There are some cookbooks that are so beautifully designed and photographed that they do double duty as a cooking resource and as art on your coffee table.  Here's a selection of some coffee table worthy cookbooks.

Instant Entertaining by Donna Hay - every Donna Hay book has beautiful photographs and this one also includes some inspiring ideas for entertaining.

Inspirations by Preston Bailey - a truly inspiring sourcebook for party and event design

Michael Mina: The Cookbook - This is my favorite cookbook this season.  Elegant graphics and superb photography ease the way to Mina's challenging recipes.

El Bulli: 1998 - 2002 by Ferran Adria - If El Bulli Restaurant is the mecca of food in Spain and beyond, this $240 volume rises to the occasion.

Cook 1.0 by Heidi Swanson - a simple vegetarian cookbook born from Heidi's blog, 101Cookbooks, and food photography work.

The Essence of Chocolate - the chocolate makers at Scharffen Berger reveal their passion  through their story and recipes.