as well as things the "clever cook" might do or add. Recently showed it to some house guests and they loved it too, my niece was going to buy it right away ...

The three recipes I tried were all crowd pleasers-the only thing I needed to do was to go a little heavier on the salt. do not ;miss trying the sweet potato puree with coconut milk or green beans with sake and butter.

This is my second book from Diane and I love everything about her cook books. It's simply delicious and you can not fail. She keeps it simple which is what I love. I bought this prior to a big event and I made all my dishes but 2 from her book and everything was gone and I received so many compliments for the dishes. Thank you!

Great recipes. Was not disappointed. Made the Easy Turkey Stock and Make Ahead Gravy for Thanksgiving. Great taste. A little time consuming but worth the trouble.

Was looking to put on a brunch for a few friends. This book had so many great but easy recipes. Guest went crazy over food prepared for the brunch and wanted the recipes. This is a great book to give you easy but fancy and delicous meals. Highly recommend this book for those that like to entertain.