The recently released “In Style Parties: The Complete Guide to Easy, Elegant Entertaining” (In Style Books, 192 pages, $27.95), from the editors of the celebrity-style mag, wows with luscious photographs of scrumptious fare, info on party basics (invitations, bar, food, table and decor) and specifics for more than a dozen parties (menu, scene setting, timetable, recipes).
The chapters on basics aren’t heavy on groundbreaking guidance, but the information is solid, useful and presented in easily digested portions. Great tidbits go from how many cocktail napkins to have on hand (three paper napkins per guest) to how to change a party’s mood with music.
The recipes, like the dishes, are simple and sophisticated. They call for accessible ingredients and little in the way of culinary wizardry.
Of the 16 plans “In Style Parties” offers, all are parties I’d love to host.
Red apple martini
(Page 86 in “In Style Parties”)
Yield: 20 martinis
5 cups vodka
More Top Picks Dbpower X400w Fpv
5 cups sour apple schnapps
7 cups apple juice
Finely sliced apple slices
1. Dip martini glass rims in a bowl of fresh lemon juice, then into a dish of finely crushed candy canes.
2. Mix vodka, schnapps and apple juice. Chill.
3. When ready to serve, mix in a shakerful of ice.
4. Pour into glasses; garnish with apple slices.
———-