Katie Brown Celebrates - Simple and Spectacular Parties All Year Round

If you're looking for a theme to make your next celebration extra special, this book will provide you with plenty of inspiration with both recipes and craft projects.

Katie Brown is all about creative, casual entertaining, and her attitude is reflected throughout this new book. There are a dozen themes represented, but none are very fussy, many are family oriented, and I doubt any require heels. Although each theme is assigned to a specific month, many could work in other seasons. For example, the April "Kids' Day" theme birthday party for her daughter is an outside event that is perfect for any time you can host an outdoors party for kids; or the month of August is perfect for a cookout, which is where she places the family reunion party, but the menu would work in June just as easily. On the other hand, some celebrations need to be held at a specific time, so there's no messing with the New Year's Evening theme, or the December Holiday Brunch.

If you enjoy serving all the latest trendy cuisine, you'll be happy to find recipes such as Filet of Beef Piled High with Mushrooms and Fried Leeks; Bibb Wraps with Orzo Salad; or a Make-your-Own Sandwich Bar with Grilled Hanger Steak, Grilled Side of Salmon, Chimichurri Sauce and Horseradish Creme. It's all pretty simple to do and on target with our contemporary fusion taste buds.

My only issue with this book is the craft projects. Some are very easy to do like the Anchors Aweigh! Lunch Bag, but others require preparation and time. For example, the Rocky Rings napkin rings look easy enough, until you realize that you need 5-inch slate circles with pre-drilled holes. Or the New Year's Eve theme party decorations require cutting copper coils, spray painting them, and waiting for them to dry before you can begin wrapping and securing tinsel to the final project. The effect is nice, but requires more time than I would guess many hosts have available for making their party decorations.