ENTERTAINING STORY

A wedding cake decorated with fresh frangipani and a sea glass-green cream icing, birthday cakes and Christmas crackers, Pimms on the lawn, finding a theme for a children's party, laying out a long table for an English summer lunch under the shade of an oak tree, creative table decorations with wildflowers, Homemade Mackerel Paté, Apple and Blackberry Crumble, Cucumber, Feta and Pistachio Salad, everything presented here is done with great style and panache. Bridesmaid at Prince Charles' wedding to Lady Diana and his god daughter, author, model and entrepreneur, and daughter of the designer David Hicks, India Hicks has produced a charming book on entertaining, rich with creative tablescapes and funny family stories. Marvellously, she beings with the most important meal of the day - cocktail hour - and ends with breakfast. Full of personality from Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, Teatime and Picnics, The Great British Breakfast, whether throwing a garden party or decorating a cake, she adds her chic yet accessible style. Her beloved cook is fondly known as Top Banana, and here are tips on cheating with sushi, devising themes, knowing when everything is ready, traditional treats like Victoria Sponge Cake and tropical treats like the Marques' Banana Daiquiri. Stories include her mother sitting next to a cannibal king, and there are tips for sparkling conversations, seating plans, and the best ingredients of all are love and laughter. 224 pages featuring full page colour photographs which are just dreamy and too gorgeous to be true! 23.6 x 28.5cm, a glamorous Rizzoli publication.