2The spaces we live in are more than just buildings. Our homes have a pulse; like us, they have a past, present, and future. They reflect who we are, and they are the center of our lives. For that reason, entertaining is more than just throwing a great party or setting a pretty table. There is a vulnerability inherent in opening our home and inviting people in to see how we live--and that vulnerability, says home entertainer extraordinaire Joseph Marini, is something to embrace wholeheartedly.

In this beautiful, accessible guide, Joseph shares his secrets for being a thoughtful and authentic host when entertaining at home, along with distinctive recipes, tasteful advice on etiquette appropriate for today's lifestyles, and a multitude of ways to make your next gathering unforgettable. Entertaining, he says, is a learned skill that with a little bit of regular practice becomes second nature. Becoming a proficient host means that you are taking the time to nurture people--bringing them together in a space that is comfortable and welcoming while creating memories over food and drinks. Even someone who hates to cook can become a talented host by taking the time to give their presentation a special touch (by serving those store-bought foods on earthenware platters with beautiful garnishes, for example) and learning how to care well for their guests.

Including close to 100 recipes that Joseph has used both throughout his career as a caterer and for his own personal use at home--each one accompanied by a gorgeous, full-page lifestyle photo and a recommendation on how to serve the dish with style--Mastering the Art of Entertaining is the empowering, inspiring coach you need to become the host you've always wanted to be.