Longtime recipe tester Denise Landis--who has tested Nigella Lawson's books and more than a decade's worth of recipes at The New York Times --is an accomplished and experienced home entertainer. Landis knows what makes a good dinner party and how to compose a menu that will impress guests while leaving the cook free to enjoy her own party.

Featuring forty complete menus-appetizer, first course, main course, accompaniment and dessert-- Dinner for Eight is organized by season, encourages mixing and matching, and guides any cook through a dinner party timeline of advance preparation and last-minute finishes. A sample of the menus:

For Fall: Hummus with Toasted Pita Triangles/Eggplant with Chopped Tomato Vinaigrette and Spiced Chevre/Bourbon-Marinated Roast Pork/Savory Mashed Potatoes/Florida Apple Pie

For Winter: Parmesan Cheese Crisps/Salmon Tartare/Roasted Rabbit with Polenta/Wild Mushroom Saute/Pears in Red Wine

For Spring: Walnut Spread/Moules Mariniere/Lamp Chops with Mint Butter/Salt-Crusted New Potatoes/Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote For Summer: Deviled Eggs with Avocado/Gazpacho/Seafood and Chicken and Sausage Paella/Rouille/Peppermint Ice Cream