Amy Sedaris - I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence

Copyright 2008 by Amy Sedaris

All rights reserved.

Warner Books

Hachette Book Group

237 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

Visit our Web site at www.HachetteBookGroup.com.

First eBook Edition: October 2008

Warner Books and the W logo are trademarks of Time

ISBN: 978-0-446-54511-2

This Sturdy Book Belonged To:

Dedicated to...

Mom, Dad, Lisa, David, Gretchen, Tiff any,

Paul, Aunt Joyce, Madelyn Rose, Paul Dinello,

and Mr. Mushroom

Dear [your name here],

Whether you live in a basement with the income of a ten-year-old girl or on a saffron farm in the south of Spain, the spirit of hospitality is the same. Its the giving of yourself, a present of you to then from me for us.

Hello, and I like you. This is what youre saying when you invite somebody into your home, without having to hear yourself say it out loud. This colorfully illustrated book (see pictures) is my attempt to share with you something I take very seriously: entertaining in my home, my style. It may not be the proper way, or the most traditional, or even legal, but it works for me. I cant write good, but I can cook even better and I am willing to share with you my sackful of personal jackpot receipes that, because of their proven success, I continue to make, over and over again. I will also show you ways to plan, present, and participate in self-award-winning parties.

Even though the word entertainment is commonly used today, to me it sounds charmingly old-fashioned, like courtship or back-alley abortion. I like the traditional idea of entertaining, which for me means lively guests, good food, cocktails, and bubbly conversation. Id like to bring entertaining back to these essentials. Im not concerned with proper table settings, seating arrangements, or formal etiquette. Who can have a good time with all those rules? How can you enjoy yourself if youre worried whether youre using the right fork, or wondering whether the pumpkin is the bowl or part of the meal? Im not trying to discourage you from being creative or encouraging you to neglect the details, but know that the nuts of any good party are the simple basics provided in a warm environment.

I tend to live my life like a deaf person. I communicate with my actions: the way I dress, the way my home is decorated, and the gifts I give all speak for me. I take this to heart when I entertain. My food, my party decorations, the games I create, and the music I play are all personal expressions. This is what will make your party special, sharing a piece of you, a feeling. Its not a competition. You dont have to be the perfect host, just the prettiest.

This is not a joke cookbook. I dont like joke cookbooks because I cant take them seriously. This book is full of real information. Most of the little I know, I learned from my mom, as well as Girl Scouts and Junior Achievement, my second grade teacher, my family, Aunt Joyce, the backs of boxes, the lady who works at the post office, encyclopedias, the beach, bartending school, grocery stores, airports, waiting on tables. Mrs. Enchandi, nurses, sitcoms, Hugh, listening to the radio, babysitting, rock concerts, summer school, and the House Rabbit Society. I was also fascinated by two local hospitality shows: At home with Peggy Mann and The Betty Elliot show. I wanted to be both those women and now heres my chance, and hopefully, with the help of my book, it will be your chance as well.

Cordially,

Amy Sedaris

Dear [your name here],

It occurred to me that I neglected to acknowledge in my first letter that not everyone is interested in hospitality. There is nothing wrong with not wanting to be a hospitable person and have groups of people in your home touching your personables. Luckily, this sturdy book will also inform you on how to be the perfect guest. From the minute you say Yes Ill be there, until the moment you say Im sorry, I should go, you have an important role in making a party a hit. Remember, one cannot throw a successful party without successful guests.

Cordiallier,

Amy Sedaris

Dear [your name here],

I hate to be a pest, but I was concerned that perhaps in my first two letters I failed to completely convey my passion for entertaining. I go bananas for entertaining! Sometimes though, I feel entertaining is a dying art. My goal is to encourage you, [your name here], to entertain in your home, your style. Having a party is one of the most creative and generous activities that every person can enjoy and indulge in, if youre on the list. Remember, by inviting someone into your home, youre saying I like you.

Cordialliest,

Amy Sedaris

What a Party Means to Me

F or most people the word party conjures up an image that is so intimidating, so overwhelming, so terrifying that they just want to skip the whole thingits just too much pressure. A party doesnt necessarily have to be a big extravagant to-do. A party can be as simple as a few people getting together for conversation and snacks. As my guests leave even my most simplest parties, I consistently hear the same thing: That was the best time I ever had, and its always me saying it. But I do know in my heart they all feel the same way, probably. I dont even like to use the word party because often the word gives people grand expectations. So when you see the word party in this book, dont think of pony kegs and loud Southern rock or cigarillos and business-women. Dont think of pools and diving for loose change. Dont think about cockfightseven though its hard not to. Dont think tiki lights and fruity cocktails served in coconut shells on the patio, or a large group of drunken seamen clustered together shouting over each other. Think simplicity. Because if there is one thing I am, its clinically simple.