Rating: 
Summary: Adventurous, indeed....
Review: Formerly of Washington, D.C., I couldn't resist reading this lighthearted romp into Sally Quinn's world of entertaining. I don't believe Quinn wanted to write a book that laid out clear "do's and don'ts" á la Judith Martin, but instead wanted to lead by example - sharing stories of her party successes and misfires. Some of the stories are absolutely priceless, especially the ones involving Colin Powell. Quinn stresses overall the Golden Rule of Hostessing: treat others as you would want to be treated. Another one of my favourite tips is "no matter how bad the food is or what disaster befalls you in the kitchen, when all else fails, make sure you have plenty of booze on hand, and the party won't be a total bomb." So very, very true. If you have some down time in your own world of adventurous entertaining, pick up this book and settle in for a good time.
Rating:
Summary: Adventurous, indeed....
Review: Formerly of Washington, D.C., I couldn't resist reading this lighthearted romp into Sally Quinn's world of entertaining. I don't believe Quinn wanted to write a book that laid out clear "do's and don'ts" á la Judith Martin, but instead wanted to lead by example - sharing stories of her party successes and misfires. Some of the stories are absolutely priceless, especially the ones involving Colin Powell. Quinn stresses overall the Golden Rule of Hostessing: treat others as you would want to be treated. Another one of my favourite tips is "no matter how bad the food is or what disaster befalls you in the kitchen, when all else fails, make sure you have plenty of booze on hand, and the party won't be a total bomb." So very, very true. If you have some down time in your own world of adventurous entertaining, pick up this book and settle in for a good time.
Rating: 
Summary: A guide to....nothing at all
Review: I assumed, from the title, that this would be a book of practical advice for giving parties. Instead, it was a thinly disguised excuse for the author's collection of anecdotes about the Washington rich-'n'-famous. The only practical advice given are gems such as "temperature is important--don't let your guests be too hot or too cold." Gee--that one I'd already figured out for myself. If you want to read about the Washington social scene, this is a great book. If you're seeking advice about how to entertain, don't bother with this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice to know that the art of giving a party isn't lost!
Review: I enjoyed this book. Sure, Ms. Quinn's means are above the means of most readers, but what the hell, improvise! I guess I liked this book mostly because it reassures me that my wife and I aren't the only people left that know how to entertain (we do it so well). And the recipe for Jerry Mazzetti (page 97) was damned good!
Rating:
Summary: One name drop to many
Review: I entertain a lot so I bought this book thinking in was a guide to entertaining.I am not from the USA so I didn't have a clue who this women was I also hadn't heard of half the people she mentioned.I found the book boring and thought that Mizz Quinn was a big headed bore.There are many good books out there on Entertaining but this is NOT one of them
Rating: 
Summary: Hilarious - I loved it!
Review: I entertain frequently, and Ms. Quinn has a most delightful way of discussing the angst (and disasters!) of every experienced hostess. "The Party" had me laughing out loud, and I have been giving this book as a gift to other friends who entertain. They love it! On a more practical note, she has good suggestions about what really makes a party work. So whether your guests are 'famous' or not, her wisdom is true.
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious - I loved it!
Review: I entertain frequently, and Ms. Quinn has a most delightful way of discussing the angst (and disasters!) of every experienced hostess. "The Party" had me laughing out loud, and I have been giving this book as a gift to other friends who entertain. They love it! On a more practical note, she has good suggestions about what really makes a party work. So whether your guests are 'famous' or not, her wisdom is true.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing - Hilarious - Insightful
Review: I live in Bermuda and picked this book up at our local "high end" charity thrift shop for a dollar. Being from Virginia, I thought "Why not? - I entertain quite a bit, perhaps she'll have some pointers." Well, this book was SO funny, SO GOOD that I took it to six different countries with me while reading it. I got to the final four chapters, left it in the hospital accidentally, and am now frantic to find another one. I read parts of it to my hubby, and being a non-hostess-like, rugby playing Canadian - HE even found it funny!!! This book is PERFECT for us retired old sorority girls that still believe in crystal wine glasses, cloth napkins, and a proper dining room. - Would love to get all her books and meet her!
Rating:
Summary: Witty guide to entertaining
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's great light reading, even if you're not planning a party. Sally's writing style is witty; her tips are practical. She doesn't refrain from describing her own entertaining disasters in detail. Lot's of fun.
Rating:
Summary: The Party: A Guide Drinking with Lots of Famous People
Review: In many ways, "The Party" follows its own rules. Its main goal is for the reader to have a good time, and not get too stuffy. Quinn moves quickly through all the party essentials, in a conversational style that makes it an easy one-night read. Remember that she is culling from the Washington party circuit - if you get cranky from name dropping, this book isn't for you. What the names do is underscore how important the guest mix is when planning a great party. Certainly Quinn seems to gloss over the importance of full-time staff and caterers, but for the most part the suggestions are on target the anectdotes (real or imagninary) serve to illustrate the various topics. Miss Manners may certainly give you more precise formulae for parties, but Quinn's are realistic and fun to read. Remember - the point is to have a good time!
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