Bestie P gave me the most divine book last month when I was mourning a bum knee and the end of my running days (another story for another day…or not). It’s SO good, in fact, that I still haven’t been able to fully absorb everything in it. I present to y’all Soiree: Entertaining with Style by Danielle Rollins
She had it autographed for me. And, can I just say that there’s not much I covet more than a signed book?!?! This love was formed many, many years ago when Mother gave me an Amelia Bedelia book signed by Peggy Parish, my very favorite series at the time. It’s currently in the secretary in the baby’s room and I will never, ever part with it.
I’m going to go so far as to say this is the most beautiful book I own. Take a peek inside…
About Soiree: A preeminent hostess and tastemaker invites you to the most chic at-home parties, with detailed descriptions for invitations, flowers, table settings, linens, and more than eighty original recipes. Veranda calls Danielle Rollins a “genuine expert—a natural-born entertainer,” and in her first book Rollins invites readers into her world of elegant, accomplished entertaining. Featuring events both intimate (a New Year’s Eve dinner) and grand (a fund-raiser), all fifteen parties emphasize hosting guests with grace and ease at home. The reader will learn how to create a party timeline, how invitations set the tone, and how to plan a menu and gain dozens of ideas for setting festive tables. From signature cocktails (Blood Orange Old Fashioneds, Prosecco with Popsicles) to the imaginative linens, flowers, and menus, Rollins brilliantly executes every detail. From croquet in the garden at the Gatsby Lawn Party (St. Germain Lemonade Cocktails and Victorian Iced Sorbet, with guests in period attire) to a Fall Harvest Chef’s Dinner in the Kitchen, with guests seated cozily around the kitchen island, eating Pork Chops with Stone Ground Grits, the parties are cleverly conceived, flawlessly executed, and fun. Handsomely photographed and filled with the parties of tastemakers such as Oscar de la Renta and Lela Rose plus recipes by esteemed guest chefs, Soirée is an idea-filled resource for those who love to entertain.
It’s so good, right?! Mother and Sister, the co-queens of coffee table books and book-azines, proclaimed it a must get as well. I know it totally makes me want to plan a grand soiree in the back yard, resplendent with twinkling lights, signature cocktails and sparkling sterling. Buuuuuut in real life I should probably get on that grilled cheese and bourbon beer party Honey has requested for the big 4-0. WWDD??? (What Would Danielle Do?) Probably NOT the chalkboard party hats I found at Target… :-)
xoxo
Soiree: Entertaining with Style by Danielle Rollins
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I picked up a copy after Paige gave you yours. It is AhhhhMAZING! And, Danielle is so gracious and sooo very talented.
That book looks gorgeous! Must get a copy for myself!
Oh geez – I'm a sucker for a great entertaining / hostess book! This one is on the must get list! xx, b
Skipper? As it's the end of your running days, is that a hint as to how you'll be competing in Fun Runs now? On my way to Amazon to look into expanding my own library!
It looks gorgeous! And a great excuse to have a party. I should buy a copy and plan a spring party in my backyard to celebrate the end of this ridiculously cold, snowy winter we've been having!!! We are big fans of Amelia Bedelia in this house too…
Shelley
I can only imagine that your grilled cheese and bourbon beer party will be nothing short of perfect!!! And the chalkboard hats sound so fun!!!
I'll admit that I am rarely influenced by photos of books, but this one is different. I really really think I need this one!! Thanks for sharing it
Stacy
I had to laugh at the Amelia Bedelia reference. My daughter is named Amelia( family name) and she HATED when the teacher would read Amelia Bedelia in class. "Every one turns and LOOKs at me!" She exclaimed wishing she had been named something else like Tiffany maybe!:) And yes, she was called Amanda much of the time as people could not remember that she was Amelia. Now it seems to be one of the most popular girls names today!
Ooh Lala. I need this book to. I am not a good entertainer. I may need the Beginners Version :) Lauryn
I've seen this book around the bloggies lately, and I just love it! I love entertaining so much, and I'd love some tips on how to add a little panache to our get-togethers. And, besides, I love looking at lovely pictures.
I hope you follow her on Facebook. She was responsible for a table at The Veranda New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner and it was gorgeous! She used a monogram that included Koi, monkeys on the tables and multiple tassels hanging from the chairs. Loved it!
Oh I know what you mean about autographed books. My prized possessions are my Dorothea Benton Frank books which she has personalized to me…. they live in a special bookcase and are never loaned out. I have other copies which I'm willing to let friends borrow!
I need to get a copy and that Paige is the sweetest!
What a great gift–I'll have to check that one out for my collection. And I think the grilled cheese and bourbon party sounds amazing (my husband would definitely agree)! :)