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July 8, 2018

We are thrilled to be offering you the chance to win one of five copies of The New Art of Cooking, the gorgeous debut cookbook from food stylist Frankie Unsworth.

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To celebrate the publication of Frankie's book we've teamed up with Bloomsbury Publishing for this exciting giveaway competition. 

The New Art of Cooking showcases the many styling tips and tricks to make food that looks as good as it tastes with trade secrets from top professional food stylist Frankie Unsworth. It’s true that ‘we eat with our eyes’, and this beautiful, clever book provides a fantastic toolkit straight from the world of professional food styling. It promises to change the way you cook for ever.

frankie unsworth food styling

Packed with easy tips including how to:

  • Bruise, cut, chiffonade or blitz herbs to best effect
  • Burn or grill citrus fruit to caramelise and concentrate flavour – adding an interesting twist to fish and seafood
  • Slice veg for a super-clean finish or rip and tear for a rustic feel
  • Add edible flowers for a final flourish

Recipes cover breakfasts (including the delicious-sounding 'chocolate granola shards'), snacks, seasonal salads, soups and bowl foods such as 'herby spelt and yoghurt flatbreads', 'asparagus mimosa' and 'courgette, pancetta and lemon spaghetti'. From small plates to big dishes and celebration feasts for friends and family with ‘Eton mess ice cream sandwiches’ and the ‘Ultimate chocolate cake’, not only will your cooking taste wonderful, it will look better than ever too.

food styling cookbook

Frankie Unsworth is a food stylist and writer who trained in pâtisserie at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. She works extensively on photography shoots in London and across the world, and has worked with Rachel Khoo, Nadiya Hussain and Michel Roux amongst others. You can read more about what inspires her, the things she can't do without and how exactly she happened to be held at gunpoint in this interview.

All you have to do is answer the following question, and you’ll be entered into the draw to win. Leave your answer in the comments below or via the LinenMe Facebook page.

What is your secret weapon to style a dinner party?

Competition closes 23rd July 2018. Good luck!

Competition is closed. The winners are: Gillian Ross, Nikki Hilton, Sandra Legros, Jill Reed and Hayley Robson.

Images from The New Art of Cooking by Frankie Unsworth (Bloomsbury £26), available now. Photography © Kristin Perers

linenme_19
2018-07-24

Competition is closed. The winners are: Gillian Ross, Nikki Hilton, Sandra Le Gros, Jill Reed and Hayley Robson.

Hannah
2018-07-24

I keep the glass jars from tomato passata, take the labels off and use them as flower vases on the table. It’s a fun, inespensive way to brighten up the table.

Lou masters
2018-07-23

My husband buys a roast duck in Chinatown and then debones it and we make duck pancakes with hoisin, chilli, cucumber and green shallots. This never fails to wow people, the cost at a restaurant for duck pancakes is incredibly high versus an all you can eat make, them them the way you want them dinner party option. Whenever we invite people for this it always sparks incredible joy and excitement. It is also a great meal to take to friends houses!!

Natalie Crossan
2018-07-23

Relaxing music, candles and keeping it simple x

Kate Roxburgh
2018-07-23

I bought some old glass spice jars in a charity shop and discarded the stoppers. I cut the stem of a flower to a suitable length for each jar or use a few small flowers and a bit of foliage and add water to the miniature jar and to make a pretty decoration for each place setting. I can split up a shop bought bunch or use some bits and pieces from the garden such as grape hyacinths and primroses in the spring and holly and hellebores at Christmas and suit the decoration to the season in a cost effective way.

Rowan Collins
2018-07-23

I’m slowly filling my cupboards with unique handmade ceramics, but my other secret weapons are neutrally toned table linen, simple pillar candles on glass or brass holders, some delicate stem-less glasses for wine, a simple (but beautifully designed) carafe for water, and some kind of wild/simple greenery such as eucalyptus to adorn the table.

Pam Lawrence
2018-07-23

No guests.....dinner parties are far too stressful (and far too grown-up too!

Fiona jk42
2018-07-22

I have collected plates, platters and serving bowls in various places when on holiday. I try to use appropriate crockery to style my table, so Moroccan plates & tagines when serving Middle Eastern food, Spanish & Italian crockery when serving Mediterranean food, and Indian copper & brass coloured metal dishes when serving curries.

