Wish List

These are the books! These are the entertaining books that I check out over and over from the library because I just can't stop looking at them! The photos alone are so inspiring, and I like to infuse the concepts into parties that I'm doing now. Give em' a look see..they are fabulous reads!

This book by Tracy Stern is entirely devoted to tea parties..... adorable tea parties! She is so sunny and bright. She was in an episode of Party Girl with Cathy Riva who helped her design a Mad Hatter Tea Party...magical watch here.

Shabby Chic, a book about combining the old with the new for your gatherings! Lovely ideas!

Either one of these books would be a perfect gift for newlyweds, or just those who are new to entertaining and don't quite know what to do. Chock full of adorable ideas and simple recipes.

Oh books, I'm wearing out my library card to read you over and over, when will you live on my shelf?

I know you will love them too!

Napkin Folding

So, I found this wonderful book at Borders for a cheap 4 dollars!! It contains MANY napkin folds. I hadn't really done the whole cloth napkin thing before when I had guests over, but now every time someone comes over for dinner it is my time to show off! 

Here are some of my favorites!

This one is called pinwheel

This one is called fire!

ice cream cone....so cute for a neopolitan soiree!

Lover's knot (wink wink)

You've got mail....the envelope fold

The diamond fold...this one wasn't as hard as it looked

It takes very little to please and amuse me. This book and my cloth napkins kept me entertained on a rainy Saturday afternoon..AND I learned something new!

Celebrate Summer Magazine in stores Today!

I just discovered this magazine this year when I picked up the Spring issue. Full of great ideas, Celebrate magazine is one of my favorite reads!  The new Summer issue is in stores May 5th!So if you are looking for good recipes and great party inspirations, get your copy today! 

The Swell Dressed Party

Hello all! I have just recieved MY very own copy of The Swell Dressed Party by Cynthia Rowley and Ilene Rosenzweig from Amazon.com! And get this....it only cost me $4.00 including shipping! The introduction of this book compares hosting a party to performing a high wire act, stating that "A party at it's best is a place  to be a little larger than life-funnier , prettier, bawdier- and the Swell hostess at her best sets the stage for her guests to try a few high-wire moves of their own." This is a book that takes a more fun-loving approach to hosting a party. I've only gotten through the first chapter "Early Birding: breakfasts, brunches, and morning-afters" so far, and I am fascinated!

Some of my favorite ideas from this portion:

- "A Tasty Tag Sale" , where semi-homemade muffins are sold and items for sale are set up into several "boutiques" the goal of this tag sale is not only to sell your cast-offs but also to mix and mingle.

-A "Misery Loves Company" Hangover Brunch to be had in a "recovery room" set up with fuzzy slippers, fluffy blankets, ice packs, vitamin water, and of course Tylenol!

And my personal favorite so far:

- An "Animated Brunch" Saturday Morning Cartoon Brunch. For this party indulge in every childhood fantasy of loading up the shopping cart with every sugary sweet cereal you have ever craved, along with mini milk cartons, OJ served from cartoon tumblers, and a cereal toppings bar loaded with sliced strawberries and bananas, brown sugar, nuts ect...)

Peeps!

Peeps! Recipes and crafts to make with your favorite marshmallow treat! Peeps are now the number one non-chocolate Easter candy. The projects and recipes highlighted in this whimsical book are surprisingly suited for any time of year. (unfortunatley the chick and bunny marshmallow versions are only available around Easter) This book would make a great addition to any party-makers library!

Who knew that peeps could make such adorable vase filler?

I love the place-card holder idea pictured on the lower left of the book cover!

Peeps are even useful for making accessories! Use them as stamps to make tote bags and more!

"You Can Wear it Again" ....but please don't

I have found the best darn book to include with bridesmaid's gifts! It's a book by Meg Mateo Ilasco called "You Can Wear it Again". It's a celebration of bridesmaid's dresses (and the loyal friends who have worn them). Page after page of embarassing fashion trends from over the decades. Your bridesmaids will be singing your praises when they look through this book for not making them wear some of the glitter drenched, poofy, seafoam, or gold lamay dresses spread out before them.Anyone else getting glimpses from the movie 27 dresses? Anyhow.....cute book!!