You can browse the photos for inspiration, or dive right into one of the chapters, all organized by presentation, such as "Layered and Stacked"; "Wrapped, Rolled, Filled, Folded and Stuffed"; "Skewered and Threaded"; "Bites and Pieces"; and "Sips and Drinks," just to name a few. Having a few friends over for cocktails before the show? How about Crispy Asparagus Straws, a delicious combo of asparagus wrapped in prosciutto and phyllo and sprinkled with Parmesan? The sophisticated flavors belie the ease of preparation. Have a little more time to prepare? The Jicama and Green Papaya Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce are tasty and beautiful.

As gorgeous as this cookbook is, don't dismiss it as coffee-table cooking--several helpful photos show technique as well as finished product, and Martha's tips and notes are sprinkled throughout the text. For example, a lengthy sidebar on purchasing and preparing shrimp shares how to buy shrimp (the high quality of flash-frozen shrimp these days makes it perfectly acceptable), how to cook it (use kosher salt in your cooking water), and how best to peel and devein the little treasures. Similarly, reading the note on preparing phyllo will encourage even a novice cook to try her hand at Phyllo Triangles with Feta and Spinach or Curried Walnut Chicken. If you're planning a party and need fabulous finger food, you needn't look any further than Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook. --Rebecca A. Staffel

From Publishers Weekly
In her second book on the subject (after Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres: The Creation & Presentation of Fabulous Finger Food, 1984), Stewart seems to have enjoyed the collaboration. This is a wonderfully produced compendium, with exhaustively detailed recipes to suit a wide range of palates, budgets and culinary skills (though not intended for neophyte cooks). Following the introduction are more than 300 color photographs (not seen by PW), cross-referenced to the recipes in the book's second half. The first chapter, "Building Blocks for the Best Hors d'Oeuvres," includes Stewart's typically painstaking instructions for making such foundations as Pattypan Squash Cups, Miniature Flour Tortillas and Green Tea Crepes. The next five chapters are organized by type: "Layered and Stacked" offers pizza variations and imaginative terrines; "Skewered and Threaded" has Moroccan Salmon Skewers and Figs in a Blanket; "Bites and Pieces" features Classic Crab Cakes and a section on marinated olives. "Classics" contains previously published recipes, including Phyllo Triangles with Wild Mushrooms. Throughout, helpful sidebars discuss such topics as dumpling wrappers (paper-thin sheets of dough); selecting, preparing and serving oysters; or the best hors d'oeuvres to bring to a potluck party. Advice on party planning, menus, lists of suppliers and an index top off this well-stuffed volume.
Copyright 1999 Reed business Information, Inc.

• Road maps and charts for each of the four blood types, detailing which foods and beverages to consume and which to avoid
• Tips for starting and sticking with the diet and matching your menu to your blood type
• Thirty-day meal plans to help you stay healthy, live longer, and achieve your ideal weight
• More than 200 healthy and easy recipes keyed to blood type

Cocktail Parties, Straight Up! features 12 of the authors’successful, gently themed parties, each with delicious signature cocktails, a suggested menu with hors d’oeuvre recipes that can be made ahead, and foolproof ways to make sure your guests get into the swing of things.

Plus, each chapter is full of helpful tips and tidbits that will help you navigate the finer points of throwing a successful cocktail party, from before the first guest arrives (there’s a foolproof party timeline) until the last one leaves (you’ll find tips for how to end a party gracefully). Cocktail Parties, Straight Up! is the ultimate blueprint for creating parties infused with satisfying conversation, genuine laughter, and a relaxed elegance—and guaranteeing that hosts collect compliments at the door.

From the Inside Flap
Do you want to break out of the cheese-and-crackers rut? Do you like to entertain and want great recipes, practical ideas, and creative ways to add pizzazz? Do you want to join the ranks of those wonderful hosts and hostesses who throw great parties and make it seem effortless? This book gives you the information and ideas you need—straight up! You'll find:

Start-to-finish guides for 12 fun—not overdone—cocktail parties, including "Open-Mike Night," "A Make-Your-Own Martini Party," and "Any Excuse to Celebrate!"

Guidelines, tips, and shortcuts to help you create a successful gathering for any occasion

Easy-to-follow planning advice for stocking the bar, estimating how much food to make, decorating without glue guns or big florist bills, and more

More than 60 recipes for delicious and different hors d'oeuvres, including Shrimp with Spicy Lime Dip and Wild Mushroom Tartlets

Creative signature cocktails, such as the Border Crossing, Pink Panther, and Between the Sheets, that make each party feel special

Secrets to being a confident host, such as how to handle a glassware shortage, quick tricks to end a party gracefully, and easy ways to ensure that both you and your guests have a fabulous time!

Cocktail Parties, Straight Up! features lots of ways to liven up the atmosphere and loosen up the crowd. You'll see how a cocktail party can be très chic without being très expensive or très stressful. So raise a glass and say, "Cheers!" With this book, you're ready to shake, stir, and entertain with style.

"Lead generation and conversion is the heart of any marketing enterprise, and Michael Port's ingenious and practical system is among the best I've seen. Read this book and transform your business!"
—Michael E. Gerber, founder and Chairman, E-Myth Worldwide, author of The E-Myth Revisited

"Do your homework! This is not a conceptual, theoretical look at how to succeed as a service professional. Instead, it's just what you need if you're stuck and you'd rather invest in your future (by doing the right kind of work) than complain about it later."
—Seth Godin, author of All Marketers Are Liars and Permission Marketing

"Going out on your own can be scary. But this book is a welcome antidote to that fear. It brims with savvy advice and nearly overflows with practical, hands-on exercises. Once you absorb the wisdom in these pages, you'll be ready, willing, and eager to fashion a more rewarding work life. Michael Port is the guy to call if you're tired of thinking small."
—Daniel H. Pink, author of A Whole New Mind and Free Agent Nation

"If you're even slightly uncomfortable with the idea of networking, marketing, or selling, this is the book for you. Book Yourself Solid gives you everything you need to fill your business with ideal clients. Before you're even finished reading the book, you'll be inspired to take action!"
—Ivan R. Misner, PhD, founder and CEO, BNI, coauthor of Masters of Networking

"Wow! I never expected this book to be so good. I love how it focuses on getting your ideal clients-and more than you can imagine possible. An excellent, inspiring, practical guide to outrageous success!"
—Joe Vitale, author of There's a Customer Born Every Minute

Packed with recommendations of the world's best places to visit, on and off the beaten path, 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE is a joyous, passionate gift for travelers, an around-the-world, continent-by-continent listing of beaches, museums, monuments, islands, inns, restaurants, mountains, and more. There's Botswana's Okavango Delta, the covered souks of Aleppo, the Tuscan hills surrounding San Gimignano, Canyon de Chelly, the Hassler hotel in Rome, Ipanema Beach, the backwaters of Kerala, Oaxaca's Saturday market, the Buddhas of Borobudur, Ballybunion golf club-all the places guaranteed to give you the shivers.

The prose is gorgeous, seizing on exactly what makes each entry worthy of inclusion. And, following the romance, the nuts and bolts: addresses, phone and fax numbers, web sites, costs, and best times to visit.