Alice Hart is a genius at effortless entertaining and serving up delicious food for a crowd. In Friends at My Table shes crafted 12 complete menus3 for each seasonand 70 perfectly delicious recipes for a years worth of colorful celebrations. Menus include food and drink for a bridal shower, brunches, a laid-back summer wedding, picnics, autumn bonfires, and even a New Years Eve dinner. Theres something here for every occasion, mood, budget, and palateomnivores and vegetarians, too.

Also, get ideas for charming activities to incorporate into your parties: how to build a home smoker, tips on wild-food foraging, how to pack for a picnic, and even the basics of playing beach cricket.