The Lazy Hostess

Hello, Sister!

Who am I? And what on earth is this book? Quite simply, I'm the laziest ho in the entire universe, especially when it comes to entertaining. And yet, I have a knack for throwing soirees that are wildly successful, at least when measured in laughter, liters of wine, and memories I can hold my friends to ransom with. I'm not a chef, nor do I have any culinary credentials, but I do know how to feed the hungry hordes while barely lifting a finger or breaking the budget. And, more importantly, I've worked out how to have one hell of a good time.

I've always loved to entertain. Even back when I couldn't cook without risk to life and limb, I was an entertaining queen. I would warn guests that they should don non-flammable clothing, but they still came in droves and talked about my soirees for years afterward in terms that would make Martha Stewart greener than the Grinch. Since those days, I've learned to make food that doesn't look like it's been charred in Chernobyl and have developed enough skill in the kitchen that I can manage to put something together to satisfy most palates and occasions.

Although I'm no longer on a first-name basis with the local fire brigade (a shame because they are total stud muffins) and my friends no longer brush up on their first aid before coming over for cocktails and canapés, I'm still a slatternly bitch when it comes to the stovetop. For me, it's about cooking to love, not loving to cook. I don't want to spend a cent more or a second longer in the kitchen than I have to.

This book is for domestically challenged divas who have always dreamed of entertaining but who weren't born with the cooking gene and for whom the thought of asking friends over inspires panic attacks. Help is finally at hand for you, my cocktail-swilling sisters.

The Lazy Hostess takes the fear out of food and puts the "fun" back in, letting you woo the world with your HOspitality. It puts the curve back into cooking and the froufrou into frugal. It aims to be, not just a book, but a new best friend. It recognizes that food is just an accessory.

This book aims to be a saucy girlfriend in ink, one that will be with you every mincing step of the way to ensure you have an intoxicating evening. In it you'll find laid out for you on a platter everything you need to know to become a hostess with the mostest with a minimum of effort, so you can conserve your energy for consuming cocktails.

To ensure you look and feel your queenly best, it's got makeup advice, infallible fashion ideas, and tips for getting in a party mood. I'll also help you create a festive atmosphere with suggestions for signature cocktails, sprucing up your abode, and soundtracks for every occasion.

It doesn't stop there. Readers will be able to download irresistible invitations, as well as tantalizing placemats and coasters. No crepe is left unturned in showing you how to become the queen of your social scene. The Lazy Hostess will show you how to have a royal good time.