In Comfortable Entertaining, Nathalie Dupree has written the book that gives us permission-at long last-to entertain in a less-than-perfect world. A much-loved cookbook and television personality, Dupree has thrown parties on rooftops and in tiny apartments, planned galas for hundreds, and put on last-minute get-togethers. Comfortable Entertaining is the book that shows us how to do what Dupree does best-create spontaneous hospitality and great food.

This full-range cookbook and entertaining guide features twenty-six full menus, from holiday classics to an eye-popping formal dinner party for eight, from soup parties and brunches to more casual meals and salad lunches. Dupree displays colorful and attractive napkin and tablecloth arrangements, explains how to seat feuding guests, and tells us what to do when dinner burns to a crisp minutes before the guests arrive (order out!). Illustrated throughout with color photographs and packed with 250 life-is-not-perfect recipes, Comfortable Entertaining is as friendly, inspiring, and down-to-earth as a cookbook can get.

Photographs by: Tom Eckerle