Adrian Bold
2018-07-22

Plan ahead, prepare, double check everything and give yourself extra time in case something goes 'wrong'

CAROL PATTRICK
2018-07-22

A fine china dinner set, to set the table off in style

Helga
2018-07-22

Relaxing music, being on the patio with a cool breeze and candles flickering

Angella Willis
2018-07-22

A nice white linen tablecloth and a candle as centrepiece

Gillian Ross
2018-07-22

Fresh herbs as a garnish. Makes any dish look fresh and stylish

Karen Hughes
2018-07-22

Remember the small details. Don't want your guests to focus on a dishwasher smeered glass when they should be focusing on your delicious food

Amy Jo McLellan
2018-07-22

A classic, white linen table cloth

lucy hale
2018-07-22

Lots of wine ;)

Rachel Steward
2018-07-22

Flowers, makes me smile and relax, recipe for success

Victoria Prince
2018-07-22

Decorate the table with a nice cloth and accessorize simply - really styles it up without much effort!

Rachael Sexey
2018-07-22

I think preparation is key

Denise
2018-07-22

Plan Ahead. Check and Recheck. Plan a Low-Maintenance Meal. Do a Test Run.

Lynn Neal
2018-07-22

Kepp it simple but elegant and evering should be very clean!

Patricia M Shepherd
2018-07-22

I keep everything clean , bright and white with fresh garden flowers to give some colour to the table.

Philip Rogers
2018-07-22

Preparation, preparation, preparation

It does mean success everytime

A.E. ADKINS
2018-07-22

My top tip would be not to inflict the experience on our guests take them out for dinner!

Jules page
2018-07-21

Always use the best quality ingredients, it really does make a difference.

Ellen Nixon
2018-07-21

Prepare everything in advance so you can enjoy the company

Charlotte G
2018-07-21

Prepare everything in advance & plenty of alcohol!

Angela Kelly
2018-07-21

Getting someone else to cook the food!

Stacy Fenemore
2018-07-21

good food, good wine and good friends

Lauren Main
2018-07-21

Entertain them properly, and not so much pressure will be on the food!

Alison Latham
2018-07-21

Invite the kind of friends who don't care if it's a "perfect" dinner party!
Real friends will be happy to help out if it all goes a bit wrong, even if that means opening an extra bottle of wine and calling for take out!

JENNIFER CAIRNS
2018-07-21

just prepare everything in advance dont get stressed about it or everything will go wrong

sheri Darby
2018-07-21

Prepare as much in advance as possible and plan!

janine atkin
2018-07-21

plenty of drink so they dont notice when i ruin the food

stephen
2018-07-20

First, please the eye: linen, stemware, cutlery and crockery, perfectly clean and sparkling. A jewel-like canape; then each succeeding dish, elegantly arranged - and of course, cooked as well as I can.

pete c
2018-07-20

use simple colourful food as part of the food on offer

Michelle Bruce
2018-07-20

A good mix of guests, a variety of drinks, uncomplicated food. As for the style, I go for clean, fresh colours with lots of fresh flowers.

Marie Rungapadiachy
2018-07-19

Lots of good music is my secret weapon.

Sue lane
2018-07-18

A themed evening with soft music background, completed with dining table layout.. and of course wine, laughter and great food to be enjoyed by all

Ryan
2018-07-18

Fresh ingredients, simple recipes, let the food do the talking

Elizabeth Cooke
2018-07-18

A scented candle! Creates a welcoming environment :)

Hayley Robson
2018-07-17

Fresh local produce and flowers

Margaret GALLAGHER
2018-07-16

Seating plan and name place settings

I know what each person likes / dislikes - so much easier when we're serving up
Everybody gets what they like

Pam hutchinson kelly
2018-07-16

Nice colourful plate settings and good wine and a good centre piece and candles

Kim Styles
2018-07-15

lower than head height flower arrangements and candles- you don't want your guests to have to do a meerkat impression every time someone addresses them

Sarah
2018-07-13

Botanicals! Snippets of greenery from the garden. Simply arranged on the table, as place settings, around candles, simple styled wreaths and posies as decoration AND edibles... herbs in water jugs, and as garnish... edible flowers on puddings... importantly, all gathered from the garden or foraged from the woods. Seasonal & simplistic elegance

Jen Oconnell
2018-07-13

38 earl’s court road
Birmingham
B179ah

M.
2018-07-13

Minimalistic tableware and tablecloths to highlight the beauty of food served.

Susie Groom
2018-07-13

Inviting people who enjoy good food & wine & interesting conversation.

Bridie irwin
2018-07-13

Big white plates to show the food at it’s best

Anne Hughes
2018-07-12

Fresh flowers and candles to set the mood!

Katherine Lawson
2018-07-12

I love playing with light, whether it's using the daylight for as long as possible or gradually shifting to night time with candles and dim lighting. It really affects the mood :)

Sharon Arnott
2018-07-12

Plain but good quality crockery so that the eye isn't drawn away from the food by pattered plates etc

Victor
2018-07-11

An ALGARVE sunset, VISTA ALEGRE china, a MADEIRA linen hand-embroided tablecloth, - a "must have" - PORTUGUESE wine and last but not least a "hint" of love in each prepared dish.

