“William Yeoward: The Perfect Host”
By William Yeoward
(Cico Books, $19.95)
William Yeoward might be known in all the best circles for his trademark table settings and stunning tableware, sold from his flagship Madison Avenue showroom. But within the first few pages of this handy-dandy party planner (complete with pocket dividers so you can tuck in all your own must-try ideas), we felt as if we were being taken by the hand by a worldly uncle, one who knew every trick at the dinner table and shared them generously, whispering every last insider secret in our ear.
Tips to try
Set two napkins at each place when serving sticky finger food, one to tuck at the neck, one for lap and hands.
Decanting is everything. Never put a jar with a grocery-store label on the table when you can pour its contents into a lovely dish — be it honey or maple syrup or mustard. Bracelets can make for pay-attention napkin rings; children’s stretchy ones add a touch of whimsy, grown-up ones gathered from around the world contribute the exotic to your table.
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“Simple Stunning Parties at Home: Recipes, Ideas and Inspirations for Creative Entertaining”
By Karen Bussen
(Stewart, Tabori & Change, $32.50)
Bussen, who creates one-of-a-kind weddings and big bashes, and whose face you might have seen making the rounds on the early-morning gab shows, quickly becomes your new best girlfriend, and one who can teach you plenty about how to throw a really fine fete.
Tips to try
No such thing as too many candles, she says. Skip the flowers, go with the candles, if your budget insists you can’t do both.
Beeswax candles tucked in the fridge for a while will burn much longer.
Resist the temptation to put a candle on the top of the toilet tank, she begs, then adds this party tale to make sure you never forget: “I’ve seen two long-haired, slightly tipsy gals get scorched!” Oops.
Can’t find an unbooked night on the calendar to throw a dinner party? Well then, cancel something, darn it. Just throw a party. Never underestimate the importance of carving out time for celebrations, on any scale.
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“An Event to Remember: Designing
Spectacular Special Occasions”
By Jerry Sibal
(Stewart, Tabori & Chang, $60)
There’s plenty of eye candy in this oversize glossy, and it’s clearly aimed at the over-the-top crowd. But Sibal, a high-end event designer and floral artist in New York City, has plenty to teach those of us inclined to live a little this coming party season.
Tips to try
Never underestimate the power of the entrance hall, where Sibal does it up big, with exploding bouquets at the place-card table. This is easily translated to your home: Pay attention to what your guests see when they first step through the door.
Break out the barware when searching for your next great vase. Martini glasses make a fine platform for floating blooms.
For stunning centerpieces, go with six or seven different types of flowers all in one color. Give each type its own vase. Don’t mix it up here. You can downsize the idea with just three different kinds of flowers.
