Food is the Frosting-Company is the Cake

Book excerpt: The meat and potatoes (and to her vegetarian readers, the tofu and broccoli sprouts) of this book is about opening our front door wider and making it fun and less stressful to invite people into our home more often. With a twinkle in her eye, lifestyle expert Maggie Marshall gently escorts you through the changes of life (that one, too) and how to make adjustments to entertaining along the way. This book offers practical advice as we age, 101 tips simplifying entertaining that you don't want to miss, short anecdotes to keep a smile on your face while helping you remember the important pointers, plus delicious recipes that can be prepared 24 hours or more in advance. The book is set up as a practical guide; Chapter 1 sets the foundation. At the end of the chapter be sure you don't skip taking the Entertainment IQ Test (you can keep your test score a secret from your best friend, the one who makes entertaining look easy). Then browse through the Table of Contents and flip to whatever chapter "speaks to you." If you have a young family (or a grandparent trying to pass on traditions) and want to reduce tears in the kitchen, head straight to the chapter on Cooking With Kids Ours and Theirs. If you're ready to host a big bash, turn to the chapter called Hotsy-Totsy Parties for help with events that require more detail when planning a celebration. Maggie's favorite chapter is Honoring Life Events During Suffering, Illness and Loss and how to remain connected while living through some of life's greatest challenges.