entertaining simple by Matthew Mead

"...recipes, menus, and party ideas for every kind of gathering."

I truly enjoy everything that Matthew Meadproduces.  He is one of the main reasons that I initially subscribed to Country Home magazine (he is a style editor there).

Entertaining Simple is his new book and I love it.  The styling and photographs (by Quentin Bacon) are gorgeous.  But even more so I identify with his message, that entertaining should be fun and should be about spending time with the people we care about and not slaving away in the kitchen for hours planning elaborate and overwhelming dinner parties. 

He suggests creating a simple pantry of white dishes and clear glassware that can be used for any occasions, either dressed up or down, storing everything in easy to see and reach places because you'll be more likley to use everything.

  

There are suggestions about how to make dishes multitask to save money and space.

There are ideas on how to personalize the table and create fun and simple themes.

 

 

 

And then there are the delicious recipes.

 

I acquire a lot of books.  A LOT.  But for many, I end up reselling, donating or giving to friends and family when they are no longer useful to me.  This one I can say for sure is a keeper though.  Get your copy here.

Comments

[Mary Smith]

That magazine looks fabulous. I'm really enjoying your blog!

[Elaine]

I need to remember his philosophy about entertaining. I get so anxious because I want everything to be perfect that I sometimes forget the most important thing is to be with family and friends and just enjoy the moment. Thanks for the recommendation. I am going to get this book.

[desiree]

Hi,
I just found your blog. I love it. I also, just purchased Matthew's Book. I love the overhead photo of the dinner table. It's gorgeous.

[Tracy]

Great ideas! I am jealous of your book collection ;> but happy you decided to share some of your choices here.

[bethany]

This is really cool! My mom always said that white dishes were best. I didn't listen, but now I wish I had! Gosh, should I buy another book? YES!

[Lynn]

This looks like a really neat book. Thanks for sharing; I will look for it.

[rubyellen]

these images are gorgeous! came here via red yarn... happy birthday!!!

[After Hours DJ]

I love the table setting photo. So cool. Love the use of bold colors.

[moon]

Loving to cook & host, stocking white serveware has been a no-brainer resolution of mine for ages! Oh how the food takes center stage, then. Problem is, the magpie in me caves at every everything but that.

Thanks to my local thrift, I just scored an immaculate set of 4x white Williams Sonoma dinner plates.. whoo hoo! I may meet that goal, afterall lolz

[Kitchen clearance]

I am first time visitor of this blog. I go throw some blogs but I found tis very nice. These are some nice pictures from magazine.