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