Happy Holidays from the Diva of Do-Ahead: A Year of Feasts to Celebrate With Family And Friends

I was disappointed with the book as it has mostly recipes I would never make. Many of the recipes honestly don’t sound very good.

A little dated, but very helpful with make ahead recipes for the holidays which is why I bought it.

I hope Dianne is enjoying her yacht on the Riveria. This book was so fabulous that I bought it for at least twenty friends and family. The book is extremely reliable, easy and very inspiring. You feel as though you are getting one on one cooking coaching. It makes cooking non intimidating and fun. I used this as my holiday "bible" and sailed through with rave reviews. The book allowed me to pace myself so that I wasn't wiped at the end that being the goal and beauty of this book. I would highly recommend this for an experienced chef as well as a novice. Great job Dianne. Many Thanks!!!! This will be a party classic for years and years.

This book has less than a dozen photos at the very beginning and they're not that great of photos to begin with. I like to see what the dish is suppose to look like and I would think the food editors could have found a decent food photographer. The recipes don't seem to make sense with the holidays, like Father's Day is chicken fajitas and margaritas. Isn't Father's day about steak? and beer? That could have been any meal, nothing special about it for Father's Day. The paper the book is written on is matte finish, almost like cheap recycled paper and the print is not a dark black, some of it is actually hard to read especially where it's gray. I think the Sandra Lee holiday book is better or even the Celebrations book by Betty Crocker. Don't pay full price for this and certainly don't give as a gift, the polenta crust cheesecake was awful as was the marcapone berries parfaits. You can see why it's down to $3.00 used.

Not impressed with the recipes....a little too simplistic and ho-hum and there are no recipes for pork roasts (such as crown roast or pork tenderloin) which are holiday favorites. I think it’s a good book for the beginner cook because it does give the reader a format on how to get prepared before the event or dinner party. I definitely don’t like the idea of cooking the beef tenderloin and garlic prawns (Christmas menu) the day before and then gently reheating them the next day for the “big dinner” because it has the monumental potential of over cooking a very, very expensive meal. If you’re an accomplished cook like me, be forewarned. There are definitely much better recipes to be had on the various cooking sites.

I'm an experienced cook but I bought this book for assistance in learning how to do more of my cooking in advance of a party, etc. Philips more than delivers on her promises, offering thoughtful, delicious menus with recipes that don't cut the corners on flavor or excellence. Most of the recipes can be adapted by an experienced cook to your own favorite recipes. I found it invaluable to learn what can and can't be done in advance, definitely making entertaining easier and more enjoyable.

Love the spread over major holiday meals. Very helpful resource to free up the host/hostess to enjoy their time with friends & family instead of the kitchen !

Great recipes, many of which can be modifies to meet special diets. I use this book often, it is great for everyday use, not just make ahead for special occasions!