Sandy Coughlin

There are certain times when I agree with Sandy Coughlin, the author of Reluctant Entertainer..., such as when she talks about how women feel pressure to be too perfect when they think about entertaining guests. However, most of the time I was reading this book I found myself rolling my eyes at her annoying sentence structure and predictable writing style.

Also, I would say that the biggest flaw of her book is that she mentions her blog so often that I wonder why then would I read her book when I can just go online and read her blog and it would have the same basic message.

The book had many big, glossy pictures, but the photos seemed to be trying to compensate for the lack of substance in the writing.… (mais)

This is a book perfect for those who don't entertain often, but want to. Or for those that want to, but don't know where to begin. I tend to stress myself out very easily when I have friends over for dinner. For me, the key is to plan and to do as much as possible the week before, the day before.

These are the suggestions that I came away with from this book:
God did not create us perfect, so go with the flow. Mistakes will happen. Treat them lightly.
Keep it simple - even if all you do is serve take-out on your own dishes.
Practice making two or three dishes so you could make them blindfolded and keep those as your signature dishes.
Keep a card system of guests and their allergies and what you've served them.
Have your family help you! and even your guests.
Clean your bathroom and don't worry about the rest of the house.
She also gives you wonderful questions for conversation starters.

And, of course, the recipes. Chicken Divan, Angel Hair Shrimp Scampi, Slow Cooker Chicken or Pork, Easy Sweet Potatoes, Zucchini Noodles with Parmesan Sauce, No Peel Apple Cake and lots more.

This would be a great gift to a new bride or even someone just starting out on their own. I enjoyed reading through this book and needed it 20 years ago.… (mais)