Entertaining December

Find practical tips and recipes for successful holiday entertaining in a book from the Lititz Public Library.

Sips and AppsSips and Apps:  Classic and Contemporary Recipes for Cocktails and Appetizers by Kathy Casey
The author advises balancing flavors with textures, providing instructions for over 100 classic and creative drinks and recipes for simple finger foods.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks:  A Year of Holidays by Ree Drummond
Blogger and best-selling author shares140 step-by-step recipes for twelve favorite occasions from Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day to Caramel Apples on Halloween.

Tiny Food Party!:  Bite-Size Recipes for Miniature Meals by Teri Fisher and Jenny Park
Readily available ingredients lead to miniature-sized versions of favorite foods, from bite-sized onion rings and little cheesecakes to mini pop tarts and shot-glass-sized cocktails.

Casual Entertaining by Chuck Williams
Learn how to easily and elegantly entertain family and friends with more than 150 kitchen-tested recipes.

One Bowl Baking : Simple, from Scratch Recipes for Delicious DessertsOne Bowl Baking:  Simple, From Scratch Recipes for Delicious Desserts by Yvonne Ruperti
Simple “from scratch” recipes prepared in a single bowl, several mixed directly in the pan in which they’re baked.

Christmas Entertaining by Georgeanne Brennan
Celebrate an Italian Christmas Eve, a city Christmas Eve, a New England Christmas, a country breakfast and a New Year’s Day buffet.

5 Ingredient Fix : Easy, Elegant, and Irresistible Recipes5 Ingredient Fix:  Easy, Elegant and Irresistible Recipes by Claire Robinson
Recipes composed of five ingredients or less create easy, yet elegant meals including combinations like pork roast with cider gravy and bananas foster.

Celebrate:  A Year of Festivities for Families and Friends by Pippa Middleton
Host a successful party with menus, activities and craft ideas for any time of the year.

You're So Invited : Panic Less, Play More, and Get Your Party On!You’re So Invited:  Panic Less, Play More and Get Your Party On by Cheryl Najafi
First-time entertainers will discover ten party plans with suggestions for decorations, food and drink preparations.

The Vegan Table:  200 Unforgettable Recipes for Entertaining Every Guest at Every Occasion by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Hosts can prepare uncomplicated seasonal menus that will appeal to non-vegans and vegans alike.

Perfect One-Dish Dinners:  All You Need for Easy Get-Togethers by Pam Anderson
Best-selling author serves up dozens of one-dish wonders perfect for the holidays.

Simple Stunning Parties at Home:  Recipes, Ideas and Inspirations for Creative Entertaining by Karen Bussen
The author’s secrets for an at-home party include no-fuss menus combining homemade and store-bought items and presentations with visual impact.

Bite by Bite : 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any PartyBite By Bite:  100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party by Peter Callahan
One hundred whimsical recipes lead to stylish party foods such as tuna tartare disguised as an ice cream cone, shrimp cocktail lollipops and mini spaghetti and meatballs.

Perfect Party Food:  All the Recipes and Tips You’ll Ever Need for Stress-Free Entertaining from the Diva of Do-Ahead by Diane Phillips
Whether planning a traditional menu or not-so-well-known ethnic dishes, advance preparation and shortcuts that can be completed and frozen make holiday entertaining easy.

Great Menus:  Seasonal Recipes for Entertaining by Patricia Lewis Mote
Suggestions for brunches, luncheons and dinner parties join lively stories about the food and menus.

Originally published on December 6, 2013 in the Lititz Record Express