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| Christopher Lowell, The Hassle-Free Host: Super-Simple Tablescapes and Recipes for Stunning Parties | 
 enlarge | Author: Christopher Lowell
Publisher: Clarkson Potter
Category: Book
List Price: $29.95
Buy Used: $1.29
You Save: $28.66 (96%)
New (19) Used (24) Collectible (3) from $1.29
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 659151
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 176
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.3
Dimensions (in): 10 x 9.3 x 0.8
ISBN: 1400047269
Dewey Decimal Number: 642.4
EAN: 9781400047260
ASIN: 1400047269
Publication Date: September 28, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Library discard. Good shape, medium wear.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
For would-be hosts and hostesses, entertainer extraordinaire Christopher Lowell shares his secret for unforgettable parties: the perfect marriage of sumptuous, quickly prepared food and festive decor. Using experience culled from his eclectic career as an entertainer, which has included stints in theater, the art world, and classical music, in addition to his critically acclaimed interior design and lifestyle television programs, Christopher Lowell shows anyone how to turn an impromptu get-together, a cozy dinner, or a wedding reception into an absolutely fabulous soiree. With detailed how-to instructions for creating dramatic tablescapes and recipes for super-simple and tasty meals, Christopher Lowell channels his you-can-do-it approach to party planning.
Peppered throughout the book, invaluable entertaining tips and essential shortcuts transform even the most harried person into a party-planning savant. By creating a simple tablescape such as Asian Zen Squared or Crystal Blue Persuasion, you can turn an ordinary meal of Chinese takeout into an extraordinary evening. Christopher Lowell, the Hassle-Free Host is brimming with countless ideas to turn common household objects into sensational party props. For more ambitious hosts who dare to dabble in the kitchen, dozens of delicious recipes, including Chilled Avocado Soup, Grilled Beef Salad, and Frozen Key Lim Pie with Macadamia Nut Crust are perfect for the fussiest guests and are organized into convenient menu options. Made from mostly on-hand ingredients and time-saving convenience foods, the recipes are fast, adaptable for any number of guests, and completely foolproof. Mix and match them with any of the tablescapes, for any kind of party, in any room of the home, for an endless number of combinations.
Christopher Lowell’s expert advice will keep even the most hesitant host hassle-free and make any party fun, relaxing, and festive, no matter what the occasion.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 Little effort + creativity = FABULOUS! February 16, 2008
I'm a fabulous cook,taken many professional cooking courses,& know many professional chefs. ALL of us have short-cuts--tricks--fast ways of throwing together an awesome party for good friends and family gatherings. So many reviewers harp on the pea soup he proposes. I've made it with both fresh and frozen peas and my chef friend (BEST cook I've ever encountered) couldn't tell the difference. So if your wish is for a book with convoluted recipes, this ain't it. If you are unsure of yourself for entertaining ideas and a big stainless bowl of Jiffy Pop isn't cutting edge enough,Christopher is your MAN. I've used most of these ideas either directly or adapted for my own taste and style, and everyone is wowed. Why not just slap a tablecloth on and a grocery bouquet and pass the mashed potatoes? Taking a little time, and his creations don't take that much time, makes your guests feel special, and that's the whole reason you invited them in the first place, isn't it? Christopher shows loads of ideas that you can adapt, copy verbatim, or use as a springboard for your own imagination. Go on, you CAN do it! Great book with loads of great ideas for both novice and experienced entertainer.
Party Receipes August 24, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
We bought as a gift having been given a copy...some great ideas..we've tried many..all really good.
Amazon did well too..shipped same day it was ordered online.
Great Idea Book March 29, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a fantasitic, "how to" book on setting a colorful, creative and imaginative table. Not only do you see the end results of the tables, but then step by step instruction on how it was created. The focus is on creativity, and does not how lavish the china.
 Unusual Tablescapes w/ some good-looking "modified for quickness" recipes January 22, 2006
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Not sure why I picked this up from the library, we don't really do a lot of entertaining, just family. I DID enjoy looking through this book which had some very interesting and pretty tablescapes. I was surprised about the recipes but some of them actually sound good. I plan on trying them, maybe not for guests, but just because I am always looking for quick recipes. Like another reader said, if you want the real deal, there are great cookbooks out there. Christopher is not a chef!
Like other reviewers, some of the tablescapes were a little over the top, but to me they could easily be toned down. My favorite tablescapes were:
Petal Pushers - clear trough of petals and flowers
Asian Zen - very unusual flowers
Veggie-table chic - but toned down
Tin-talizing Picnic - was very cute.
Grass Roots - very tall, grass-like arrangement
Ummm, I just picked most of his designs. Maybe I like it better than the 3 stars I thought I was going to give it.
 Give me a break! December 15, 2005
3 out of 10 found this review helpful
With all the wonderful books on the market on entertaining, we have to be subjected to this egomaniac on every page, food out of a can and horrible table designs. Too over the top, too gaudy and waaaayyy too centered on someone who has seen better days. Don't waste your money.
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