Learn to party on a budget

If you’re a fan of Budget Living Magazine (and I am) you’ll connect instantly with the breezy style of “Party Central: A Month-by-Month Guide to Entertaining on the Cheap.

Edited by Kathleen Hackett, the book is comprised mostly of adaptations of stories that appeared in past issues of the magazine. In fact, September’s chapter, “A Touch of Class,” was written by Hackett.

Broken into sections that feature a different concept or entertaining idea for each month, the year is divided into creative and fun parties. Note: these aren’t tips for children’s birthday parties. Most have some “adults only” elements.

In addition to the recipes for cheese straws and wasabi bacon in February’s “Lonely Hearts Club Brunch,” the meal is built around inviting unattached singles over for a game of “spin the bottle” and “pass the orange.”

May’s “Horsing Around” chapter explores a Kentucky Derby theme. Recipes for ham and biscuits and mint juleps, are mixed with a tutorial on whiskey and bourbon.

Since it’s from Budget Living, the focus is on trendy, chic and cheap entertaining. But on every page “fun” is the first ingredient.