The Hosting Books

Rating:
Summary: Any Excuse for a Dinner Party
Review: I really enjoy giving dinner parties, but had begun to run out of novel themes and dinner menus. Then I unexpextedly came across Ms Rose's "The Hosting Books". The central book entitled "Calendar and References" was exactly what I needed. It provides a complete list of every celebration day going, as well as the birthdays of famous people. For example, it was a friend's birthday on 23 December which is Japan's national day. So we feasted on sushi and terriyaki washed down with saki. The next birthday on the list is 22 February - also St Lucia day - and I'm already on the hunt for tasty Caribbean recipes.

When I first saw the Guest History folder, which is one of the trio of Hosting Books, I wondered if I was capable of keeping it up-to-date. So, instead, I got each guest who came to dinner to complete their own page. It doubles as an address book or agenda which is also handy.

The third book,"Gatherings" helps you plan the dinner menu and table organisation. My favourite section for each meal is the post-party wrap up. It's a sort of diary of what memorable things were said or happened during the meal. Looking back on the comments both others and myself have recorded already, I'm reminded of my highschool yearbooks and the witty remarks my friends made way back in the 70's.

I think "The Hosting Books" really do deserve a 5 star rating as they give you every help you could possibly want to organise a dinner party, and then more - they even make it possible to look back at those moments which time (and alcohol!) make cloudy. I'm laughing to myself right now as I reread what Martina said to Alison about her ex-boyfriend at last night's Rabbie Burns supper.......