Best Tablesetting & Cooking Books of 2026

Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over by Alison Roman is a collection of new recipes that cater to gatherings of any size, emphasizing easy-to-execute vegetables, versatile grains, and crunchy, salty snacks. Roman provides the food people want, including DIY martini bars, coconut-braised chicken and chickpeas, and lemony turmeric tea cake, accompanied by tips, sass, and confidence to pull it off. The book offers a classic Roman approach to cooking, rearranging well-known ingredients in interesting and compelling ways for young home cooks who want food that looks as good as it tastes. Overall, Nothing Fancy is a must-have for anyone who loves to entertain with delicious food without the hassle.

Sunday Suppers: Recipes + Gatherings: A Cookbook by Karen Mordechai is a beautiful collection of seasonally driven recipes that celebrate the art of communal cooking and eating. From brunch to picnics to birthdays, Karen's menus are inspiring, the recipes accessible, and crowd-pleasing. The photography is sublime, and the book offers a chic and stylish cookbook of 100 recipes that will nourish both body and soul. This book is a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy preparing simple meals to share with loved ones. Overall, Sunday Suppers is a must-have for anyone who loves to connect around the table and create a sense of community through food.

The Dinner Party Project by Natasha Feldman is a modern manual that offers 80+ recipes, menu ideas, and practical tips to make hosting a dinner party a fun and stress-free experience. The book includes sections on appetizers, main dishes, drinks, sides, and desserts with whimsical illustrations to guide you to your ideal dinner menu. The author encourages readers to forget fussy recipes and embrace communal cooking with friends. The Dinner Party Project is an excellent addition to any party cooking book collection and is highly recommended for those who want to host a successful dinner party without the stress.

Platters and Boards: Beautiful, Casual Spreads for Every Occasion is a visually stunning cookbook that offers 40 contemporary arrangements for breakfast, brunch, appetizers, antipasto, charcuterie, and cheese boards. Author Shelly Westerhausen shares her secrets for creating effortlessly chic spreads that anyone can make and everyone will enjoy. The book includes easy-to-prepare recipes, suggested meat and drink pairings, and notes on preparation and presentation. Platters and Boards is an inspiring resource for throwing unforgettable get-togethers, making it an ideal bridal shower, housewarming, or hostess gift. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to entertain with style and ease.

Rise and Run: Recipes, Rituals and Runs to Fuel Your Day: A Cookbook is a perfect guide for those looking to revamp their morning routine. The book offers over 100 nutrient-dense recipes for breakfasts, recovery drinks, packable snacks, and more, including twenty-four new Superhero Muffin recipes. The authors, Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky, also share morning rituals, intention-setting tools, predawn running tricks, and injury-prevention advice. The book is unique in that it also includes a fourteen-week marathon-training program designed by Shalane Flanagan. Rise and Run is an excellent resource for athletes and anyone looking to nourish their day and improve their morning routine.

Around the Board: Boards, Platters, and Plates: Seasonal Cheese and Charcuterie for Year-Round Cel is a must-have cookbook for anyone who loves to entertain. Organized by season, the book features nearly 50 creative, delicious boards that take advantage of the flavors and festivities of each time of year. With suggested flavor and beverage pairings, styling tips, ingredient profiles, and annotated photography, this book is a complete resource to mastering one of the year's most popular food trends. Emily Delaney, the founder of Cheese Board Queen, has created a beautiful guide that will inspire readers to create stunning displays of food for any occasion.

Fashion designer Lela Rose brings her party-planning expertise to the outdoors in her book, "Fresh Air Affairs: Entertaining with Style in the Great Outdoors." The book offers tips and inspiration on hosting more than a dozen fun and festive gatherings, with beautiful table settings, flower arrangements, and specialty cocktails and canapés. The parties featured are inspired by places that matter to Lela, and their concepts easily travel, from a sundowner cocktail hour to a party celebrating local cheeses. This book encourages readers to celebrate life's everyday moments with the people who matter most.

Celebrating Home: A Time for Every Season by James Farmer is a beautiful tribute to Southern living and traditions. Through stunning photos and stories, Farmer takes readers on a tour of his homes and gardens, showcasing tablescapes and decor for celebratory occasions throughout the year. The book is perfect for those who love to host and fans of traditional Southern style. Overall, Celebrating Home is a delightful read that inspires readers to cherish the small joys of life and make every season memorable.

Cook Beautiful by Athena Calderone is a visually stunning cookbook that offers 100 seasonal recipes for dishes that are as delicious as they are beautiful. The book is organized by season and includes step-by-step advice on everything from prep to presentation. Each section also features a tablescape inspired by nature, along with specific table décor and entertaining tips. Calderone emphasizes the importance of balancing the visual elements of each dish with incredible flavors, resulting in luscious dishes that are perfect for entertaining friends and family. Overall, Cook Beautiful is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook and entertain, and wants to create visually stunning, yet wholly delicious, culinary masterpieces.