Entertaining thoughts

Late summer and early fall are the seasons for fitting in the social occasions that there never seemed to be time for earlier in the year. Entertaining at home can be taxing, both in time and effort. But there are ways to cut through the work — and get right to the fun. These books can serve as guides.

“Mix Shake Stir: cocktails for the home bar, recipes from Danny Meyer’s aclaimed New York City restaurants,” with forward by Danny Meyer (hardcover; Little, Brown; 2008, 224 pages, $29.99). “‘Mix Shake Stir’ is the best thing that’s happened to cocktail lovers since Kingsley Amis’s ‘Everyday Drinking,’” reviews wine columnist Jay McInerney. In it, you’ll find signature drinks from all of Meyer’s famed restaurants.

“InStyle Parties: the complete guide to easy, elegant entertaining,” by the editors of InStyle (softcover, Melcher Media, 2006, 192 pages, $22.95). “Want to throw an A-list party without spending heaps of time and money?” ask InStyle editors. The “here’s how” is between the covers of InStyle’s “Parties.” Summer parties. Theme parties. Dinner parties. Holiday parties. Information offered can make every event stylish and personal.

“Hello, Cupcake!” by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson (softcover, Houghton Mifflin, 2008, 232 pages, $15.95). With a subtitle like “irresistibly playful creations anyone can make,” we shouldn’t be surprised that the front cover pictures cute cupcakes with adorable dog faces made out of frosting and candy. Inside are recipes and techniques for making cupcakes that are topped by people, party animals, holiday-themed objects, numbers, letters and fascinating designs.

“Budget Meals,” by editors at Better Homes and Gardens (spiral, Wiley, 2009, 415 pages, $19.95). You say that friends or relatives are coming over for a party? In this economy, we’re all searching for ways to entertain without busting the party budget. This handy volume offers 100 smart ways to save while shopping and 50 economical ways to cook. Chapter one is discounted “Party Food” — “to keep hosting expenses under control.”

“Family Meals: Creating Traditions in the Kitchen,” by Maria Helm Sinskey (hardcover, Oxmoor House, 2008, 288 pages, $32.50). According to the author, who also is an award-winning chef and a mother, “one of the best ways to spend time with family and friends is to gather in the kitchen to cook.” Sinskey and her family — with recipes and tips on traditions — “show you how effortless it is,” says the publisher, “to have fun in the kitchen.”