A "How To" book aimed at the aspiring hostess. The author is an experienced hostess and cook who has lived internationally. This is reflected in the choice of menus and recipes, to which the Sufi Philosophy of Entertaining and the wisdom of Jelaluddin Rumi, the 13th century philospher and mystic poet, are backdrops. The author wants you, the host or hostess to be in a relaxed state of mind and to be up to enjoying their own party! The book covers how to prepare your home to receive guests and continues with how to create a convivial ambiance through your choice of music, table decorations, local splashes of colour and the use of flowers and strategically placed ornaments. How to lay a table for a sit down meal or how to display and serve finger food. Menus with approximate costings per person are considered, and when it is more appropriate to buy or to bake. Original recipes with full preparation and cooking instructions are included. Recipe combinations are considered, and dishes that can be cooked in advance and frozen recommended.