This is How You Do It: Make Your Yuletide Gay With “The Art of the Host”

Are you entertaining this holiday season? You wouldn’t want to be without some expert advice on becoming the perfect host. Consider this new collection of recipes and guidelines for wowing your crowd.

The Art of the Host: Recipes and Rules for Flawless Entertaining

By Alex Hitz, with photography by Iain Bagwell;
Rizzoli New York; $45.00

For the seasoned host — and those that long to be, Alex Hitz delivers a beautiful guide that helps define the art of hosting for the novice or takes more tested talents to the next level. Hitz certainly knows how to entertain: He’s an award-winning chef, columnist, speaker and planner of divine parties — from his hometown of Atlanta to the Hollywood Hills of LA and NYC’s Park Avenue. This collection of 100 recipes and tips celebrates the lifestyle of a bon-vivant infused with Southern hospitality that dictates guests should be treated as family. But this knowledge comes across to the reader with the aplomb of a well-penned memoir, as Hitz offers inspiration and anecdotes that are equally memorable.

He interprets classics anew — as in Caroline’s Tipsy Ambrosia, Orange Bourbon Poundcake, or a stunning Risotto alla Milanese. And he’ll refresh you on such basics as zesty vinaigrettes, lush homemade mayonnaise and a delightful onion puff inspired by Bel Air. Readers will likely be inspired to incorporate Hitz’ suggestions into their own entertaining.

That could easily mean anything from inviting friends over for a Boxing Day buffet to fearlessly tackling the daunting demands of Thanksgiving. But even those who don’t plan to put Hitz’ how-to into action will learn something new from each of his handsomely crafted menus.

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