A GREAT PARTY: DESIGNING THE PERFECT CELEBRATION

A GREAT PARTY: DESIGNING THE PERFECT CELEBRATION
by Bryan Rafanelli
Foreword by Chelsea Clinton
Rizzoli, $55.00

September 2019

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

If you are planning a wedding, rehearsal dinner, reception, fund raiser, ball, White House event, or any celebration, look no further than Bryan Rafanelli and his new book, A GREAT PARTY: DESIGNING THE PERFECT CELEBRATION. I have certainly enjoyed this beautiful book. 

If you want extravagance, you are in the right place.  A few of  Rafanelli Rules include making the celebrations memorable, thinking big, don’t expect the unexpected; create it, shoulder and above; where guests see their first and last impression, beauty in numbers; how using simple items in great numbers work, and telling a story. Bryan follows every rule, as you will see in the 256 pages and 150 photographs in this beautiful book. 

Below are several of the stunning images in the book. ENJOY!

ENTERTAINING AT HOME BY RONDA CARMAN

ENTERTAINING AT HOME: INSPIRATION FROM CELEBRATED HOSTS
by Ronda Carman
Photography by Matthew Mead 
and Michael Hunter
Foreword by India Hicks
Rizzoli, $45.00

September 2019

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

I have found a great book in Entertaining at Home by Ronda Carman. Her choice of menus, pantry stocking, interior design, architecture, beautiful linens, and stunning tablescapes is superb. Ronda guides us through her trips to farmer's markets, stunning residences, culinary art, and the actual creation of the settings.

I have pored over the pages of this book may times since receiving it, and I can't say enough about how beautiful it is. While all of those that entertain should most definitely own a copy of this book, it is also a must have for those starting out, because it covers every aspect of entertaining.

Below are some of the images in this spectacular book, which are photographed in the homes of some of the most talented entertainers. ENJOY!

Congratulations, Ronda!

About the Author

Author of Designers at Home. Contributing writer for Huffington Post and New York Social Diary.

THE ART OF THE HOST: RECIPES AND RULES FOR FLAWLESS ENTERTANINING

THE ART OF THE HOST:
Recipes and Rules for Flawless Entertaining
by Alex Hitz
Photography by Iain Bagwell
Rizzoli, $45.00

September 2019

Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield

Author, Splendid Sass

From breathtaking tablescapes and over 100 absolutely delicious Southern recipes for meals, soups, deserts, appetizers, and treats, Alex Hitz has it covered.  He makes sure that all of his guests feel at home, and that they enjoy a wonderful meal with gracious style. Add the stunning interiors, and you have THE ART OF THE HOST: RECIPES AND RULES FOR FLAWLESS ENTERTAINING!

The book is filled from page one to page two thirty one with anything you will need to be the star of your own dinner, party, or event. I will certainly be adding this masterpiece to my Best Book List.  IT IS THAT GOOD!

I have followed Alex for quite some time now, trying his recipes on Instagram, and watching his appearances on television networks. If possible, he may have just outdone himself with this book!

Below are just a few of the 335 images in this amazing book.  ENJOY!

Thank you, Alex, for sharing your talents!

ABOUT ALEX HITZ

Alex is an award winning Chef, Tastemaker, TV Personality, Lecturer, Columnist, Event Designer, Hospitality Consultant and Master Host, where he draws on his upbringing in Atlanta and travels in France. Magazine and publications rave about his talents, and his work is shared in cookbooks, social media, and television.

Alex has worked and learned in kitchens since his childhood, and trained at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris, and Peter Kump's New York Cooking School. As a student, he also apprenticed in the kitchens of Andre Soltner at Lutece in New York, and Michel Guerard at Eugenie-Les-Bains in France.

Alex is contributing editor, writer, food columnist for several magazines, including his own monthly column, Alex's Kitchen. A gourmet line of food completes the list.

Traveling 40 weeks out of the year, Alex entertains for parties of 5-5000, living in Los Angeles and New York City while at home.

Books by Alex Hitz:

My Beverly Hills Kitchen: Classic Southern Cooking with a French Twist

The Art of the Host: Recipes  and Rules for Flawless Entertaining