Springtime gives us many reasons to celebrate including the holidays of Passover and Easter, and personal celebrations such as first holy communions, bridal and baby showers. And as much as the days are longer, we're often busier with outdoor activities, leading by necessity to a more relaxed and casual entertaining style. Here are my picks for books to help you plan your springtime parties, and cookbooks that will make short work of the time you spend in the kitchen.
1. Everyday Food: Great Food Fast
I've been a big fan of the Martha Stewart Living monthly magazine, Everyday Food, and now they've come out with an equally attractive cookbook. The recipes are fresh, contemporary, and easy. The instructions are simple and the book includes nutritional information. Finally, the recipes are organized by season, so it's easy to choose the ones with the most accessible fresh ingredients.
2. Bridal Shower Games
This game pack will make entertaining your bridal shower guests easy. It includes eight games with fifteen tear-out sheets per game, and instructions and tips for the hostess.3. What to Drink with What You Eat
You'll need to keep this book handy when you plan your springtime parties. It answers those often puzzling questions regarding what to serve with all of those tricky to pair meals such as grilled food, salads, seafood etc. And the answers don't only involve popping a cork.4. The Golden Pear Cafe Cookbook
Turn to this book when you're looking to plan a sunny brunch party. This collection of recipes comes from one of the long-time popular spots in the Hamptons. Includes muffins, pies, wraps, soups and more recipes all evoking a casual, laid-back kind of feeling.5. Picnic
It's not too hot, not too cold, not too humid in the springtime - what a perfect time for a picnic. This book offers terrific theme menus, simple recipes, and packing tips to prepare you for the next time you feel the impulse to take your party on the road.6. Baking: From My Home to Yours
You need to have a good collection of baking recipes in order to make those special occasion desserts. Veteran food writer Dorie Greenspan has written this accessible collection of 300 recipes for the home baker, and her efforts have paid off as this book has been nominated for a James Beard Foundation award.