Easy Entertaining - Tapa dura

Almost everybody would like to entertain more often - but it's just too daunting. Planning an exciting, well-balanced menu which won't require a week of preparation and three nervous breakdowns is the first hurdle. Next there are the wines to consider. And what about - flowers, lighting, table decorations? In this much-needed book, cookery writer Darina Allen smoothes away the stress of entertaining with over 250 recipes that cover everything from three-course dinners to tapas and one-pot suppers. Chapters include Starters, Finger Food, Brunch, Formal Dinners, Family Desserts and Festive Meals and the recipes are balanced so that you can prepare some dishes in advance and include modern recipes from around the world as well as vegetarian options. Be inspired by Darina's styling ideas for decoration and place settings to help you create the perfect atmosphere, whether it is a romantic dinner for two or a lively evening with friends. Darina uses her own experience to show how you can use sea shells as butter dishes, shot glasses for soup and a sari as a tablecloth for an Indian feast. Or throw it over your table lamp to soften your lighting. There are also extensive menu planners to help you plan your event and practical advice on wine and other drinks.

Darina Allen is Ireland's best-known food ambassador and award-winning author of Irish Traditional Cooking and Darina Allen's Ballymaloe Cookery Course and most recently, Healthy Gluten-free Eating. She is also a tireless campaigner for local produce and won the 2005 IACP Award of Excellence for her teaching.