It's that time of year again; the holiday party season is getting underway. This list will give you some helpful ideas, plus recipes and information to make your party go smoothly, whatever type of party you are planning.

Gatherings & celebrations: history, folklore, rituals and recipes for the occasions that bring people together, by Burt Wolf
Call number: 641.568 W85G

The cheapskate's guide to entertaining: how to throw fabulous parties on a modest budget, by Lori Perkins
The anti-Martha Stewart.
Call number: 642.4 P44C

Diane Warner's big book of parties: creative party planning for every occasion, by Diane Warner
Call number: 642.4 W28D

In the royal manner: expert advice on etiquette and entertaining from the former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, by Paul Burrell
Just in case you are planning to invite the Queen Mum?
Call number: 641.5 B96I

B. Smith: rituals & celebrations, by Barbara Smith; features recipes and party suggestions for holidays throughout the year.
Call number: 641.568 S64B

Julia Aitken's easy entertaining, by Julia Aitken
Call number: 642.4 A31J

Nathalie Dupree's comfortable entertaining: at home with ease and grace, by Nathalie Dupree
Call number: 642.4 D94N

Great parties: recipes, menus, and ideas for perfect gatherings: the best of Martha Stewart Living, by Martha Stewart et al.; the anti-cheapskate.
Call number: 642.4 S85G

The party: adventures in entertaining, by Sally Quinn
Call number: 642.4 Q7P

Entertaining with Regis & Kathie Lee: year-round holiday recipes, entertaining tips, and party ideas, by Regis Philbin & Kathie Lee Gifford
If you like the TV show, the book is just what you're looking for.
Call number: 641.568 P54E

Games people play: the biggest and best book of party games and activities, by Penny Warner
Call number: 793.2 W28G

Pick a party: the big book of party themes and occasions, by Patty Sachs
Call number: 793.2 S12P

Heloise hints for all occasions
Call number: 640 H48H

The Penny Whistle Christmas party book: including Hanukkah, New Year's & Twelfth Night family parties, by Meredith Brokaw & Annie Gilbar
Call number: 793.21 B86P3

Holiday cooking (Better homes and gardens)
This is published annually; the library has issues from past years, as well as the current one.
Call number: 641.568 H731

The art of buffet entertaining, by Diana and Paul von Welanetz
It came from the seventies, but still has some good ideas.
Call number: 641.5 V942A

The pleasure of your company: how to give a dinner party without losing your mind, by Molly O'Neill
From the food columnist for the New York Times Magazine: if you can get past the fictional cast of angst-ridden hosts discussing potential party disasters, there are some good ideas and recipes here.
Call number: 642.4 O58P

Now you're cooking for company: everything a beginner needs to know to have people over, by Elaine Corn
A good basic cookbook on entertaining, for the novice host or hostess.
Call number: 642.4 C81N

Relax! it's only dinner: eat splendidly anytime without losing your mind, by Cheryl Merser
Call number: 642 M57R

Entertaining light and easy: lower-fat recipes for festive meals, by Laurie Burrows Grad
Call number: 641.5638 G73E

Season's greetings: cooking and entertaining for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, by Marlene Sorosky
A recipe and idea book for winter holidays.
Call number: 641.568 S71S

The world of Jewish entertaining: menus and recipes for the Sabbath, holidays, and other family celebrations, by Gil Marks
Call number: 641.5676 M34W

Holidays of the world cookbook for students, by Lois Sinaiko Webb
From acaraje (black-eyed pea fritters) to Zweibelwahe (onion tart), this cookbook contains information and holiday recipes for more than 100 countries.
Call number: 641.568 W36H

The holidays: 21 menus for elegant entertaining from Thanksgiving to Twelfth Night, by John Hadamuscin
Call number: 642.4 H12H

The new vegetarian epicure: menus for family and friends, by Anna Thomas
Vegetarians like parties, too!
Call number: 641.5636 T45N

Jane Brody's good food gourmet: recipes and menus for delicious and healthful entertaining, by Jane E. Brody
Call number: 641.5 B86J

The Silver Palate good times cookbook, by Julee Rosso & Sheila Lukins
Features dozens of special dishes; some recipes are elaborate, and require special ingredients and lots of preparation, but this cookbook is excellent for a really special occasion.
Call number: 641.5 R83S

A Kwanzaa celebration: festive recipes and homemade gifts from an African-American kitchen, by Angela Shelf Medearis
Call number: 641.59296 M48K

Special occasions: the best of Martha Stewart living, by Martha Stewart
Call number: 641.568 S84S

Christmastime treats: recipes and crafts for the whole family,, by Sara Perry
Call number: 641.568 P46C

The Anne of Green Gables Christmas treasury, by Carolyn Strom Collins & Christina Wyss Eriksson
Call number: YP 745.5941 C71A

Ultimate Christmas, by Jane Newdick
Call number: 745.59412 N54U

The Christmas cook: three centuries of Yuletide sweets, by William Woys Weaver
Call number: 641.568 W36C

Betty Crocker's holiday baking
Call number: 641.71 C93B

Holiday baking, by Jeanne Thielly Kelley
From the Williams-Sonoma kitchen store.
Call number: 641.815 K29H

Celebrations, Italian style: recipes and menus for special occasions and seasons of the year, by Mary Ann Esposito
Call number: 641.5945 E77C

The Hanukkah anthology, compiled by Philip Goodman.
Call number: 296.435 H25

The Hanukkah book, by Marilyn Burns
Call number: YP 296.435 B96H

Kwanzaa: a celebration of family, community, and culture, by Maulana Karenga
Call number: YP 394.261 K18K

The complete Kwanzaa: celebrating our cultural harvest, by Dorothy Winbush Riley
Call number: 394.261 R57C