Alice Hart has perfected the art of feeding crowds, and in her new book she takes the stress out of entertaining, showing you not only how to serve people memorable meals, but also how to host all sorts of gatherings in a relaxed and convivial way. From what kitchen kit you’ll need to take to a music festival, how to multiply up the number of servings, or how to get around a shortage of cutlery or plates, the book contains all you need to know about the practical side of making large numbers of people feel comfortable and well fed. An added bonus are Alice’s fabulously whimsical ideas for how to entertain guests.

Party menus are grouped by season, with a total of 100 different dishes to choose from. Break through late winter’s gloom with a Honey-roast Beetroot and Carrot Salad served on a mezze evening complete with indoor games for a cold night, or throw a beach barbecue in high summer and impress with Blueberry, Almond and Vanilla Choux Buns, with instructions for beach cricket and how to read the clouds.

Alice serves an eclectic mix of dishes from all around the world, but all are made simple and easy to prepare. And these parties won’t break the bank – being young, busy and hard-working, Alice understands the demands on her generation when it comes to being low on budget, time and space.

For a sneak preview of Alice's new book - published in April 2012 - please go to:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/9146256/Smoky-pea-and-ham-soup-recipe.html