Product Description

Cocktail Parties, Straight Up! is the ideal book for hosts and hostesses who have full–time jobs, not full–time help and who want to entertain stylishly without hocking the family heirlooms or having a nervous breakdown. Sister team Lauren Purcell and Anne Purcell Grissinger’s sophisticated yet down–to–earth style, reassuring tone, and truly practical advice reflect their 12 years of entertaining together in New York City, where they’ve thrown countless cocktail parties—without caterers, decorators, or a big budget.

Cocktail Parties, Straight Up! features 12 of the authors’successful, gently themed parties, each with delicious signature cocktails, a suggested menu with hors d’oeuvre recipes that can be made ahead, and foolproof ways to make sure your guests get into the swing of things.

Plus, each chapter is full of helpful tips and tidbits that will help you navigate the finer points of throwing a successful cocktail party, from before the first guest arrives (there’s a foolproof party timeline) until the last one leaves (you’ll find tips for how to end a party gracefully). Cocktail Parties, Straight Up! is the ultimate blueprint for creating parties infused with satisfying conversation, genuine laughter, and a relaxed elegance—and guaranteeing that hosts collect compliments at the door.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #891289 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 170 pages

From the Inside Flap
Do you want to break out of the cheese–and–crackers rut? Do you like to entertain and want great recipes, practical ideas, and creative ways to add pizzazz? Do you want to join the ranks of those wonderful hosts and hostesses who throw great parties and make it seem effortless? This book gives you the information and ideas you need—straight up! You′ll find:

Start–to–finish guides for 12 fun—not overdone—cocktail parties, including "Open–Mike Night," "A Make–Your–Own Martini Party," and "Any Excuse to Celebrate!"

Guidelines, tips, and shortcuts to help you create a successful gathering for any occasion

Easy–to–follow planning advice for stocking the bar, estimating how much food to make, decorating without glue guns or big florist bills, and more

More than 60 recipes for delicious and different hors d′oeuvres, including Shrimp with Spicy Lime Dip and Wild Mushroom Tartlets

Creative signature cocktails, such as the Border Crossing, Pink Panther, and Between the Sheets, that make each party feel special

Secrets to being a confident host, such as how to handle a glassware shortage, quick tricks to end a party gracefully, and easy ways to ensure that both you and your guests have a fabulous time!

Cocktail Parties, Straight Up! features lots of ways to liven up the atmosphere and loosen up the crowd. You′ll see how a cocktail party can be très chic without being très expensive or très stressful. So raise a glass and say, "Cheers!" With this book, you′re ready to shake, stir, and entertain with style.

From the Back Cover
Envision a cocktail party with charisma.

One where the drinks and the conversations flow . . .

Where everything′s all abuzz and aglow . . .

Where all the guests are meeting and mixing effortlessly . . .

Where the food fits the mood . . .

Where the home has a warm, inviting ambience . . .

Where the hosts or hostesses are having a good time, too.

Welcome to Cocktail Parties, Straight Up!

A Sampling of the Recipes

• Baby Lamb Chops with Rosemary Mustard Cream
• Shrimp & Polenta Wedges
• Artichoke & Green Olive Dip
• Empanaditas
• Goat Cheese & Leek Croustades
• Savory Cheese Puffs
• Top–Your–Own New Potatoes
• Spiced Bar Nuts
• Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches Two Ways
• Champagne–Marinated Grapes
• Cuban Sandwiches Peque?os
• Asian Chicken Meatballs with Sweet–Sour Sauce

About the Author
Lauren Purcell and Anne Purcell Grissinger are sociable Southern sisters who perfected their hostessing skills in New York City. Lauren is deputy editor of Self magazine. She has written about food, entertaining, and celebrities for various magazines and has appeared on several TV morning shows. Anne is a financial consultant. Find out more about their down–to–earth brand of entertaining at www.purcellsisters.com.