B. Smith's Entertaining and Cooking for Friends

In 100 soul-satisfying recipes and chapters on party events such as a Cocktail Party for Business and Pleasure, a Picnic at the Beach, and a romantic Valentine's Dinner for Two, Barbara Smith defines her appealing approach to entertaining which, like her popular bistro, is cosmopolitan and elegant, yet casual and fun. She explains the importance of maintaining a sense of spontaneity, being prepared to improvise, and most important, having fun at your own party.

With authority and humor, Barbara leads us through all the steps of planning a party, from extending the invitation to deciding on the menu, selecting the wine and other beverages, and preparing your home and yourself for the event. Barbara's extensive travels as a fashion model and her wide circle of celebrity friends provide a source of lively anecdotes as well.

The selection of recipes is eclectic, reflecting French and Italian influences on the Southern food Barbara grew up with. She offers her favortie recipes, both from the restaurants' menus and from her home, including such delicious dishes as Grilled Salmon and Wild Mushroom Salad, Chicken Cornbread Pot Pie, Profiteroles, and Sweet Potato Pecan Pie with Praline Sauce.

With more than 90 photos of the party events, table settings and fininshed food, B. Smith's: Entertaining and Cooking for Friends will help all of us chart the course for our next dinner at home, whether it's an intimate dinner for two or a celebration for twenty.