What do Chloë Sevigny, Molly Ivins, Allen Ginsberg, R. Crumb, Xaviera Hollander (the Happy Hooker), Yoko Ono, and Germaine Greer all have in common? They have all been guests at Jim Haynes's studio in Paris. A dynamic and loveable American ex-pat, Jim Haynes welcomes anywhere fifty to a hundred people for food, fun, and conversation every Sunday in his home. These informal parties, now approaching their thirty-year mark, are the inspiration for Throw a Great Party and illustrate how to entertain a crowd at home without being overwhelmed. Do you want to give a party that's fun and relaxed but also affordable? Throw a Great Party will show you how to give exciting parties that your friends will rave about. Inspired by Paris' best underground dining experience, the Jim Haynes dinners, this book celebrates the whole concept of hospitality and entertaining. From start to finish, this practical easy-to-follow guide offers complete planning, budgeting, shopping, storage, cooking, and serving tips. The collection of tasty international recipes and menus, range from traditional to exotic and are proven crowd pleasers. Tested many times, these recipes will work in any size home kitchen. Throw a Great Party will convince you that entertaining can be a joyful exuberant experience.