Susan Tuck
2018-07-11

Unadulterated simplicity to enjoy the best that nature provides from the freshest ingredients as the basis of the menu

Steph
2018-07-11

My secret weapon is adorable dishes

Paula
2018-07-11

Decorate the table with what nature at that time has to offer. The beauty and scent of nature is unbeatable.

Michele platman
2018-07-11

Pre preparation of all the ingredients for your dishes, chopping, weighing etc and pre cooking any dishes you can, for the freezer. But don't forget to take them out of the freezer the night before! And make lists!

Donna Hanna
2018-07-11

Simple white plates to show off the food. Good good, good company , good times

Rebecca Brown
2018-07-10

A really simple set-up with crisp white tablecloths and a candle centerpiece - let the food speak for itself

Julie
2018-07-10

My hubby makes amazing napkin decorations

sophie denize
2018-07-10

recettes maisons de saison accompagnée d' un zeste de bonne humeur, entourée de ses amis autour d'une jolie table.

Natalie Turner
2018-07-10

Prepare everything within plenty of time :)

Sandra
2018-07-09

simple but stylish table settings, good food -prepared as much as possible beforehand, so that I can spend time with guests.

Pam Lawrence
2018-07-09

I like to use proper linen for the tablecloth and napkins, in pale, neutral colours and hand blown italian crystal glasses. I like things quite plain and unfussy.

STELLA NOBLE
2018-07-09

Fresh garden flowers, hand written place cards,good food ,good wine and good company!

Laura Pritchard
2018-07-09

Fun, bright glasses!

Mrs Karen scoles
2018-07-09

Nice glass Nice candles good wine a linen table cloth and matching napkins and a Nice there course meal

Anne-Marie cunnew
2018-07-09

white china and large white cloth napkins

Lindsey C
2018-07-09

Simple natural decor and table settings (slate and stone) to keep the food as the star

Kim Murray
2018-07-09

Candles and homemade flower arrangements x

Dawn Rowley-White
2018-07-09

Scented candles, well-ironed linen tablecloth, flowers from the garden.

Jamie
2018-07-09

Fun linens, interesting table décor, and a couple bottles of wine!

Richard Eldred Hawes
2018-07-09

Crisp white linen, crystal glasses and silver cutlery

Timothy Dempsey
2018-07-09

The unexpected....guests & food.

Elizabeth Hirst
2018-07-09

Good food, flowers and fresh linen with a group of friends able to freely chat.

maria blythin
2018-07-09

clean tablecloth and nice fresh flowers x

Annabel Greaves
2018-07-09

I love to add personalised nameplates and small handmade table decorations to make the dinner party style unique

JUSTINE EDWARDS
2018-07-09

Simple starter & dessert thats pre prepared so you only are in the kitchen doing the main course.

Adrian Clarke
2018-07-09

A good punch bowl to get everyone in the mood!

Jane Willis
2018-07-09

don't get stressed trying to create new dishes, stick to something tried and tested that you can make without stress, leaving you relaxed and able to enjoy the company of your guests

Elizabeth
2018-07-09

Good food
(some vegetarian)

Good conversation/company

Beautiful linen

Flowers

Emma C
2018-07-09

Good presentation and good wine

Ruth Harwood
2018-07-09

Make sure the seating arrangement means everyone is sitting next to someone they can have a laugh with!

Lynne
2018-07-09

All good friends, good food, good wine,good chats and laughter

Ingah
2018-07-09

Knowing my friends and guests, I just go with my gut, what mood prevails right now, which colors feel right and than just adding a small piece in complementary colors.

josie Bicknell
2018-07-09

keep it simple

SusanT
2018-07-09

Get someone else to organise it

Sue
2018-07-08

A big smile! Make the setting seasonally simple and stylish - plan an easy menu, pre prep food as much as poss - above all relax and enjoy!

DAWN WINSKILL
2018-07-08

Candlelight, good food and good conversation.

janey Forrest
2018-07-08

Simple seasonal flowers and clean linen!

Lorraine Crighton
2018-07-08

my top tip is variety - a good mix of people, as wide a selection of drinks as possible and if not having a sideboard buffet try to ensure everyone is catered for with the fewest number of dishes, e.g. some vegetarian entrees can double up as side dishes and some meat eaters do enjoy vegetarian meals and any cheese board should have one vegetarian cheese

Anke
2018-07-08

As many others we’ve got some flowers, herbs or other greens from our garden on the table. Other than that there‘s no decoration, but we try our best to always serve delicious and great looking food - not only for parties but for every-day-dinners as well. Our latest star - and secret weapon - at the table is our six months old son who loves to pick pieces of bread, avocado, carrot or whatever is appropriate for him to eat - always wearing a stone blue linen napkin around his neck. It‘s such a pleasure watching a babyboy learning to eat with his fingers, tasting whatever comes to his tiny mouth and enjoying dinner just like a grown-up.

