June 2009

Annabel Karmel. Annabel Karmel's Complete Party Planner. United Kingdom: Ebury Press, 2000.

You know you're in good hands when you have a mighty mum like Annabel Karmel in your corner, and this dinky party planner is no exception. The creative Martha Stewart- like party queen has ironed out all the wrinkles of planning your child's next party, and provides you with clear concise instructions to get through the exciting day.

From the all important Party Countdown, which Annabel Karmel offers in her calm, organised, maternal way, to the wise tips and suggestions along the way (like avoiding feeding children under 3 years peanuts), Annabel Karmel's Complete Party Planner is going to be your new best friend when next the kiddies' birthdays roll along.

Once the invitation ideas and stunning party game suggestions (including ice breakers, indoor and outdoor games best suited for children in the 8 - 12 age group) are out of the way, Ms Karmel gets on to what she is renowned for: children's food, and more specifically here: kids' party food.

The recipes offered in the Complete Party Planner are truly fantastic! Many of them are child friendly, so you're able to get your little ones involved in the catering process, and all of them result in completely captivating party morsels: Magic toadstools, Fairy wands, Cucumber crocodiles, Swiss roll aliens, Apple smiles - all of Annabel Karmel's offerings are appealing - even the adults are going to wish they were kids again, just to get their very own Catherine Wheel Pizzas!

And all along, Ms Karmel walks us through the following birthday party themes with her own suggestions to add to the celebrations:

* Cooking Party

* Sports Party

* Make-up and Jewellery Party

* Easter

* Teddy Bear's Picnic

* Summer Barbeque

* Halloween

* Bonfire Night

* Christmas

*

But above all, for the health conscious moms and dads out there, rest assured that Annabel Karmel keeps her treats healthy and nutritious while still looking like goodies from an edible make-believe world. This book is a must for everyone wanting to steer clear of MSG-laden fast foods at party time.

*

Happy Parties!

*SHELLY SHINDIG*

Resident Bookworm

*

Click here to add Annabel Karmel's Complete Party Planner to your party book Library now!