Party! - Tapa dura

Cook and cookery writer Fran Warde presents an excellent little book on party finger food. Full of innovative and attractive ideas it will transcend your party from the ordinary to the unforgettable. Most dishes can be made in advance or at least require the minimum of attention to ensure you can be the perfect, attentive hostess without slaving away over a hot stove. Simple spiced nuts and parmesan and rosemary wafers mix with mini pizzas, wraps, ricepaper parcels and other tasty titbits from around the world. Not forgetting those with a sweet tooth, mini chocolate brownies and raspberries in champagne jelly will satisfy them. Ending with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic punches, this is a well rounded, handy recipe book for large drink parties, giving the party-giver a kudos that won't be quickly forgotten. - Lucy Watson

Fran Warde ran a successful restaurant and catering business before setting up her own cookery school. She is food editor of Red Magazine and author of East Drink Live and Food for Friends, also by Ryland Peters & Small