The Cocktail Party: Eat Drink Play Recover

Bought this for my son & daughter-in-law. They love to cook and try new dishes. They also love to entertain at home. This book will give them fresh ideas.

Mary Giuliani is an engaging and apparently very successful caterer. I was expecting reliable and useful information with ideas for some interesting cocktail party fare. Instead, for the most part, the offerings were uninspired, mostly miniaturized versions of rather poorly thought out, ordinary food. The most interesting parts of the book were the author’s personal story, but as written, this could have been offered as an essay rather than a book. The most disappointing aspect of this book is the lack of quality editing. By way of example, the author contradicts herself regarding the number of glasses of wine that she contends a bottle yields “7”, and the number of flutes that a bottle of champagne fills “6” on page xxiv. However, on page 44, the numbers are reversed. Additionally, several of the recipes/descriptions/instructions do not match the photographs of the items (e.g. burrata, balsamic crostini pg.172-173. There are a number of other similar instances. In short, the author missed an opportunity to create a useful but playful and creative book, and instead, chose to write a playful vanity piece that does not seem to be reflective of her stature as a caterer, and provides little inspiration or reliable, useful information for the reader.

I ordered 4 specialty cocktail hors d'oeuvre books to add to my collection for a few big events I was organizing. This was my least favorite. I've seen the author on talk shows and I believe she has talent and I did decide to keep the book in the end however it was disappointing. I found too many self absorbed stories about her clients/successes and not enough info on the food. I also found the small font a pain.... not as user friendly as needed. Lastly, how many photos of 'pigs in blankets' do we need? I think I counted 5 not including the back cover! Come on!

This is honestly the most amazing cookbook I've ever had--and goodness knows I have a few. It's so darn funny, substantive, beautiful, practical, creative, and just all around awesome. I can't wait to give it to all of my favorite friends as I know how much they're going to enjoy it and how useful it will be for them. The recipes and guidance are so practical and achievable, yet unique at the same time.

I had no expectations simply because Mary is not an author. She does what she does and is magical at it - I have had the pleasure of attending her affairs. That said, this book is fantastic. It's funny. It's heartwarming. It's an easy pleasure to read. It makes you feel as though a friend is telling you GREAT stories and you are all ears! I am definitely giving this out as holiday gifts to a bunch of folks on my list - well done Mary!

Honestly, if you plan on throwing any kind of party, the ideas in this book are better than any of the ones on Pinterest. Super cute. It is short on exact recipes, but rather gives concepts you can put your own creative twist on.

The Cocktail Party: Eat Drink Play Recover is the must have holiday gift this season. It is perfect guide for the chic girl on the go who wants an easy to follow lifestyle and cook book to ensure that her parties looks instagram perfect from start to finish! Mary's hilarious anecdotes add color and vibrancy to this lifestyle book while showcasing her casual but elegant entertaining style. A perfect holiday gift for friends, parents, in laws and anyone who needs a little help throwing a fabulous party!

I saw this book and its author on The Chew and knew I had to have the book. I am not disappointed in it at all. The way it's set up is fantastic, where she shows you how to set up a whole party...from decor to dessert. But you can just pick a recipe at random and go for it. Most things are simple, but you won't look like an amateur at all.

Livre sympa sympa. J'adore. Bons recettes de cuisine et boissons, ainsi que des idées utiles pour ma prochain Cocktail Party