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| In Style Parties (The Complete Guide to Easy, Elegant Entertaining) | 
 enlarge | Author: Editors Of In Style Magazine
Publisher: InStyle
Category: Book
List Price: $27.95
Buy New: $10.91
You Save: $17.04 (61%)
New (28) Used (21) from $8.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  13 reviews
Sales Rank: 32643
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 192
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.3
Dimensions (in): 10.3 x 9.2 x 0.9
ISBN: 1932994114
Dewey Decimal Number: 642
EAN: 9781932994117
ASIN: 1932994114
Publication Date: October 11, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: New - Has remainder mark. Fast shipping from trusted wholesaler with many exclusive publisher contracts.
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| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 1-5 of 13 | | NEXT » |
 A Must-Have! November 4, 2008
As a professional event planner, I completely support the motto embraced in "InStyle Parties" that "entertaining should be, simply put, entertaining."
True to form, this well written book provides engaging and simple instructions on key entertaining elements including how to stock your bar (complete with cocktail recipes and money-saving tips), how to set your table, decor, music, flowers etc.
Furthermore, the events spotlighted in the book run the gamut from seasonal dinner parties, to holiday fetes, to special occasion nights and summer parties.
Last but certainly not least, "InStyle Parties" is rife with gorgeous photos, full recipes and a huge resource directory.
I highly recommend "InStyle Parties".
Beautifully photographed, fun party themes October 18, 2008
Beautiful color photos and brightly colored text immediately caught my eye. I was pleased that the vast majority of photos are of the food and the decor. There are only a handful of photos of celebrities at parties. I'd rather see what the food and centerpiece should look like than a photo of another celebrity in a black dress.
The chapter on the basics includes many helpful lists (suggested kitchen equipment, standard bar utensils, wine descriptions, table settings, lighting, furniture arrangement and more).
Chapters on parties are divided into Dinner Parties (spring dinner, early autumn supper, and Mediterrannean dinner); Holiday Parties (Thanksgiving dinner, holiday cocktail party, New Year Eve's supper and Halloween cocktail buffet); Occasions and Theme Parties (Super Bowl party, Oscar party, game night, afternoon spa party, baby shower and birthday dinner party); and Summer Parties (backyard luau, backyard barbeque and tuscan dinner). There is also an extensive resource list for invitations; barware; hors d'oeuvres; pantry items such as spices; cheese; fresh and prepared meats; seafood; specialty foods; desserts; tabletop; decor; theme elements; etc.).
Each party is photographed beautifully. There is a menu, a suggestion for setting the scene (from the invitation to room decor to music), a countdown (what to do three weeks, two weeks, one week, two days, day before, morning of, etc.), wine pairing suggestions, recipes and a section on how to make it all "even easier" (such as buying rather than making dessert, paring down the centerpiece, etc.).
I like many of the themes and the choice of a signature beverage for each one. The music suggestions are varied and perfectly fit each theme. The centerpieces are also gorgeous.
I would have preferred more recipes for each theme (to allow the reader to easily choose 3 out of 4 possible appetizers, for instance). The Thanksgiving menu was particularly disappointing - so many books do it better so they should have just left it out.
The bottom line is that I won't be replicating any party in its entirety. I won't special order film canisters to use to mail invitations to an Oscar party, and I'll skip ordering wheat grass from a florist for the centerpiece for a Super Bowl party. I will use this book to get an idea for a party theme, and I'll look at the signature drink and music suggestions. I'll look at the decorating ideas and figure out how to make them my own (with what I have on hand or can pick up at the grocery store).
If you want a party guide and you're on a modest budget, I suggest checking out Real Simple: Celebrations. That book also has fun themes and beautiful photos, and you may have less trouble translating those ideas into an affordable soiree.
As the book points out, what your guests will remember is good conversations, laughter, and maybe some dancing - not the specific flowers in your centerpiece or what the invitation looked like.
Great idea book October 12, 2008
Planning for a shower? We found this a great resource for any event. The book visually expresses itself with colorful pages of table presentations and recipe ideas. Recipe for BLT tomatoes was simple and presented well with many comments from the guests about what's in the tomatoes? Delish! Recipes are easy to follow and look tantalizing.
Great book to spring ideas from and brainstorm with. Every party has a what-to-pour idea that includes punches, wines and/or mixed drinks. There are timesaving ideas as well as a schedule for getting ready and prepping. Mostly, this book kicks up your old party ideas with new tricks and trends that work for the casual party or a storied event.
It's now my 1st book to grab and plan with.
Sure-Fire July 18, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This great recipe book does it all for you--gives you the recipes built for 10 or more, which is invaluable; the timetable for planning the meal starting, sometimes, as far back as three weeks; helps you with decor, color scheme, and centerpieces; and pulls it all together for you.
Parties are organized by seasons (several summer outdoor parties along with comfortable autumn dinners); holidays (includes traditional halloween and Thanksgiving but also a contemporary Christmas and New YEars party) and Themes (Oscar party, game night).
I have had great success with just about everything I've pulled from this book in terms of recipes. They are road-tested and inventive, so that even the Backyard Luau (not the most original theme) has twists on the main dishes and appetizers that are creative enough for the most seasoned Hawaiian diner.
My particular favorite was the Girlfriend's Birthday Party which I threw for my mother-in-law's most recent birthday; the pink peonies, rose-scented votives, and be-ribboned chair backs were simple but together made a beautiful backdrop for the light and delicious fare. The flavorful spinach-bacon-herb salad was such a hit I now make it every time I get the chance and always to rave reviews.
Highly Recommended
A Variety of Party Ideas!!! January 9, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I read Instyle Magazine, and always would look in the Party/Host section. How great to have a book dedicated to them. Detailed great ideas, colorful pictures for inspiration. I always lend it to any friend that is getting ready to host a party or just for fun.
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