Parties, etiquette and entertaining Books

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Book SynopsisSculpture created from fruits and vegetables will challenge you, and amaze your guests. Simple techniques and tools make it possible to create absolutely stunning centerpieces that will be the talk of the party. Butterflies and rosebuds from colorful beets, carrots, and radishes are easily crafted. Elaborate melon lanterns and flower filled vases are crafted step-by-step in pictures, making it easy for you to follow the directions. Twenty-five splendid projects promise to delight dinner guests, and gratify their maker. An inexpensive hobby, food sculpture becomes a priceless addition to any table setting. This book will show you how to create imaginative centerpieces like a pro.

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Book SynopsisKick your plating techniques up a notch with this exhaustive guide to garnishing and decorating. Ideal guide for those who regularly entertain guests. More than 330 images capture step-by-step procedures for quick and easy plate garnishes, including elaborate displays of canapés. A wide spectrum of ingredients and products, including fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, chocolate, and marzipan demonstrate how creative you can be. There is also an extensive introduction to utensils and tools used throughout the book and a section on holiday-specific decorations.

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Book SynopsisWhether you consider yourself an event-planning novice or the hostess with the mostest, this book and its detailed 300-plus color photos will help you entertain and impress your guests with ease. This helpful how-to guide from table setting expert Jimmy Ng contains 30 step-by-step napkin designs with easy-to-follow folding instructions, 12 table settings with schematic photography, inspirational decorating ideas, and a place setting diagram to teach you which fork goes where. Ng''s down-to-earth advice and affordable decorating suggestions will help you and yours celebrate Valentine''s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year''s Eve, and other popular holidays in style. Plan an unforgettable baby shower, wedding reception, Quinceañera celebration, outdoor picnic, or even a just because party that will amaze friends and family for years to come.

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Book SynopsisFor those intimidated by the complexity of personal interaction, or those simply looking to polish their speaking skills, The Art of Civilized Conversation is a powerful guide to communicating in an endearing way.In our fast-paced, electronic society, the most basic social interaction—talking face-to-face—can be a challenge for even the most educated and self-assured individuals. And yet making conversation is a highly practical skill: those who do it well shine at networking parties, interviews, and business lunches. Good conversation also opens doors to a happier love life, warmer friendships, and more rewarding time with family.In The Art of Civilized Conversation, author Margaret Shepherd offers opening lines, graceful apologies, thoughtful questions, and, ultimately, the confidence to take conversations beyond hello. From the basics—first impressions, appropriate subject matter, and graceful exits—to find

