Review: The Lazy Hostess by Babe Scott

Title: The Lazy Hostess

Published: Bantam: Random House Au October 2013

Status: Read on November 06, 2013 — I own a copy {Courtesy the publisher}

My Thoughts:

Once a month (or so) my husband and I host a get together for our friends. Unfortunately it is not a glamorous cocktail event but instead a casual BBQ where beer and wine is consumed in mostly moderate amounts, mindful of our assorted offspring watching the latest Disney movie in the lounge room. We all love the idea of offloading the children on a babysitter and having an adult’s only soirée though and Babe Scott’s, The Lazy Hostess, offers some great ideas on how to do just that.

I wouldn’t say I am a Lazy Hostess but easy, quick and cheap works for me. Peppered with quotes, “I drink to make my friends more interesting – Don Marquis”, and fun illustrations, this book is a practical guide to hosting a cocktail party for friends. While I skimmed over Babe’s fashion advice, I appreciated her simple suggestions about decor. There are also chapters on ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Stress-free Hostesses’ and how to get your guests to go home. On Scott’s website you can also find invitations to print, Spotify playlists and more recipes.

I happen to enjoy cooking, but not spending hours in slaving in the kitchen, so I was particularly interested in Scott’s recipe ideas and I was pleased to find a few new ‘Devilishly Easy Hors D’Oeuvres’ to try. Scott offers some great tips for planning, preparation and service and many of the recipes have no more than a half a dozen ingredients, most of which you can probably find in your pantry. Some are so simple but very clever like the Tempting Potato Wedges (wrap streaky bacon around frozen potato wedges, secure with a toothpick and bake) and I know I will be trying the Potato-Crisp Crusted Cheese Balls.

Of course there are plenty of cocktail recipes as well, from the classic Pina Colada to the Mafia’s Kiss. I particularly like that Babe provides the method for preparing pitchers of the various concoctions. Who wants to be stuck behind the bar all night?

A fun and practical reference book, The Lazy Hostess is a handy resource for any hostess who wants to be the ‘mostest’. It would also make a great housewarming or hen’s gift.