Ready to throw a dinner party? It's easier than you think. With 100 crowd-pleasing recipes and expert tips and tricks, The Hostess Handbook shows how to create an event that's warm, joyous, and imbued with the special glowy feeling of a celebration that we never want to end. Everything you need to know is here. How to plan a fantastic menu with foolproof recipes for finger foods, make-ahead mains (because you don't want to be in the kitchen when your guests arrive), and festive desserts. How to get your home party-ready, whether hosting two people or twenty, with primers on setting the table, the art of serving, and flower arranging. And drinks, of course-including recipes for both classic cocktails and delicious nonalcoholic libations. Cheers!