Everyday Celebrations from Scratch

Lifestyle television personality Provenzano, of the Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family, offers readers ways to “get the party started” in this entertaining collection of recipes and DIY projects. The “dedicated do-it-yourselfer” organizes her chapters around occasions that “are perfect for a touch of jollification”—from celebrating weeknight meals to hosting “books-optional” book clubs with friends. A game-plan for “Taco Tuesdays” recommends three different ways to create pom-pom napkin rings, alongside a recipe for slow-cooker chicken tacos, while a section on self-care instructs readers on how to make their own aloe and rosewater face mist. Busy parents will appreciate the abundance of fun, family-friendly ideas on offer: for picnic outings, Provenzano offers tips on creating personalized tables with breakfast-in-bed trays and nontoxic acrylic paint, as well as fruit and brownie kebabs that the kids can assemble at home. No recipe or craft goes without a dose of helpful advice (to create clay wine glass tags, Provenzano suggests using cornstarch for dusting to prevent sticking), and Provenzano’s delightful anecdotes about her own family (“Grandpa Provenzano would always have a red-and-white checked tablecloth on his table when we would have pasta”) add a sweet personal touch. Those looking for a reason to celebrate life’s little moments will find no shortage of inspiration. Agent: Eryn Kalavsky, Salky Literary. (May)