Cocktail Parties, Straight Up! is the ideal book for hosts and hostesses who have full–time jobs, not full–time help and who want to entertain stylishly without hocking the family heirlooms or having a nervous breakdown. Sister team Lauren Purcell and Anne Purcell Grissinger’s sophisticated yet down–to–earth style, reassuring tone, and truly practical advice reflect their 12 years of entertaining together in New York City, where they’ve thrown countless cocktail parties—
without caterers, decorators, or a big budget.
Cocktail Parties, Straight Up! features 12 of the authors’successful, gently themed parties, each with delicious signature cocktails, a suggested menu with hors d’oeuvre recipes that can be made ahead, and foolproof ways to make sure your guests get into the swing of things.
Plus, each chapter is full of helpful tips and tidbits that will help you navigate the finer points of throwing a successful cocktail party, from before the first guest arrives (there’s a foolproof party timeline) until the last one leaves (you’ll find tips for how to end a party gracefully). Cocktail Parties, Straight Up! is the ultimate blueprint for creating parties infused with satisfying conversation, genuine laughter, and a relaxed elegance—and guaranteeing that hosts collect compliments at the door.
Envision a cocktail party with charisma.
One where the drinks and the conversations flow . . .
Where everything′s all abuzz and aglow . . .
Where all the guests are meeting and mixing effortlessly . . .
Where the food fits the mood . . .
Where the home has a warm, inviting ambience . . .
Where the hosts or hostesses are having a good time, too.
Welcome to Cocktail Parties, Straight Up!
A Sampling of the Recipes
- Baby Lamb Chops with Rosemary Mustard Cream
- Shrimp & Polenta Wedges
- Artichoke & Green Olive Dip
- Empanaditas
- Goat Cheese & Leek Croustades
- Savory Cheese Puffs
- Top–Your–Own New Potatoes
- Spiced Bar Nuts
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches Two Ways
- Champagne–Marinated Grapes
- Cuban Sandwiches Peque?os
- Asian Chicken Meatballs with Sweet–Sour Sauce