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Book SynopsisCelebrated television, cookbook, and restaurant chef Michael Chiarello is a master of simple, casually elegant cookingand a fabulous host. In this cookbookpacked with great recipes, gorgeous photographs, and inspiring entertaining ideashe shares his secrets for celebrating in style (and having fun doing it too!). Whether hosting four around the kitchen counter or a hundred for a cocktail party, readers will find everything from appetizers and main courses to desserts and drinks (over 130 recipes in all), time-saving tips, an all-important section on stocking the pantry (great for impromptu gatherings!), whimsical menus, and creative settings and table arrangements. A holiday cocktail party throws together quickly with bowls of crunchy Fusilli Snack Mix and Crispy Sausage-Stuffed Olives, all washed down with citrusy margaritas. Roll out the red carpet for an at-home movie night featuring Pop Culture Popcorn, Giant Bean Cassoulet with Fennel-Spiced Chicken, and Chocolate Mousse Cannolis Table of ContentsThe Pantry; 1. Finely Ground Sea Salt; 2. Calabrian Chili Paste; 3. Citrus Salt; 4. Toasted Spice Rub; 5. Fennel Spice Rub; 6. Whole-Citrus Vinaigrette; 7. Marinara Sauce; 8. Prosclutto Bits; 9. Quick Chicken Stock; 10. Roasted-Garlic Spice Rub; 11. "Infused" Basil Oil; 12. "Blanched" Basil Pesto; 13. Arborio Rice Coating; 14. Piadina Dough; 15. Spiced Candied Walnuts; Appetizers; 16. Old-World Antipasti; 17. Smoked Salmon Rillette; 18. Bruschetta Tart; 19. White Bean and Corn "Cannoli" with Herb Salad and Tomatoes; 20. Cecl with Garlic and Sage; 21. Roasted-Artichoke Pesto; 22. Crispy Sausage-Stuffed Olives; 23. Polenta Bites with Caramelized Mushrooms; 24. Crispy Risotto Balls with Warm Mozzarella Centers; 25. Giant Crostini; 26. Potato and Sage Fritters; 27. Polenta Crostini; 28. Roasted Eggplant and White Bean Spread; 29. Pop Culture Popcorn; 30. "Speed Scratch" Roasted Garlic Potato Chips; 31. Toasted Marcona Almonds; 32. Fusilli Snack Mix; Soups and Salads; 33. Tomato "Carpaccio" with Arugula and Herb Salad; 34. Bright Green Asparagus Soup with Parmigiano-Reggiano "Zabaglione"; 35. Capellini Soup with Rich Chicken Brodo; 36. Crispy Seafood Salad with Whole-Citrus Vinaigrette; 37. Seafood Gazpacho Cocktail with Flavored Popcorn; 38. Napa Nlcoise Salad; 39. PLT Salad; 40. Super-Quick Minestrone; 41. Roasted Tomato Soup with Sunny-Side-Up Crouton; 42. Grilled Avocado and Tomato Salad with "Green Goddess" Dressing; 43. Salad of Quick Chicken Confit; 44. Tricolor Salad with Fricco Crackers and Caesar "Vinaigrette"; 45. Grilled Salmon and Spinach Salad with Corn Juice "Zabaglione"; 46. Sliced Orange Salad with Sauteed Olives and Ricotta Salata; 47. Warm Pancetta, Goat Cheese, and Spinach Salad; 48. "Super-Tuscan" White Bean Soup; 49. Melon and Prosciutto "as Soup"; Pasta and Rice; 50. Gnocchi alla Romana; 51. Party-Method Fontina Risotto; 52. Pappardelle with Asparagus and Gorgonzola Cream; 53. Pastina Timbale; 54. Brodetto of Shrimp-Stuffed Pasta Shells; 55. Lasagna of Roasted Butternut Squash; 56. Paella, Italian Style; 57. Pea-and-Potato Ravioloni with Sage Brown Butter; 58. Pumpkin Risotto; 59. Spaghettinl with Uncooked Watercress; Fish and Shellfish; 60. Backyard Lobster Bake; 61. Halibut T-Bone Steaks with Herb Butter; 62. Cedar-Planked Side of Salmon; 63. Ciopplno; 64. Olive Oil-Braised Snapper with Fennel and Orange; 65. Prime Rib of Swordfish; Meat and Poultry; 66. Vertical Roasted Chicken Cocorico; 67. Butterflied Chicken Diablo al Mattone; 68. Crespelli "Short Stacks" with Shredded Chicken and Balsamic BBQ Sauce; 69. Double-Cut Bistecca alla Fiorentina with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and Lime; 70. Forever-Roasted Lamb with Herbes de Provence; 71. Grilled Gaucho Steak with Blue Cheese and Pita; 72. Giant Bean Cassoulet with Fennel-Spiced Chicken; 73. Grilled and Braised Short Ribs, Brasciole Style; 74. Pan-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Fennel and Pancetta-Molasses Dressing; 75. "Cheap and Tasty" Pork and Orange Stew; 76. Whole Roasted Rack o

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Book SynopsisAdvises on how to best choose a tree (real or fake?), mitigate the negative effects of necessary travel, organize and recycle post-holiday, and more. This title presents holiday craft projects and ideas for: pinecone wreaths; recycled sweater pillows; and, organic appetizers.

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Book SynopsisA darkly humorous look at etiquette