Kim Coate
2018-07-08

Good mix of people, chilled wine and music and a simple centrepiece, leaving room for good simple food.

Sue Fitzsimons
2018-07-08

Good food and wine. I like to use fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Thoughtful grouping of guests.

Cindie
2018-07-08

Plants and greenery with low candles for a centerpiece, and presenting the food buffet-style on a sideboard using cake stands of different sizes and heights for interest, and more flora around the bottoms.

Fiona Clarke
2018-07-08

Fresh wildflowers flowers in small vintage jars, sparkling glasses, freshly laundered linen, but not ironed for a rustic look, and lots of small candles dotted around the table, and a group of good friends, of course!

Pera
2018-07-08

Yummy vegan food, made from scratch!

I come from a culinary region where "Vienna meets Venice", as suggested by my dear friend... Makes my food presentation simple, yet strong in color palettes and an array of textures.

Cya
2018-07-08

Fresh greenery - especially trailing plants - complimented by freshly laundered linen.

Sarah Aitken
2018-07-08

Simply delicious food made with passion and great company...

Jill Reed
2018-07-08

A warm welcome, a ready glass, white linen, low flowers and candles - and I’m ready to enjoy myself.

Lauren Jamieson
2018-07-08

Party games- they always result in a good night of laughter!

Sally Collingwood
2018-07-08

Good conversation, keep the chat flowing, everything else will fall into place.

Susie Wilkinson
2018-07-08

I go for shabby chic, nothing matches, so it doesn't matter how many people I invite, because I don't need matching cutlery, placemats, napkins, glasses, etc. etc. It also becomes a talking point with people showing each other what they've got!

Philip Stride
2018-07-08

Beautiful table linen, light reflective glassware, highly polished cutlery with a simple menu carefully chosen and, most importantly, good friends to share it with.

iain maciver
2018-07-08

a fun table centrepiece

Robin
2018-07-08

Simple food, cold drinks and flowers.

Georgina Jacobs
2018-07-08

Embracing the seasons for table decor, it sets off table top perfectly for me. Beautifully laundered linen cloth & napkins and I'm a stickler for candles for the ambience they create.

doctorj
2018-07-08

glass sheets and square containers, water, candles, and flowers

Carolyn E
2018-07-08

Depending on the weather, an outdoor candle lit table, surrounded by twinkling lights. Linen table cloth and vintage crockery. Nearby a citronella burner to scare off the bugs.

Karen Scammell
2018-07-08

lovely fresh flowers

Nikki Hilton
2018-07-08

Fresh cut beautiful flowers, blue Debby dishes, sparking cutlery, fresh washed linen napkins, and gorgeous glorious organic food ! All prepared with love ♥️

Annie Valliere
2018-07-08

Wonderful light colored linen table cloth and napkins. Plates of cheeses, veggie's and fruits. Baskets with linen napkin lining the inside, filled with crackers, chips and French bread. A lovely meal made by my husband.

Denise Davies
2018-07-08

I try to pick up unusual textiles when on holiday

Andrea Smith
2018-07-08

My secret weapon is a clean tablecloth!

Annie
2018-07-08

I love linen napkins as a casual elegance, candles and floral arrangements that don’t block the people I want to talk with across the table.

Paola
2018-07-08

Grey linen tablecloth and colors for glasses and napkins, according to season!

Katie
2018-07-08

Simple seasonal flowers, or beautiful foliage in winter

Jane Pearson
2018-07-08

Minimalistic table settings

Naomi
2018-07-08

My top tip is to go simple and abundant....so lots of daffodils at Easter for example. Or a big pile of pomegranates for a winter meal. A polished apple or gilded pear at each place in autumn. An eggcup of sweetpeas for each person.

You can translate it into the food, too. One amazing wheel of brie rather than lots of little pieces of cheese.

j.s.
2018-07-09

nice people around

In reply to by anonymous_stub (not verified)

charity
2018-07-08

Fresh flowers and beautiful linen.

Catherine Bode Friederich
2018-07-08

Indeed!!!!

In reply to by anonymous_stub (not verified)

Ann Mclear
2018-07-16

The atmosphere lighting , wine good friendly be happy chatting and knowing what your guests like

In reply to by anonymous_stub (not verified)

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