This is the essential guide to planning any event on budget and with all details considered. In today's challenging economy, people are rediscovering the fun and frugality of hosting parties and throwing their own celebrations, and The Entertaining Encyclopedia is the only do-it-yourself guide they will need. Every phase of entertaining is covered, from how to write and create your own invitations to deciding on a theme and planning and serving the food--even advice on getting rid of guests who have overstayed their welcome!

The author guides the reader in easy-to-follow steps and covers every detail and decision in sections she calls "essential elements":

• Essential element 1: Theme
• Essential element 2: Location
• Essential element 3: Your guests
• Essential element 4: Food and beverages
• Essential element 5: Entertainment.

Also included are 200 recipes and 25 comprehensive menus, allowing readers to plan and host any gathering, from a picnic-boxed lunch to a Chinese banquet to an Oscar-night party. These recipes are foolproof, straightforward and loaded with insider tips and ideas, whether entertaining on a budget or planning a large event.