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Book SynopsisNo one embodies the rollicking spirit of great Southern party giving more than Julia Reed, the consummate hostess and go-to food and lifestyle expert.   Thrown everywhere from lush gardens and gracious interior spaces to a Mississippi River sandbar, Julia Reed’s parties capture the celebratory nature of entertaining in her native South. Here, her informative and down-to-earth guide to throwing an unforgettable party includes secrets she has collected over a lifetime of entertaining.   For this book, she offers up a feast of options for holiday cocktails, spring lunches, formal dinners, and even a hunt breakfast. Eleven seasonal events feature delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes, ranging from fried chicken to Charlotte Russe and signature cocktails or wine-pairings—she introduces her talented friends (rum makers, potters, fabric designers, bakers) along the way. Each occasion includes gorgeous photographs showing her original approach Trade Review"Celebrate the spirit of the Southern party with Julia Reed, who introduces us to a host of entertaining options including cocktails, formal dinners, lunches and many irresistible seasonal events."-THE SOCIETY DIARIES"Julia's recipes are simply written, soulful and entertaining; her readers will want to cook every night of the week. Not to mention, her anecdotes about life in the South make you dream of sitting down at Julia's table." - Daniel Boulud"Julia Reed is the quintessential Sothern doyenne. Her love of hound dogs, biscuits, and a great yarn is a tell-tale sign of her devotion to her roots. Paul Costello’s gorgeous images showcase the South and its patrons in all their glory." - Reese Witherspoon "I am having a hard time resisting the urge to lick and nibble on this book. Everything looks so gooood." - Roy Blount, Jr."Julia Reed’s South: Spirited Entertaining and High-Style Fun All Year Long, is a gathering's guide for all seasons, with eleven full menus for events as varied as a springtime lunch and a dove season breakfast. Whether your taste in entertaining skews toward the formal rib-eye roast or the pink rum drink, this book covers it."-GARDEN & GUN MAGAZINE"Julia Reed's South: Spirited Entertaining and High-Style Fun All Year Long is a gorgeously packaged, 224-page tome, with 150 envy-and-hunger-inducing photos by photographer Paul Costello. . . From a sandbar picnic in Mississippi and citrus laden Christmas cocktail supper in New Orleans to formal dinners for Visiting Dignitaries and lovely spring luncheons al fresco, Reed invites us into her life, introduces us to a list of her talented friends - including chefs, writers, artists and designers - and, most importantly, delivers a stellar source list, worth well over the $50 price tag on the book."-NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE"Complete with table settings and recipes - heirloom damask tablecloths, deviled-ham gougères - Julia Reed's South is a delicious romp through a year's worth of the prolific writer's legendary soirees." -VERANDA MAGAZINE"I must tell you about one of my favorite Spring book releases: Julia Reed's South. . . It's refreshing to see tables, sideboards, and entire rooms, for that matter, decorated with antiques, practically a novelty these days. But not every party is quite so dressy. In fact, that's the charm of Julia's book. The author is a down-to-earth Southern cook who knows that sometimes, the best fried chicken comes from the neighborhood grocery store and that for some dishes, crushed Ritz crackers make an excellent crumb topping."-THE PEAK OF CHIC BLOG"Julia Reed's South: Spirited Entertaining and High-Style Fun All Year Long is an informative and down-to-earth guide to giving an unforgettable party, and includes secrets she has collected over a lifetime. . . Each occasion includes gorgeous photographs showing her inspiring approach to everything from invitations and setting a table to arranging flowers and creating the mood." -VERMONT NEWS GUIDE"In Julia Reed's South: Spirited Entertaining and High-Style Fun All Year Long, the Mississippi native takes readers on a journey through the South she knows best, by way of 11 mealtime parties with family and friends in Louisiana, Georgia, Virginia, and beyond. . . Reed's South is warm, funny and magical." -Gardenista.com"She’s hosted picnics on Mississippi River sandbars and dinner parties on hundred acre plantations. She’s served everything from buckets of fried chicken to lamb bourguignon and scalloped oysters. When she’s not throwing an unforgettable soiree or preparing the best blackberry cobbler you’ve ever tasted, she’s writing about it. Julia Reed is Southern Hospitality. In her new book, Julia Reed’s South: Spirited Entertaining and High-Style Fun All Year Long, Reed opens up her hospitality playbook, sharing stories, recipes and tips for bringing together friends and family with a serious dose of fun."-LAUREL & WOLF

