PHYSICAL BOOKS ARE ALMOST HERE

"Toast & Kiss: An Ode to the Days of Dinner Parties and Entertaining at Home" is a masterfully woven narrative that celebrates the tradition of at-home entertaining across thirteen meticulously curated chapters. Crafted from the heart of a hopeless romantic, the book unfolds much like a love story, emphasizing the art of creating cherished moments and lasting connections through gatherings.

The author's perspective infuses the narrative, portraying dinner parties not just as social events but as intimate gatherings that strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. This guide goes beyond the basics of party planning, exploring the history and evolution of dinner parties and offering a comprehensive look into the art of hosting with elegance and warmth.

Significant contributions come from a variety of perspectives, including renowned host and author Gina Zarcadoolas; Keafta Dokes, an avid home entertainer; and George Gulu, a cocktail aficionado. A unique and heartfelt addition is from Skyler DeLaMora-Dokes, the author's daughter, who shares her insights and memories of growing up in a home where hosting was a cherished tradition. Her reflections add depth to the guide, offering readers practical wisdom and a glimpse into the profound impact of entertaining on family life.

The guide is enriched by the "Short Stories" section, featuring six narratives that capture the essence and transformative power of communal gatherings. These tales, exploring themes of love, friendship, grief, and healing, inspire readers to approach entertaining with creativity and enthusiasm.

"Toast & Kiss" encourages readers to rediscover the joy of hosting, weaving practical tips with inspirational stories to serve as both a guide and a source of motivation. The book's tone is warm and inviting, echoing the author's genuine passion for bringing people together and fostering an atmosphere of togetherness.

Endorsed by Denise Vivaldo, a seasoned expert in the culinary world, the guide stands out for its authentic portrayal of the joy and art of hosting. Vivaldo's endorsement highlights the book's significance as a valuable resource for anyone eager to refine their hosting skills and rejuvenate the tradition of dinner parties.

"Toast & Kiss" is an essential companion for all who value the art of entertaining, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces filled with laughter, conversation, and culinary delights. It is a call to action to revive the tradition of dinner parties, making every toast, kiss, and shared meal an opportunity to cherish the moments that bring us together.

Through its chapters, the book captures the essence of hosting as an expression of love, blending the practical with the romantic to inspire unforgettable gatherings. Skyler Dokes-DeLaMora's contributions, reflecting on her upbringing, reinforce the book's message that entertaining is foundational to building and nurturing our relationships and memories. "Toast & Kiss" stands as a testament to the beauty of hospitality, connection, and the enduring tradition of coming together with loved ones.

I’m pouring all my passion and knowledge into these pages, hoping to inspire you to open your home and hearts to the art of entertaining.  Let’s embark on this exciting adventure together, and get ready to host some of the most enchanting dinner parties ever! Toast and Kiss 💋  Yoli

NOTES: 

• The book has an extended charcuterie section that will go into depth on how to create boards and grazing tables including the measurements needed to satisfy your guest count. 
• Special guest contributors are included in this edition. 
• Paperback and hard copies will become available everywhere books are sold, on our official release date in May

Contents

1: The Art of The Dinner Party

History And Evolution

Importance Of Gathering

The Heart of Hosting

2: Welcome to My Home

Guest Contribution – Skyler Dokes

Why I Love Entertaining at Home

First Impressions

Setting The Scene

Yoli’s 3-Course Menus & Recipes

Decor And Atmosphere

Choosing A Theme

Music Matters

3: Dressing the Part

Fashion In Entertainment

Themed-Based Outfit Ideas

4: Menu Planning & Execution

Creating A Cohesive Menu

Preparation Tips

5: The World of Charcuterie

Charcuterie 101 & More

Pairing with Wines & Breads

6: Signature Cocktails & Mocktails

Guest Contribution – George Gulu

Crafting The Perfect Drink

7: The World in A Glass

Basics Of Wine Pairing

Advanced Concepts

Guest Contribution – Gina Zarcadoolas

8: Soundtrack of The Evening

Music Selection

Creating A Playlist

9: The Main Event

Recipes For Success

Guest Contribution – Keafta Dokes

10: The Unexpected Guest

The Unexpected Guest

Narrative

11: Etiquette and Hosting

Guest Contributions

Hosting Do's & Dont’s

12: The Joy of Hosting

Reflecting On the Experience

A Bit of Encouragement

13: Short Stories

The Last Bite: A Farewell Feast

The Secret Recipe: A Tale of Magic and Mendings

Echoes of Laughter: A Chef's Tale of Connection

Table for Nine: A Single Host's Celebration of Love and Friendship

Echoes of Absence: A Widow's Journey Through Grief and Gathering

Dreams Entwined: Isabella's Guide to Love and Entertaining

Appendices

 Beyond The Last Page

 About The Author

UPDATES:

CULINARY CONTRIBUTOR:

Gina Zarcadoolas

Gina is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food & wine blogger, wine pairing specialist, Champagne Enthusiast, and wine consultant. She holds a level 2 sommelier certificate as well as WSET level 2. She is the winner of the 2019 Salice Salentino USA Bloggers Award held in Lecce, Italy. In March 2023, Gina received the honorary title of “Italian Wine Scholar” provided by the Wine Scholar Guild. Her book is rated Best 56 Wine Books and Best Wine Books for Beginners by Book Authority. She is a social media personality and a brand strategist.  

FORWARD BY:

Denise Vivaldo

A seasoned food professional with over 30 years of experience, Denise Vivaldo has catered more than 10,000 parties and has cooked for such guests as George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Prince Charles, Bette Midler, Suzanne Somers, Merv Griffin, Cher, Aaron Spelling, Sly Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. She began her culinary training at the Ritz Escoffier and La Varenne in Paris then graduated Chef de Cuisine from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. 

Denise spent numerous years as a professor at UCLA’s Culinary Program and at her Alma Mater, the California Culinary Academy. Denise’s television clients carried her into media food styling. She is the author of eight books: The Food Styling Handbook, winner of numerous awards, considered to be the food styling bible and now in it’s 2nd edition; How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business, which has sold more than 150,000 copies and is in its 7th edition; How to Start a Home-Based Personal Chef Business, now in it’s 2nd edition; The Entertaining Encyclopedia, winner of the Cordon d’Or for International Culinary Entertainment, and its companion book Perfect Table Settings; Do It For Less! Parties, and Do It For Less! Weddings, entertaining books with quantity recipes and winners of IACP Cookbook Awards; and The Top 100 Napkin Folds, winner of the Mom’s Choice Award.

In addition to books, Denise is a contributing blogger for the Huffington Post as well as her own blog, Denise Vivaldo Blogs. Denise is also a featured speaker at culinary conventions all over the globe: Fabulous Food, CaterSource, and Food & Wine Conference, Disney Food & Wine, the International Association of Culinary Professionals, the Santa Barbara Food and Wine Festival, Women Chefs and Restauranteurs, the Paris Cookbook Awards, the National Association for Catering and Events, and Europe’s Food Photo Festival.

12/26/23

Töst Beverages has joined us as the official NA sponsor for our book launch and is our official NA for all upcoming Toast & Kiss Events.

12/30/23

Discover elegance in every sip with Toast & Kiss’s exclusive selection of non-alcoholic wines, tequila, and other spirits. Our carefully curated range celebrates the depth and complexity of traditional beverages, minus the alcohol. Each product is selected for its exceptional taste, providing a sophisticated and guilt-free drinking experience. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply looking to explore new flavors, Toast & Kiss offers the perfect alcohol-free alternatives for any occasion. Join us in savoring the art of fine drinking without the alcohol. HERE