According to Amy Sedaris, "Hello, and I like you" is what you say every time you invite somebody into your home, without having to hear yourself say it out loud. Sedaris prefaces her work by declaring, "This is not a joke cookbook. I don't like joke cookbooks because I can't take them seriously." I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence is an oversized, full-color entertainment book full of humor, practical etiquette advice, recipes, decorating ideas and pure charm from Sedaris.

Sedaris is full of helpful advice and terminology, such as her description of a barnacle -- the one person in your life you can never get rid of and no one else likes. They attach themselves to you and make you believe that if it weren't for you, they'd have no one. Her advice on barnacles is to see them one-on-one or to invite them to large blowouts at which they can find another shipwreck to attach to.

Other snippets of wisdom:

"Cashiers will notice patterns like ice cream at midnight three days in a row. The same is true for liquor. Rotate your stores."

"Never try to out dress the hostess unless you are the guest of honor, or a transvestite."

"Make a self-esteem collage using pictures of other people you wish you were."

The opening chapters focus on general hospitality tips and tricks. The bulk of the book is about Hospitality In Action, whether you are having a blind date, a rich uncle is visiting, you are hosting a brunch, dealing with children, cooking fast or even just cooking for one. Sedaris even has a chapter on properly entertaining after a death. Each scenario has recipes, decorating tips, grooming tips and helpful household hints. The book is illustrated with photos of Sedaris in costumes, hundreds of retro table settings and recipes, and hand-drawn schematics and doodles.

Sedaris has written a coffeetable book that can be read cover-to-cover for educational purposes and then placed in the living room for a quick laugh any time.