Happy to Gather (A Hospitality Guide for Midwestern Hosts and Guests)

A cookbook and entertaining guide that offers practical tips, heartfelt traditions, and delicious recipes to help create gatherings filled with warmth, connection, and memories that will last for lifetimes.

The concept of inviting groups of people to one’s home for celebrations or commemorations can seem daunting. Even the most seasoned host may be pardoned for sometimes wondering, Can I pull this off? Equally concerning for the guest is the question: How can I be helpful?

In this Midwestern-themed and universally applicable hospitality guide, Terri Michels shares her vast experience on both sides of the equation, offering clear instructions for a variety of occasions, from the essentials of who to invite and what to serve to the enhancements of conversational prompts and decorative touches. Michels draws on decades of gatherings, telling stories of successes as well as comic outcomes.

Categories including “Celebrations,” “Friendship,” and “Community” highlight meals like “Chicken Dinner with a Twist,” “Soups Supper,” and “Minnesota Block Party.” Thoroughly tested recipes are both straightforward and flexible, inspiring for novice and experienced cooks alike. And suggestions for accepting help from guests by giving them useful tasks strengthens the sense of community these gatherings build. This guidebook invites all comers to enjoy their time together around the table.