The decorations, the service, the table setting, every item on the menu - all have been thoughtfully combined to produce a dinner party that has all of the balance and color and impact of a masterpiece on canvas. (from The Art of the Dinner Party) 

{HISTORY} 

This first edition, first printing of The Dinner Party Cook Book was published in 1962 by the Editorial Staff of Sunset Magazine, one of the longest published magazines (since 1898!) still in print in the United States today.  It was also a 1962 Christmas gift to a lucky lady named Addy from her friends Carol and Jim, as marked by the inscription on the front endpaper. 

Here in the elegant but fun Dinner Party Cook Book, you'll celebrate the occasion five dozen different ways with over 62 themed menus that cross cultures and cover holidays, seasons and whimsical themes.

Focusing solely on dinner and supper parties with some emphasis on afternoon picnics and late night gatherings. Unique menus include A Polynesian Buffet, A Graduation Party for Twelve, Labor Day Dinner, A Mexican Menu for Christmas Eve, Sukiyaki Supper, Cracked Crab Party, Dinner for Important Guests, A Springtime Buffet...etc etc.

Holidays covered include Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines Day, New Year's, Halloween, Labor Day.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Large size

- Marvelously illustrated throughout with cheerful, mid-century art by revered American artist William S. Shields.

- Includes a wine list and a special guide on how to stage a party 

- Mod 1960's style cover art

- Very clean pages

{CONDITION} 

Very clean, bright white pages. Wear due to age in the form of bumped corners on cover and along the edge of spine. Tight binding with all pages intact. 1962 Christmas gift inscription on inside cover reads To Addy, With love, Carol and Jim

{SIZE}

Measures 8.5"inches (width)  x 11" inches (length)  x .75" inches (depth)

{WHY YOU NEED IT}

Because this cookbook puts the fun back into party planning 1960's style! The focus here is not only on delicious meals but also on creative styling tips for attractive presentation.  

And because you never knew you wanted to throw a South American Soup Party before... but after reading this imaginative cookbook you'll wonder how you could have lived all these years without ever having had such a brilliant and festive (and delicious!) good time. 

+++ SNEAK A PEEK+++ This cookbook was featured on our blog! See which recipe we made here.

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The Dinner Party Cook Book by the Sunset Editorial Team. Published by Lane Book Company, CA. 1962, First Edition, First Printing. 231 pages.