Book Review: *Easy Entertaining for Beginners* by Patricia Mendez

Back of book blurb:  You don’t have to be professional chef or nervous wreck to host great casual at-home entertaining. You will have all of your questions answered, from what to serve to what to do.  Even if you have never entertained in your life, you can have a terrific time putting together a superb celebration.  Included are 13 delicious complete menus with easy-to-follow recipes, full color photographs, ideas for music, activities and drinks.  Checklists ease readers step-by-step through every phase of planning, preparation, and presentation.  You will gain confidence and have a terrific time putting together successful celebrations.

She is Too Fond of Books’ Review:  This was such a fun book to review!  Patricia Mendez starts with practical advice, from the decision to entertain, to setting a budget, and deciding the tone of the event.  These are great general guidelines that can be extended to any form of entertaining, beyond the 13 plans outlined in the book.

The plans include a suggested setting (i.e., Dinner for the in-laws), great reminders such as use unscented candles (so as not to interfere with the fragrance of the food), pre-set the salad plates and utensils, but keep the dinner plates in the kitchen (since you’ll be plating the main course from there), and don’t forget salt and pepper shakers on the table.  Patricia suggests other occasions this meal would translate well to (in this case, dinner with business associates, dinner with close friends, or an adult birthday party).

Each chapter continues with a meal outline – salad, main course, side dishes, dessert and drinks.  Even a music soundtrack is suggested, to carry the proper mood for the occasion.  Detailed recipes include tips to remember and pitfalls to avoid.

This is followed by a step-by-step checklist.  Beginning two days before the dinner, you’re reminded to clean the house (no waiting until the day of the party!) and make a shopping list.  The to-do list continues with tasks to be completed the day before, the morning of, and during the party itself.  Patricia’s checklist ensures that no essential ingredient is left out and that the host/hostess is able to spend more quality time with his/her guests, and less time in the kitchen.

Sample occasions (again, with suggestions of other events these menus would work well for) include:  my first cocktail party, romantic dinner for two, dinner for the in-laws, girlfriends’ tea, Mother’s Day brunch, family fiesta, Fourth of July bash and six others.

Patricia closes the book with the thought that “hospitality is an art practiced for the benefit of guests.”  In other words, focus on honoring and valuing the people who have chosen to spend their time with you.

The book falters in only one small part:  I find that color photos of food do not do well on glossy paper; unfortunately the photo section is printed on glossy stock.  I find this gives the illustrations a dated, rather than an appealing look.  No worries, the cover photo is inviting, and frankly, some of my favorite cookbooks have only ink sketches or no illustration at all.

This is a lovely, manageable paperback guide that is a great starting point for both the person newly out of their parents’ home and the person who would like a little more confidence when entertaining.  It would make a nice engagement, wedding shower, or first home gift.

More information about Patricia Mendez and Easy Entertaining can be found at her website, where she shares additional tips and recipes.  Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book Promotion for connecting me with this book that will become a staple on my kitchen bookshelf.