Confessions of a Serial Entertainer is part guidebook and part cookbook. It is not filled with glossy images of irresistible dishes; the recipes are generally pretty simple and straightforward and often very familiar. That's because this book focuses on how to be a great host. Author Steven Stolman — a designer who with his partner splits time among homes in Milwaukee, New York City and Palm Beach — is the type of host you might have read about in Vanity Fair years ago.
The recipes included are there simply for reference; it's more about how to throw a fantastic party, no matter what the occasion or crowd, as well as how to enjoy it yourself (the key being simple dishes prepared ahead). There are tips on everything from timing and table spread to valuable information on how to end a party.
In reading the book, I found myself wishing I could be on Stolman's guest list. The next best thing is, of course, to take his advice and host my own fabulous shinding without fretting over some fussy dish and instead serving pimento cheese and tea sandwiches on elegant platters, with fantastic cocktails and wine.
I really enjoyed this book, though I would appreciate more photos, particularly of the dishes that were unfamiliar to me. For example, exactly what should Aunt Flo's Praline Ring look like when finished and presented properly?
Also, some commentary on why each dish was included would be also be appreciated. Some explanation of the aforementioned praline ring would probably be just as entertaining as the author's thoughts on brunch.
Overall, I found the book itself to be quite entertaining (and helpful). Reading it gave me a feeling of confidence about hosting a fabulous party in the near future. It would make a great gift, particularly for anyone you think may need a few pointers or a few laughs.
