Food with Friends: The Art of Simple Gatherings: A Cookbook

From Apartment Therapy’s photographer, who happens to be Grace Bonney’s favorite, comes 85 sweet and savory bites for gatherings, including brunch, tea time, potlucks, picnics, cocktail hour, dessert, and even delicious parting gifts for guests.

Blogger Leela Cyd knows how to turn an everyday necessity-eating-into a pretty, pleasurable affair, where candied rose petals top a simple handmade soda to elevate guests’ moods. Food with Friends gives you recipes for simple yet special fare using basic cooking techniques and adding small, whimsical touches-think a few slices of french toast doused in lavender syrup or a salad composed of flowers (guests will gasp with glee!). Here, too, is a section on styling ideas for table settings and stocking a pantry to make last-minute nibbles.