The holidays are a time for gathering around the table, sharing memorable meals, and creating traditions that linger long after the last bite of dessert. But for anyone who has hosted a festive dinner, the reality can involve a flurry of grocery lists, overflowing ovens, and the pressure to make everything feel effortless. Enter How to Host a Dinner Party, written by Corey Mintz, illustrated by Steve Murray—a timely read for anyone hoping to serve up a little more joy and a lot less stress this holiday season. You can check out Corey’s newest book, The Next Supper at The Next Supper – Canadian Cookbooks
This book speaks to the heart of entertaining: a successful dinner party isn’t simply about what’s on the menu; it’s about how people feel when they gather around your table. Food may be the star of the show, but hospitality is what makes the evening unforgettable. Mintz brings a food writer’s perspective to the business of hosting, offering readers a fresh opportunity to rethink what it means to welcome guests into their homes.
For holiday hosts, that message is particularly appealing. December dinners can quickly become elaborate productions, with ambitious menus, perfectly coordinated place settings, and expectations worthy of a glossy magazine spread. Yet the best gatherings are often the ones where conversation flows freely, the food is generous, and nobody—including the host—is too frazzled to enjoy the evening. The real secret to entertaining is knowing that a warm welcome is worth far more than a flawless soufflé. In our Recipe section, you’ll find the perfect Holiday Punch to serve your guests. No more bartending at your own soiree!
Steve Murray’s illustrations add a visual dimension to the book, bringing personality and charm to a subject that can sometimes feel intimidating. In a world overflowing with picture-perfect entertaining inspiration, an illustrated approach feels refreshingly approachable. It reminds us that hosting should be an enjoyable expression of personality, not an exercise in perfectionism.
What makes a book like this an appealing addition to a holiday reading list is its relevance beyond a single occasion. The ideas behind good hosting can be carried into birthday suppers, impromptu Sunday lunches, summer garden parties, and those spontaneous evenings when a few friends turn up hungry. It encourages readers to think about entertaining as a pleasure to be shared rather than a performance to be perfected.
Of course, the ultimate measure of a dinner party isn’t whether every dish arrives at precisely the right temperature. It’s whether guests leave feeling nourished, connected, and already looking forward to the next invitation. Start your holiday planning by purchasing the book at How to Host a Dinner Party – House of Anansi Press or win a copy in our Giveaway section.
How to Host a Dinner Party is a fitting seasonal pick for aspiring hosts, confident home cooks, and anyone who loves the convivial magic of a meal shared with others. This holiday season, let it inspire you to light the candles, pour something delicious, pass the plates, and remember the golden rule of entertaining: the best ingredient is always good company.
After all, the holidays aren’t about hosting the perfect party. They’re about making room at the table for the people who make life delicious.
Excerpted from How to Host a Dinner Party by Corey Mintz. Illustrated by Steve Murray. ©2013 Corey Mintz. Illustrations ©2013 Steve Murray. Published by House of Anansi Press How to Host a Dinner Party – House of Anansi Press