The Art of the Cocktail Party: The Complete Guide to Sophisticated Entertaining

Rating:
Summary: I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Review: The minute I finished this book, I ran out and got a stack of them to give as gifts to every friend I know. I've never seen (or read) a book anything like this! It's filled with brilliant ideas for entertaining, even if the party is just you and one other. Best of all, the book is hilarious and totally fun to read. Even though I've already read it, it's like a favorite snack that I keep munching on. It's one of those books you can open at any page and find something yummy. GET IT!

Rating:
Summary: Great idea, very let down by delivery
Review: This book has the best of intentions and is in fact a much needed tome on the art of entertaining. It's hard to get good classics like the "Esquire" or "Playboy" host guides anymore since they're out of print. I was most anxious to get this book, but found some of the delivery a little silly. A re-write is in order. It's not a waste of money, but you would be better off tracking down the Esquire guide or similar through a book search company. I found the Playboy Guide for Hosts this way in very good condition.

Rating:
Summary: The "Lounge Culture" handbook of dos and donts
Review: This has to be the definative work on the lounge and cocktail culture of the American 1950's. I am giving this book to all my friends and trying to revive the cocktail party as a social event. This book gives great explainations of how the famous cocktails were designed and ideas of how to customize some of the standards. All the classics are there and what is required for a genuine Cocktail Party. All the rules and regulations that were perfected over the years for those of us that are too young to remember the lounge culture, but are old enough to be more interested in conversation over drinks instead of a mosh pit. My parents enjoyed the book greatly also. If you follow the instructions in this book, even the most socially challenged will be able to host or hostess the best parties that all their friends will be jealous of. Instructions include, who to invite, how to invite, what to serve, what NOT to serve (more important) and how to get guests to leave after the party is over, in very humorous and practial ways. There are numerous 1950's style sketchs and illustrations that add to the feel of the book, and a reasonable explaination on why the rules for the cocktail party are so important. Only thing missing is a more complete listing of lounge musicians and artists. But that is easy enough to find on the net