The Complete Illustrated Book of Appetizers, Buffets, Finger Food and Party Food

Yes, it's quirky (read: British-oriented with all the cute spelling and different names for food items), but the recipes are grouped usefully, the recipes look delicious and not painstaking to prepare, and the recipes also are not of food that's too esoteric to get ahold of at a good supermarket, for the most part.There is lots of useful, practical information on hosting a party, including etiquette tips. And what is especially useful is the VARIETY of types of parties/occasions/celebrations this book provides pertinent information on.Also, the presentatin is fabulous with great pictures, diagrams, etc.If you ever want to host a party --be it a gala for 100+ or yummy snacks for friends on Oscar night or an intimate picnic....BUY THIS BOOK!

I started a gourmet food group that meets once a month. My kids gave me this book for a birthday present which ties in for several reasons. I have the older version of this book. As far as I know , beyond the different cover and the difference in the title, the contents are very similar. There are sections about party planning (including equipment and materials listing, table etiquette etc; presentation and buffets), organizing your party food ( planning points very well done; cooking plans, shopping and storage, cook ahead stay calm, simple presentation, garnishing and decorating ); party themes (setting, scenes, food style, planning finger food, portions kebab and cocktail snacks, fork food, even a great section on differnt types of fondue, children parties, BBQ entertaining (just what I needed for an upcoming BBQ theme party etc); and party basics. I found some very good additional hints and techniques to help our upcoming meetings. There are sections for Dips, finger food, light bites, brunches etc , sensational soups , appetizers, dinner parties and festive main courses , stylist salads , eating outdoors and desserts. There are good recipes here for satay, chicken dishes , paella and other finger foods beyond the ordinary finger food that you might encounter at parties. The ones I want to try first for an upcoming party are possibly Peruvian salad, 3 colored fish kabobs, ceviche, corn fritters, iced melon soup, asparagus and oranges. There is also a nice index.You can't go wrong with this book. It is an all in one, well done, photographed and laid out guide with excellent and helpful hints, techniques and directions .

I bought this book to get some ideas for a silver wedding anniversary buffet but it was sadly lacking much in the way of buffet recipes

Very good collection of very good recipes.

brilliant thanks naomi rossiter