Entertaining can often feel like a daunting task... but it doesn't have to with this practical cookery book. The hugely experienced Darina Allen is on hand with helpful tips and techniques and outstanding recipes so you will be full of confidence and inspiration to invite friends and family around whenever you want. Knock up a warming Cannellini, Chorizo and Cabbage Soup for a winter lunch, plan a pancake party with loads of ideas for fillings, prepare a Lamb Korma ahead of time and then impress your guests with a host of delicious accompaniments, create Adorable Baby Banoffis for dessert of go festive with a Thanksgiving Turkey with Fresh Herb Stuffing. There are endless suggestions, variations and combinations! Whether you want to give informal suppers or entertain your boss, this book will take the hard work out of party planning and ensure that you will enjoy it as much as your guests.

In our busy lives, even having a few friends over for a meal can seem a time-consuming and daunting task. In this much-needed book, the experienced Darina Allen smoothes away the stress of entertaining with over 250 recipes that cover everything from three-course dinners to tapas and one-pot suppers. The chapters include Starters, Finger Food, Brunch, Formal Dinners, Family Desserts and Festive Meals and the recipes are balanced so that you can prepare some dishes in advance. There are modern recipes from around the world as well as vegetarian options, with advice on tables settings, menu planning and wine accompaniments. This is the only book you will ever need for entertaining at home.

Darina Allen is Ireland's best-known food ambassador and the author of Ballymaloe Cookery Course, Irish Traditional Cooking, A Year at Ballymaloe Cookery School and Healthy Gluten-free Eating. She has appeared on many television shows and has presented 9 series of Simply Delicious. She is a tireless campaigner for local produce, setting up Ireland's first Farmers' Market and is on the board of The Soil Association.