Dinner Parties

From casual get-togethers to elegant parties, having friends over for dinner is one of life's great pleasures. But planning, preparing and hosting a dinner party can sometimes feel overwhelming.

That's why the editors of Fine Cooking have put together this special publication dedicated to creating extraordinary dinner parties.

By providing full menus for all kinds of delicious evenings, this valuable resource helps take the worry out of entertaining -- and puts the fun back into every step of the process.

Each dinner party menu includes its own game-plan, timeline, recipes and a complete shopping list. Plus lots of proven tips, cooking techniques, and drink suggestions to help you pull it all together with style.

Most of the 66 recipes can be made ahead of time -- designed to give you flexibility and take the pressure off. So you'll have more time to relax and enjoy socializing with your guests.

Here's a taste of the delicious culinary events that are featured in Dinner Parties.

• Quick and Easy Friday Night Pasta for Friends -- includes Mussels with White Wine, Creamy Pasta with Sausage, Salad with Red Onion & Mango, and a Cheese Plate for Dessert
• Exotic Indian Dinner for Six -- features Curried Lentil Soup, Chicken Tikka Masala, Stir-Fried Cauliflower with Green Peas & Ginger, and
  Mango Lassi Parfait
• Spanish Paella Party -- includes Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic & Parsley,
  Potato Tortilla, Olives & Peppers on a Pick, Paella with Shrimp, Toasted Bread with Chocolate
• Down Home Creole Celebration -- features Shrimp Rémoulade, Gumbo Ya Ya, and Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
• Simple Salmon Delight -- Crostini with Sautéed Mushrooms, Mint & Parmigiano, Roasted Salmon & Asparagus with Lemon Oil, New Potatoes with Butter, Shallots & Chervil, and Crisp

From appetizers to desserts -- and everything in between -- this special publication gives you all the information you need to create dinner parties everyone will remember.