Entertaining

The book that started it all: the essential guide to entertaining from cultural icon Martha Stewart, with 300 recipes, 450 full-color photographs, and thousands of inspiring ideas that stand the test of time

Published in 1982, Entertaining turned Martha Stewart into a household name. In this timeless classic, she presents a style of entertaining that is personal, relaxed, and expressive. Drawing on her experience as a professional caterer, she shares tips and techniques for hosting fun and original parties, no matter the occasion or setting. Entertaining no longer has to be stiff and formal—it can be omelettes served on the lawn, dim sum before the theater, tempura in the kitchen, a boisterous pasta buffet, champagne and desserts at midnight, or a weekend country breakfast. Whether a party is small or large, indoor or outdoor, fancy or simple, impromptu or carefully planned, there are many ways to make a gathering special.

Yet entertaining well demands more than originality. Planning and organization are the backbone of a successful party, and Stewart gives invaluable advice on this as well as on creating a comfortable ambience for guests, presenting food beautifully, setting the perfect table, choosing the ideal lighting and music, and working efficiently with a caterer if the occasion arises. Imaginative yet practical—with over three hundred original recipes—Entertaining will ensure that you never run out of ideas or inspiration for hosting the perfect event.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs