The Best Cookbooks for Hosting (That Make You Look Effortlessly Chic)
I love hosting. I like to bring people into my home and make them feel welcomed, cared for and most importantly, have a great time. I have an impressive collection of beautiful serving dishes, floral appetizer plates, and lovely scented candles to set the mood. All of those little touches can make an evening so memorable for your guests. There’s something magical about gathering people around a table. The clink of glasses, the smell of something delicious wafting from the kitchen, the laughter amongst good friends… but hosting is an art.
I have no problem setting the scene with a pretty table, but I often find myself hemming and hawing about what to serve. Vegetarian in the group? Have to figure out how to accommodate them. Steak sounds good? What sides would please everyone? I can spend hours searching the end of the internet for that perfect recipe that will have people asking for the details or licking their plates clean. I don’t want to be that hostess who, when people walk out the door, they immediately head to McDonald’s.
I have several go-to cookbooks that help me pull it all off with style (and minimal stress). I’ve found that some cookbooks are great for a weeknight family meal, while others are better suited for holidays. However, they aren’t all one-size-fits-all when it comes to hosting – specific recipes work better for a crowd of more than four folks than others. Tip: Your local library is an incredible resource for cookbooks. I love to go and check a few out, take my time going through them, and test some recipes out on my family to see what we think. If I find a cookbook with more than five dishes that I love, I usually end up buying the book and adding it to the gigantic stack in my kitchen.
So, whether you’re planning a breezy backyard brunch, an elegant dinner party, or a casual girls’ night in, these are some of my favorite cookbooks that will help you become the hostess with the mostest, without spending hours in the kitchen. Oh, and one more tip? I’ve made the mistake MANY times of trying a recipe for the first time on my guests. It hasn’t always gone swimmingly. If you can – make it once before your party, so you’re sure it’s a winner. Unless you’re the gambling type, then go for broke and fly by the seat of your pants!
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Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman
This one is new to my arsenal as I received this as a gift on Mother’s Day. Although I’m still experimenting with various recipes, what I’ve made so far has been amazing! This one’s for the host who wants to make impressively unfussy food that feels elevated. Think: anchovy-butter roasted carrots, slow-roasted chicken, and salted chocolate chunk shortbread. Unique enough to be impressive, but simple enough to appeal to an array of palates.
Why I love it: It’s a vibe. Cool-girl entertaining with a side of rosé.
Purchase this Book: Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman
Tables & Spreads by Shelly Westerhausen Worcel
For the one who lives for a good grazing board. This is my go-to whenever I host a book club and we’re all just wanting to pick at food rather than sit down for a full meal. This book is packed with stunning spreads, brunch boards, dessert bars, and themed setups that make hosting as simple as… arranging things beautifully.
Why I love it: Less cooking, more assembling. Maximum wow-factor. Easy Peasy.
Purchase the Book: Tables & Spreads by Shelly Westerhausen Worcel
Love & Lemons Everday by Jeanine Donofrio
This particular cookbook is ideal if you’re hosting health-conscious or clean-eating guests. Most recipes are plant-forward and there are some straightforward yet delicious vegetable dishes. While the title mentions “everyday,” there are many great recipes I’ve used when hosting that consistently receive a ton of compliments.
Why I Love It: Amazing vegetarian options – you even trick your most meat-loyal friends into enjoying some of these.
Purchase this Book: Love & Lemons Everyday by Jeanine Donofrio
Cook Beautiful by Athena Calderone
From the creator of EyeSwoon, this cookbook is pure visual poetry. Each recipe is seasonal, stunning, and surprisingly doable. Your guests will think you just walked straight out culinary school. My personal favorite from this one for summer gatherings? Strawberry and Sun Gold Tomato Salad with Honey Lime Citronette
Why I love it: It’s as much a coffee table book as it is a cookbook.
Purchase the Book: Cook Beautiful by Athena Calderone
Company: The Radically Casual Art of Cooking for Others by Amy Thielen
This one is witty, beautiful, and full of warm, Midwestern hospitality – it’s probably why I gravitated towards it being a Michigander. Think comfort food done with flair. Great for the laid-back casual crowd, this cookbook also gives some great pointers and helpful tips to pulling off even the largest holiday dinner.
Why I love it: Perfect for anyone who wants to be a relaxed, joyful host.
Purchase the Book: Company: The Radically Casual Art of Cooking for Others by Amy Thielen
Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten
Because when you want everything to turn out right, you turn to Ina. Always. I have all of her cookbooks but I am partial to this particular one for hosting. Truffled mac and cheese? Chef’s kiss.
Why I love it: Foolproof hosting classics—plus cocktails and cozy desserts.
Purchase this Book: Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten
Via Carota: A Celebration of Seasonal Italian Cooking by Rita Sodi & Jody Williams
Admittedly, this isn’t one I use frequently, but when I’m leaning towards an Italian-themed dinner, it’s my go-to. A cookbook from NYC’s iconic West Village restaurant that teaches you how to bring that rustic-meets-elegant Italian charm home.
Why I love it: Simple ingredients, beautiful results. Perfect for the pasta-loving crowd.
Purchase this Book: Via Carota: A Celebration of Seasonal Italian Cooking by Rita Sodi & Jody Williams
Sunday Suppers: Recipes & Gatherings by Karen Mordechai
One of my library discoveries – I adore this cookbook, so much so that I gifted it to a friend who also shares a love of good food and friends at her table. This is slow, soulful food meant to be shared. The kind of cooking that makes people linger at the table long after dessert.
Why I love it: A love letter to meaningful meals and intentional gatherings.
Purchase this Book: Sunday Suppers: Recipes & Gatherings by Karen Mordechai
Family Meal by Ferran Adria
I’m not sure if you’ve ever worked in the restaurant industry, but many restaurants will provide the staff with a family-style meal that’s served before the doors open. This lovely cookbook contains meals that were served as a family meal for Ferran’s staff. And if these meals are good enough for a Michelin-starred chef to feed his staff, they are good enough for your crowd, too.
Why I Love It: The meals are scalable for up to 75 people.
Purchase this Book: Family Meal by Ferran Adria
Happy Hosting!
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