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Book SynopsisFor all seasons and all occasions, a comprehensive entertaining book that provides the best ideas from such acclaimed establishments in North America as Blackberry Farm and Meadowood. The Art of Entertaining presents seventeen seasonal parties, both intimate and grand, held at a variety of Relais & Châteaux venues. These hospitality insiders, who transform their properties into perfect settings, share their ideas for creating parties that can be translated to every home. The themes, floral choices, festive table displays, recipes for cocktails and dishes, and much more show you how to wow guests with unexpected touches. Set the mood for an elegant New Year’s Eve party by covering ceilings with gold balloons. To dazzle friends on the Fourth of July, make a cake in patriotic red, white, and blue and light sparklers on top. Create a cowboy-themed cookout with haystack seating and wildflowers. This beautifully photographed go-to tome will be embraced by hosts and hostessTrade Review"Admired for its long tradition of gracious hospitality inspired by local cuisine and culture, Relais & Chateaux presents The Art of Entertaining. The stunning coffee table cookery book called the The Art of Entertaining brings to life 17 seasonal parties with world-renowned food and cocktail recipes (including entertaining tricks, menus, flowers, table settings etc) from 85 Relais & Châteaux properties across North America." —SwankyRetreats.com"Relais & Châteaux Reveals How to Replicate Epic Hotel Parties at Home" —Robb Report"Relais & Chateaux Properties Share The Secrets of Their Extraordinary Approach to Entertaining Guests" —TOP 10 FOOD BLOG, Karen & Andrew"...renowned chefs and innkeepers share their thoughts and secrets for successful entertaining at home, including food and cocktail recipes, and memorable table" décor."—Boston Globe"...brings to life 17 seasonal parties from Relais & Châteaux members across North America. Each chapter is designed to celebrate the senses in a unique environment with exquisite food and cocktail recipes, creative décor and the thoughtful, creative touches for which Relais & Châteaux is renowned." with Meadowood Beet Salad recipe"—IngredientsInc.net "Glenmere is a featured property in the new Relais & Chateaux book, The Art of Entertaining, wherein 17 of the brand’s beautiful North American properties each claim a chapter to showcase their entertaining expertise. For their part, Glenmere executed a Great Gatsby affair that F. Scott would no doubt be proud of."—Daily Meal

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Book SynopsisRenowned and beloved interior designer and tastemaker Charlotte Moss celebrates gracious hospitality—from assembling striking place settings and arranging the table to hosting a dinner party or simply serving an elegant afternoon tea.Charlotte Moss inspires readers to imbue everyday life with elegance and romance. Moss focuses on events—as small as breakfast in bed or tea in the afternoon or as elaborate as a festive Christmas luncheon or large dinner party—and the artifacts of our lives (china, silver, linen) to create the backdrop for a life well lived.Moss celebrates the day-to-day by bringing her enthusiasm and impeccable style to every domestic activity. Setting the table becomes a joy when putting together stylish combinations of place mats, monogrammed linens, china, tableware, curios, and flowers. From tasteful meals for one to grand occasions for friends and family, Moss chronicles her own aptitude for hospitality. Style icons are conjuTrade Review"Moss provides poignant tips on how to choose music and menus, master a seating arrangement, and create an element of surprise that will keep every guest anticipating an invitation to future fetes."—Margaret Zainey Roux, Southern Home"Charlotte Moss Entertains brings sumptuous building blocks—china, linens, flowers—to stunning life."—Veranda

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Book SynopsisThis book showcases timeless recipes and inspirations for the perfect party from cousins Nancy Astor and celebrated interior designer Nancy Lancaster, both renowned in twentieth-century Britain for entertaining with style, sophistication, and joie de vivre.Featuring original photography that highlights glam-orous menus, interior décor, table settings, and flower arrangements, this book is an homage to joyful entertaining in the English country house style. Nancy Astor and Nancy Lancaster, both born American, were renowned as two of Britain’s greatest party-givers, excelling at gracious entertaining, witty repartee, and above all sophisticated menus—talents rooted in their upbringing at Mirador, their Albemarle County, Virginia, family estate known for its superb food.   The recent discovery of the original Mirador recipe collection, together with materials from Astor’s and LanTrade Review"If taste could be inherited, Jane Churchill, one of London’s most prominent interior designers for more than four decades, was born with a fortune. Nancy Astor was her great-great-aunt, and the grandmother of Emily Astor, co-author of the new book Entertaining in Style: Nancy Astor and Nancy Lancaster—Table Settings, Recipes, Flower Arrangements, and Decorating. Nancy Lancaster was also Jane’s great-aunt. Both women were renowned hostesses of their time and are still revered as icons of style to this day." —AIRMAIL.COM"Whether you're a seasoned party-thrower adept at managing dinner, cocktails, and even impromptu backyard barbecues for 10 or 20 guests or a total novice with barely a grown-up social gathering under your belt, there's something valuable to be learned from the pros of bygone years; this is especially true when we're thinking about the entertaining experts who wined and dined guests with enviable panache. Entertaining in Style: Nancy Astor and Nancy Lancaster: Table Settings, Recipes, Flower Arrangements, and Decorating, co-authored by cousins Jane Churchill and Emily Astor, invites us to take cues from the tables of two of the 20th century's most esteemed hostesses and icons of style. Photographed at Cliveden, Nancy Astor's historic country house outside of London, and her niece Nancy Lancaster's many magnificent English country houses, this transporting collaboration also gives us a window into the privileged world of these formidable women. And what a world it was." —MARTHA STEWART ONLINE“The book includes original recipes from Mirador in Virginia, where they grew up, and the wonderful [British] houses they owned, Cliveden, Kelmarsh Hall, Ditchley Park, and Haseley Court,” Churchill says. “So much had been written about them, like Nancy Astor’s commitment to women’s rights, and Nancy Lancaster’s incredible influence on the world of interior design, but we wanted people to know about their extraordinary energy, personalities, and the fact that Emily [Astor’s granddaughter] and I knew them really well.” —THE DIGITAL PARTY

