I've always wanted to give great parties. From the time I was married in 1968, I loved planning parties, cooking, and getting together with my friends. But in the beginning, I did some truly awful parties.

As time went on I learned what worked and what didn't. I learned that small dinner parties were often more satisfying than big cocktail parties, that easy food meant I would spend more time with my friends and we all had more fun, and that the music at a party is sometimes more important than the food. But most of all, I learned to stay focused: Parties are "recess" for grown-ups, and I want everyone to go home saying: "Wasn't that fun !" So now I plan everything with that goal in mind.

I hope this book helps you discover the pleasure of easy entertaining.

Barefoot Contessa Parties! 2001 Clarkson Potter/Publisher
Buy Signed Cookbook: $35


Other Books:
The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Barefoot Contessa Family Style
Barefoot in Paris
Barefoot Contessa at Home
Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics