America Entertains: A Year of Imaginative Parties

David Tutera takes us on a year-long road trip of throughly American parties, from a garden soiree in Washington, D.C., to a sultry Valentine's day dinner in New Orleans. Over 200 full-color photos of these spectacular events to inspire readers to bring the ideas into their own parties at home. Included with each party are recipes for drinks such as Smoky Martini for the Dallas wedding reception, main courses like Slow-Baked Salmon with Chardonnay-Butter Sauce served at the Santa Fe Summer Solstice dinner, and desserts like Cranberry Bread Pudding with Bourbon Carmel Sauce for the August Beach Supper. Each party is organized into what Tutera calls the "Three E's" - Essentials, Extras, and Extravagances - for varying budgets and time constraints. Essentials are the easily achieved techniques necessary for creating the right atmosphere such as a color scheme or the sound of a Cuban Samba; Extras are for a small indulgence, such as chocolate-dipped rose petals or an imported saki; Extravagances are once in a lifetime indulgences such as a carpet of tropical flowers. "Tutera Tips" that provide insider knowledge from this talented professional including where to seat your most eccentric relatives at a reception or what to do with your guests' coats.