Big Night: Dinners, Parties & Dinner Parties - A Cookbook

by Katherine Lewin

Elevate your home entertaining with the ultimate guide to hosting unforgettable dinner parties and celebrations.

When Katherine Lewin opened up her first store—a dinner party shop—she had one goal: to help everyone make their meals at home feel a little bit more special. A little bit more joyful. A little bit Bigger. In her debut book, Katherine channels her New York City–based brick-and-mortar’s irresistible energy into a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and hosting essentials for every kind of Big Night. Learn how to Stop Worrying About Everything Matching and Just Set the Table; the step-by-step formula for discovering your (and your guests’) Perfect Martini; and the Cheese Plate of Dreams math of how many ounces to plan per person.

On top of these helpful sidebars—and in addition to more than 80 recipes for snacks, apps, mains, desserts, and cocktails—you’ll find full menus for 12 Bigger Nights to take you through every occasion, all year long. The first hint of sun in March calls for An Almost-Spring Thing, where you’ll serve ricotta toast with English pea pesto; in the peak of summer, treat everyone to an Italian Vacation Without Leaving the House, starring clam and corn pasta followed by lemon granita; when the leaves have turned, confidently plan The Best Friendsgiving, complete with the ultimate stuffing; and in the dead of winter, lure your friends over with A Noodle Soup to Get People Excited. From date night for two to pull-out-all-the-stops dinner parties to low-key weeknight hangs (delivery pizza encouraged—just make A Big Chopped Salad to go with), this hosting cookbook will help you find all the inspiration you need—and confidence you want—to make any and every night a Big Night.  

Discover the joy of hosting stylish yet effortless parties with this comprehensive guide to memorable holiday gatherings and festive event menus. The ultimate host gift for your favorite party planner, this dinner party cookbook shows you how to make any evening feel like a special occasion through creative presentation, delicious party food, and a celebratory atmosphere.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Cooking, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

Published June 4, 2024

Reviews

[Traci Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun cookbook for folks who love to host, want to host, or have to host. I flagged at least 1/3 of the recipes. It’s got gorgeous photos and I really liked the writing style. It’s super conversational. A good mix of mains, sides, drinks, snacks, and desserts. Also a lot of help menu planning.

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic combination of style book, entertaining how-to, recipe collection, visual inspiration, and cookbook. Katherine Lewin is a writer and editor who became the owner of a dinner, party, and dinner party essentials shop in New York City after COVID. This book was wonderful. Just the two page spread called Hosting Rules I Live By was worth the purchase price. Who knew you should take cheese out of the fridge a half hour before you serve it?

I wish I could remember where I first heard of Big Night. I think it was from Shauna Niequist, and all her recommendations are great. I loved this one.

[mol · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, finished
yeah i'm obsessed who's coming to the dinner party

fast yogurt flatbreads
slow-roasted shawarma-spiced salmon
tahini hot fudge sundaes
ranch-on-everything dip
le grand shrimp salad
corn & strawberry pop-by cake
the corn salad i think about all year
tomatillo-avocado salsa
baked challah french toast
apple & miso cobbler
tie-dye blondie-brownies
hidden treasures salad
you-only-need-one stuffing
pumpkin basque cheesecake
fluffy sheet pan foccacia
meatballs & the reddest sauce

[Catie Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book has single-handedly made me interested in cooking again — the stone fruit dreamsicle pie was a knockout 🍑

looking forward to more nights of lively dinner parties

[Msmerelibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so very inspirational for dinner parties and get-togethers! As a Librarian, I borrow books from the library. I need to buy this book for myself!!

[Karrie Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I don't usually log cook books or buy them - however!!!!!

I truly think this one is worth buying and rating because it makes a great gift to a friend or yourself.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mouth is watering after reading this cookbook.

[Allison Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love a good hosting guide 💫

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the concept of this book - but wish it explored the ideas of hosting and creativity more. The idea is definitely there, but the execution isn’t.

[Andrea Press]

Got from library, did not look at yet. Did not like any recipes from this

[Katie Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book to read, and I liked the unusual format. I got some good ideas from reading this.