Mastering the Art of Entertaining

by Joseph Marini

Overview

The 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684631964
Publisher:	SparkPress
Publication date:	05/09/2023
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	8.90(w) x 11.10(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

Joseph Marini has been captivated by home economics since his first class in grade school. Since that time, he’s honed his skills to include all aspects of creating an authentic, inviting social environment at home, and today he’s renowned for his enterprising entertaining skills. Whether focused on food, design, or gardens, Joseph’s work has charmed audiences, and he’s been featured in publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Town and Country, Luxe, Better Homes and Gardens, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others. 

Joseph’s culinary training in Europe provided him with the foundation to build one of the most selective and reputable event-design firms along the Connecticut shoreline. Whether one is hosting a seated formal dinner in someone’s home or a wedding on a horse farm, Joseph has always believed that entertaining is an art—and no two parties should ever be alike. From New York to Florida, he has cultivated a roster of influential clients, and the defining moment in his career came when he was asked to create an event where former President Jimmy Carter would be in attendance. At that point, he knew that he was able to create events that felt authentic and original for both hosts and guests. 

Concurrently with building his firm, Joseph was the proprietor of a luxury home and garden store in New England—a shop listed in 2009 as one of the best independently owned lifestyle retailers in the United States. Through his store, he further connected with those who have a love for houses, gardens, and food, and he counts many in the luxury lifestyle market as close friends. 

At the core of Joseph’s teachings is the understanding that entertaining is about creating community and nurturing people through the intimacy of home. No matter the size of the home or the formality of the event, he believes that everyone who wants to can entertain graciously and easily. Joseph lives in Florida with his husband and their family of beautiful dogs.

Editorial Reviews

Not just a labor of love but a work of devotion. Joseph’s heart is on every page, and yours cannot help but follow. His good sense and great ideas are a beautiful bonus.”
—Frances Schultz, author of The Bee Cottage Story and California Cooking and Southern Style and 2019 The Salonnière 100 winner

“This fabulous first book from veteran caterer and event designer extraordinaire Joseph Marini offers a window into his wonderful world. But even better, Mastering the Art of Entertaining provides all of us with the principles of being a good host. This book is filled with both rich photography and sage advice.”
—Ronda Carman, author of The Art of Pantry Cooking, Entertaining at Home, and Designers at Home and 2019 The Salonnière 100 winner

“Joseph’s intriguing take on interiors and hosting is inspiring.”
—Tara Shaw, designer, fine antiques importer, and author of Soul of the Home

From the Publisher

04/01/2023

Opening one's home to guests can be a daunting task, one that Marini explores through modern etiquette in this guide to entertaining. Marini takes an often-complex topic and turns it into something more than just creating the perfect centerpiece or throwing a memorable party. Instead, he focuses on how homes can be perceived and explains that they contain a past, present, and future, and represent who we are. Utilizing his background as a professional caterer and event designer, he includes chapters on working with flowers, creating a "prop closet," and making meals for guests. Although the advice is sound and well thought out, some things may be outside the realm of a first-time host, such as keeping a prop closet. However, Marini's love of entertaining comes through in each page, and his more practical advice on how to simply be a good host is invaluable, especially for those unfamiliar with hosting their own gatherings. VERDICT This is a thoughtful book on entertaining that covers aspects many other titles may not focus upon. It is particularly valuable for first-time hosts.—Sarah Filiberto

Library Journal