Product DescriptionThis book shows average income families how they can afford to entertain by inviting only 1-6 people and eliminating non-essentials. Included are suggestions on getting organized for a party and help in making purchasing decisions.There are many suggested themes to make each party unique and create excitement such as Pajama Party for the Girls, Mom's 50's Retro Luncheon and "Rhapsody in Green" Luncheon, featuring a main dish salad of spinach tortellini, artichoke hearts, peas, baby spinach, romaine, broccoli flowerets, sugar snap peas, capers and avocados. Cream of Asparagus soup, herb rolls and White Chocolate Cupcakes with Lime Butter Cream complete the green fare. The German Feast features a pork roast with sauerkraut, apples, onions and bacon cooked in beer or apple juice and served with potatoes and German sausages. One of my favorite parties is Carmen's "South America Take It Away" Party in honor of Carmen Miranda. The ladies dress up with lots of beads and wear hats piled high with fruit or flowers. The men wear top hats and mustaches like Cesar Romero. The menu is inexpensive featuring "So America, Take It Away" Soup and is served with Jicama, Citrus and Avocado Salad and Quesadillas or Beef and Potato Empanadas. My Chocolate Dessert Party always is a hit with the ladies. You choose 3 or 4 out of 6 desserts such as Fudge Fantasy Cake, Chocolate Cream Root Beer Floats, Mom's Brownies, Chocolate Sour Cream Raspberry Cupcakes, Toffee Treasures and Chopin's Cake 'N' Custard. A favorite with the men is the Bistro-"Make Your Own Hot Sandwich" Party featuring Hot Turkey Dinner Sandwich, Pork Loin Teriyaki Sandwich, Ham, Cheese and Apple Melt and Croquet Monsieur.**There are more than 126 recipes illustrated with more than 40 colored photos.**The dessert section includes adjustments for high altitude.About the AuthorAs a single mother of five wonderful children I've often had to find creative ways to stretch the family food budget. This included creating four or more nutritious and appealing meals from one pot roast. I also used the same concept in teaching Chinese cooking classes.I have been cooking and baking for 40 years and I continue to enjoy teaching the above techniques as well as the techniques of "painting the table" and "painting the plate".I love giving parties and makinf new friends. I try to focus on inviting people who may not be socially outgoing, then I invite my gregarious and confident friends, mix lightly and serve. The results are amazing.So, "Please Be Seated" and we will cook and entertain together.