Everyday celebrations from scratch

With 100 how-to's from recipes to crafts, Provenzano offers a variety of ways to celebrate friends and family and "commemorate all the good in your life." It could be via weeknight meals, from "Making Messes Monday" (personalized place mats is one idea) to "Friday Fete," complete with homemade confetti. Family takes center stage before remaining chapters focus on friendship, sports, and seasons. In every category, each celebration features at least three dishes and one DIY project. For recipes, expect comfort foods without high gastronomic touches, ranging from overnight oats and loaded veggie nachos to spaghetti and more. Chocolate mousse with cookie crumble topping, anyone? Provenzano's truly outstanding contributions are the tips found in both individual instructions and the book's mini-sections: pointers for grazing boards, book club topics, how to create memories. The ultimate book for happy crafting and eating together.

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)