Occasions

Every occasion calls out for something extra, whether it's flowers you set on the table, foods to honor a special gathering, or the selection of music. For both hostess and guest, consideration of those around you is among the most important qualities for any enjoyable occasion. A smile and sense of humor are also essential, and before the canapés and night lighting a good hostess is ultimately defined by a welcoming and gracious demeanor. In Occasions, designer Kate Spade invites you into her world of easy, festive entertaining, where the emphasis is not on "the perfect meal" but on having "the perfect time." It's a world where laughter and conversation at dinner parties are encouraged and where spilled red wine on the couch is no reason to stop the music. As Kate says, "Making your guests feel at home is truly an art and it's one worth cultivating." Any occasion begins with preparation, and at the outset Kate describes such basic components as lighting (votive candles are a must); table linens, flatware, and glassware; flowers (trimmed short and tightly massed); even bedding for overnight or weekend guests. Party shopping lists, hors d'oeuvres and cocktail favorites, and dinner party menus are all included. An "Alphabet of Special Events," from baby showers to tailgate picnics, is both anecdotal and useful for would-be hostesses everywhere. Whether you entertain a lot or a little, and whether your style is casual or formal, Occasions, with more than 230 charming watercolor illustrations, is a handy and fresh approach to the subject, a book to be treasured today and over the years. Above all, at any gathering "hospitality makes for infectious fun."

Baking expert Flo Braker rises to the occasion with more than 200 celebration-worthy recipes for baked goods. Whether it's an impressive Dark Chocolate Custard Tart to wish someone a happy birthday, a blue ribbon-worthy batch of Fresh Mint Brownies for the annual family reunion, or an Old World Braided Coffee Cake to impress the bridge club, each recipe is custom-crafted to commemorate life's special events. Lots of introductory information on techniques and ingredients ensure that each treat will be baked to perfection, making this a fabulous reference for any cookbook library. Baking for All Occasions makes each day something to celebrate.

A dessert cookbook from a New York bakery with holiday recipes that are “personal and approachable, even for those who don’t consider themselves bakers.” (Giada De Laurentiis, chef and New York Times bestselling author of Everyday Italian) Celebrating a year in desserts from their beloved Brooklyn bakery, Baked, Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito offer recipes for cookies, puddings, whoopie pies, cakes, brownies, and more to commemorate holidays both expected and unexpected. Rum-infused Hair of the Dog Cake for New Year’s Day and Peanut Butter Sheet Cake for Texas Independence Day join Praline Ice Cream Cake for Mardi Gras, Chocolate Pop Tarts for Halloween, and 12 Days of Cookies for Christmastime. With 65 gorgeous photographs and 75 unique recipes, you’ll have everything you need to create a wide range of sweet treats for quirky festivities and traditional holidays all year round. “Honey, don't open this book unless you are prepared to drop to your knees and, in my case, beg somebody to make you every one of these recipes! If you do cook, be prepared to run home, get out the pans, the measuring cups, and the ingredients and start baking January through December, all in a day or two—in this case, send me some!” —Whoopi Goldberg “I have all of the BAKED cookbooks because the recipes are inventive, delicious and always turn out perfectly.” —Zooey Deschanel

"Good Form for All Occasions: A Manual of Manners, Dress and Entertainment for Both Men and Women" by Florence Howe Hall was an essential event book that helped readers understand the etiquette and appropriate dress styles for a variety of occasions. Starting with casual time spent in the country, the book goes on to more complex and specific occasions like church weddings, balls, road trips, and more. Thanks to Hall, countless women were able to host and attend events while fitting in with the rules of society.