Instant Entertaining

by Donna Hay

Following the worldwide success of her last book, 'The Instant Cook', Donna Hay brings a new collection of fresh and easy-to-follow recipes and clever styling ideas for entertaining family and friends.'One of my favourite things is sitting around the dinner table with family and friends, watching people enjoying great food, wine and conversation. But we all lead busy lives and sometimes the thought of cooking for twelve, six or even two can be a little daunting. So that's why I've put together this collection of simple but special recipes that will make your lunch, dinner party or barbecue a memorable occasion for all the right reasons ... and guarantee you lots of return invitations.' From impromptu dinners to more lavish celebrations, 'Instant Entertaining' is packed full of inspiring meal ideas. Each chapter contains simple recipes for every occasion, as well as styling ideas for your table and home, all beautifully photographed in the style for which Donna Hay has become known worldwide.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Reference, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 2, 2006

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Donna Hay is an Australian food stylist, author, and magazine editor. Her food, recipes and styling focuses on basic ingredients, simply prepared and beautifully photographed – hallmarks of her work which have set the benchmark for food publishing worldwide and inspired a whole new generation of cooks.

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, the photos are goregous. But I was a little disappointed with this one (which I bought right after it was published, and paid the full $35 - sigh); there just aren't any spectacular new tricks that I've come to expect of Hay. Don't get me wrong -- the food is very, very good, and the pre-set menus make planning an Event quite simple. And I must admit, there are some very pretty ideas in the "entertaining" (rather than the actual cooking) side of things. Now, if only I could figure out how to use place cards without making my guests feel funny.

[Pamela Frager]

Well thought out, beautiful dishes, gorgeous "style" ideas - can't imagine you would go wrong serving any of the wonderful foods she's presented. Wish all my dinner parties had food that looked this good!

[Tara Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many intriguing ideas and recipes in this. I kept it for 2 months and looked through it many times, but never got around to making something - or I'd rank it higher probably. I did copy some pages for my to-make list though. I liked that recipes were arranged into themed menus.

[LaLa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typically I adore Donna Hay. But I have to admit that when we baked the roasted pear bruschetta, we felt in real life it fell far short of the photo. Ah the sadness when real food can't stand up to the picture.
I think the recipe for zucchini breadcrumb we baked last night redeems it though.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mum brought me this back from Australia and it's certainly a wonderful book for looking at and considering cooking (and eating). Yum! I'll cook something from it soon :)

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The food photography in all the Donna Hay cookbooks and magazines is sublime.

[Aletha Annema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mooie foto's, inspiratie voor de presentatie op de eettafel en fijne recepten. Een aanrader wat mij betreft (ik wil al haar kookboeken ;).