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Book SynopsisStyle icon and preeminent hostess Deeda Blair invites readers into her home and shares her inspirations for entertaining with easy elegance and sophistication, accompanied by menus and recipes, all while sharing charming stories about her extraordinarily colourful life.Trade Review"Holiday Book Pick: You’re invited to the home and world of hostess and style icon Deeda Blair, who with author Deborah Needleman and photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo, has assembled menus, recipes, and tablescapes together in a remarkable tribute to a famed entertainer." —ELLE DECOR"Best Fall book pick: An invitation into the inimitable Deeda Blair’s graceful and intriguing world is an invitation that can’t be missed! With eloquent tips for setting a table and hosting an unforgettable dinner party, inspiration abounds in this book from one of America’s most legendary social butterflies." —FREDERIC MAGAZINE"Passionate philanthropist, traveler, aesthete, and hostess, Deeda Blair tells of her loves in a new book; Food, Flowers, and Fantasy. Here, she discusses the release and other aspects of her colorful life." —FLOWER MAGAZINE"Here, the inimitable socialite shares her inspirations for entertaining with an understated elegance and distinction. The time is chock-full of menus, recipes, table settings, and charming stories about her extraordinarily colorful life. This is one to give to your very favorites." —SOCIETY CHRONICLES"The medical research advocate and style arbiter maintains that curiosity breeds good taste." —W MAGAZINE"There are very few truly elegant people in this world and Deeda Blair: Food, Flowers & Fantasy published by Rizzoli today gives us peek into her life, her apartment, her inspiration, her entertaining, and her address book, in addition to places that have inspired her fantasy dinner parties." —HABITUALLY CHIC"I devoured Deeda Blair's Rizzoli book Food, Flowers & Fantasy, and was particularly charmed by her tablescapes. She uses the most incredibly frosty floral table linens in whispery blues and purples and grays topped with Aptware and very delicate Limoges porcelain, and this embroidered tablecloth by Tory Burch is very much the look and mood.' —HARPER'S BAZAAR

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Book SynopsisThe invaluable guide for parents for planning and executing the perfect children's party. Contains 240 games and activities.Trade Review'Packed with games and activities which are guaranteed to keep boredom at bay ... A wonderful traditional party book which you will use again and again.'-- Creative Steps Magazine, Jan/Feb 2007'A useful resource for children's group leaders.'-- Woman Alive, Sept 2008'From A to Z, this is the most complete, idea-laden, sound advice giving, enthusiasm-inspiring book I've seen on the subject of how to give and what to do at children's parties. The Children's Party Book ranges in content from guidelines for parties and games for children of different ages, to a lovely discussion of what a birthday is and can be for a child. Then, it plunges into page after page of ideas-- things to make; party themes to create; party hats, invitations, decorations & favors to easily make from inexpensive materials. And then there's games, games, games -- some sure to produce giggles and cheers, others that will evoke studious concentration, and still others that will leave the players happily collapsed on the lawn after joyous exertion. As if that weren't enough, there is also a section on puppet shows -- how to make the puppets and stage, what to perform, and some puppet plays to get you going. Altogether, a great book - wish I could be there when you try it out!'-- Bob and Nancy's Bookshop (www.waldorfbooks.com)

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