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Title: Entertaining Simple
ISBN: 0470174994
Author:
Matthew Mead
Publicate Date: 2008-09-16
Publish: 2008-09-16
List Price: $24.95
Average Customer Rating: 3.0
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $14.19
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $10.47
Amazon Merchant Price: $16.47
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| Customer Review: |
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1: a "nothing" book on easy entertaining
What a disappointment. A book which provides nothing new on easy entertaining. Poor recipes, poor suggestions.... absolutely nothing new! A great "come on" but just hot air. Better information on every day tv programs.
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2: entertaining intermediate?
I confess ... the secret of my success in the kitchen is in the way I present the food, and I'm always on the lookout for food styling ideas.
"entertaining simple" shows different ways to use basic serving dishes, in much the same way as books on fashion illustrate different ways to accessorise a basic wardrobe. This is the idea that attracted me to the book when I first glimpsed it in the bookshop, and it was what I took out of it on a detailed read. (The recipes and shortcuts were "bonus material" for me). As other reviewers have mentioned, Mead uses only white flatware (and glass). My personal preference is to use more colour in my flatware, but I can find plenty of ideas on mixing and matching colour in the glossy mags and other books.
What I think would have been a useful addition to the book (and maybe a launch point for a sequel, or a different concept, without the recipes) is some guidance on selecting the various pieces. Mixing and matching shape and scale. Choosing between the different types of "china" on the market (buy the lightest platter you can afford if you intend to carry or offer food or other dishes on it). Other practical considerations (will the plates fit in your dishwasher or will you chain yourself to the sink after every gathering you host??).
I liked this book and am pleased it will help me find more potential in the beautiful items I have already collected.
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3: It should have been titled "Entertaining Ugly"
Too many pictures of white dishes. Nothing new in this book -- just cheap and ordinary suggestions. A dog deserves a better party than this.
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4: At last! Real practical advice!
Okay, I am entertaining-impaired. I WANT to have people over, I WANT things to look and feel beautiful--but instead, I spend my whole time stressing about how to make things go better, and running around like a madwoman doing things that I should have thought of way in advance, if I'd had any sense or any organization. This book, with its beautiful photographs and its wonderful simplicity, makes me want to actually give a party! With the information here, I feel as though even I can make it work! And have fun at the same time.
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5: Perfect Holiday Gift
At this time of year, I always consider throwing a holiday get-together and then talking myself out of it. After reading "Entertaining Simple," I'm going to make it happen. The ideas are doable, fun, engaging and the photography is beautiful. This is a lovely book to use and own any time of the year.
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