This is an over-sized "coffee table" book and reading it was just like taking a trip to the French countryside to visit a girlfriend. The author, Sharon Santoni, lives with her husband in Normandy, France in a lovely old French home that is perfect for entertaining. The book's subtitle is "entertaining through the seasons,"and contains a few of her favorite recipes as well as suggestions with photos on how to accessorize with creative table decorations. But the best part are the photos! Many charming photos using antiques and flea market finds, featuring her garden and beautiful blooming plants and trees, and shots of nature (ferns, spider webs, frost, ripples on a nearby lake, leaves, sunlight through trees, candles, cut flower centerpieces, etc.).

This book is inspiring and encouraging for any level of entertainer, and not at all intimidating - most of the meals were served in her garden, or her spacious lawn underneath a blooming magnolia tree. In winter the tables were cozily decorated indoors. And even if you don't have this kind of property in which to entertain, it is lovely to imagine... After I began reading I learned from her Instagram account that Sharon offers private tours of the rural French countryside including trips to flea markets and wineries. What a treat that would be ( )