Mother's Day lunches, New Year's Day buffets, and Thanksgiving dinners are just some of the most important celebrations, get-togethers, and holidays we enjoy. Small Parties is a guideline for all types of entertaining, from simple buffet fare to elegant dinners with several courses, giving tips and hints on what can be done hours or even a day ahead, including information on food presentation, garnishes, d#xE9;cor, and much more. Whether for two or twelve, small parties are all about the simplest of ingredients transformed into something spectacular. Parties are about conviviality, atmosphere, and fun for you and your guests. Most of all, parties are about love-the seduction of food and wine, the love of friends and family, and the warmth that is created in a home where culinary creations from your kitchen are served with a sense of simplicity, awe, and celebration. Every season has a reason for a party; the menus and advice in Small Parties will help you create memories that will linger for years to come. Marguerite Marceau Henderson has built a reputation as a cooking educator, caterer, restaurateur, food writer, cookbook author, public speaker, television personality, and food consultant. Over the past twenty-seven years, she has provided fine food for such notables as President George Bush (the First), Senator Robert Dole, Martha Stewart, Robert Redford, and more.

Marguerite has owned a catering business, opened two successful restaurants, and hosted a radio show on food. She travels extensively to keep abreast of food trends across the country and in Europe. She enjoys teaching cooking classes, giving cooking demonstrations, and lecturing on the impact food has upon our daily lives and in our family traditions. She is also the author of Savor the Memories, and Small Plates: Appetizers as Meals.