The Party

by Sally Quinn

A Washington insider who wrote the Washington Post "Style" section for many years gives readers advice on how to throw a successful event and shares her firsthand, often amusing, experiences socializing with the rich and powerful. 100,000 first printing. Tour.

Genres: Nonfiction, Food

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 24, 1997

About the author

Sally Quinn is a longtime Washington Post journalist, columnist, television commentator, Washington insider, one of the capital’s legendary social hostesses, and founder of the religious website On Faith from The Washington Post. She writes for various publications and is the author of The Party: A Guide to Adventurous Entertaining, Regrets Only, Happy Endings, and We’re Going to Make You a Star, a memoir based on her experience as the first female network anchor in the United States. She lives in Washington, DC.

Reviews

[Andrew Arthur Williams]

While I'm prone to like most anything Sally Quinn writes, this particular book has been hugely helpful! As the butler in a rich man's home, Ms. Quinn's well-tested advice on laughing your way through party disasters has been a real life saver!

When the electricity goes down in the middle of a huge gala, when the valet parkers get the wrong date and don't show up, when the fireplace fills the dining room with smoke five minutes before a five-course sit-down dinner, I try not to panic and just ask myself, "Now, what would Sally Quinn do?"

Read it for Washington gossip, read it for laughs, but most importantly read it to avoid having a stroke!

[Alyce]

Two stars for honesty. And the story about Nora Ephron pouring a bottle of red wine over Carl Bernstein's head. Let me save you some time. The key to a great party is tons of alcohol and low lighting. After that, "seating is everything". And please make sure that your outfit doesn't clash with your decor.

[Janet]

Not really an entertaining guide, but a gossipy book about Sally's experiences when giving and attending parties.

[John]

I have wanted to read this book since the late 1990’s because that’s when my mom first read it, when our family moved to the Washington D.C. area. I’ve seen it in our house ever since and finally got around to reading it. Everything from why my mom leaves the lights dimmed in the dining room, how she arranges seats at holiday dinners, to the minute details of entertaining that most people don’t think of but always appreciate.. now I know where she got it.

A delightful beach read (or in-depth how-to book for those with serious entertainment chops and budget), I enjoyed the mixture of common sense recommendations for entertaining with the not-so-subtle name dropping in stories as only a (self-appointed) Washington Hostess Sally Quinn can do.

The Party is quick and fun to read, with a healthy dose of anachronism (Washington in the late 90’s, a lot has changed!) The writing is witty and as unpretentious as one can be when writing about entertaining elites in the nation’s capital. Quinn treats her readers to the same thing she demands from a party: everyone has a good time.

[Gayle]

When Sally Quinn, journalist, married Ben Bradlee, executive editor of the Washington Post, she became a Washington hostess as well. In The Party, SQ explains the principles of throwing a party, from attitude to appetizers, flowers, candles, seating arrangements (which really matter in DC), and more, illustrated by anecdote and example. It's a delightful read, and a useful resource if you are terrified to invite people into your home.

I own this book, and sat down and read my daughter's copy today on a whim. So much fun! Yes, times have changed, but gathering with friends to eat and talk is as old as civilization. Definitely recommend.

[Beth]

I picked up this book many years ago and really enjoyed it; as another reader commented, it very deftly weaves in stories of Quinn's life with her tales of entertaining Washington society, journalists and other writers. Entertaining and stylish, with some good tips.

[Spats and Hats]

I read the introduction to the The Party in a store and later bought a copy because I enjoyed Sally Quinn's namedropping anecdotes. There is also some advice on entertaining.

[Robin Crandall]

I read this years ago and it was a nice accompaniment to The Georgetown Ladies Social Club. Some of the stories do not hold up in today's climate.

[Heidi]

Entertaining if snarky. But that's Sally Quinn for you.

[jenn]

This book is unhinged*, particularly on audio.

*Complimentary.

[Mindy]

I really enjoyed reading Sally's stories about her life with some of the most powerful and facinating people. She recounts life with detail that are both glamorous and mundane. There were a few tips for making people enjoy entertaining but this is much more a book on life, career, family, and our roles in those worlds than a party "how to" book. And that made reading it a lot of fun.

[Cece]

Love this book. Have given it to friends many times which means I’ve purchased it several times. There are so many great personal stories and entertaining tips. The stuffed peppers story and the air conditioning story to name 2….IYKYK.

[Lynn]

A guide to how to entertain all your fabulous Washington DC friends. Quinn keeps it as down to earth as possible, and it's fun to watch her try!

[Megan]

Love this fun, light book. I want to be invited to these parties. Might be more interesting for DC folks.

[Donna]

Some good tips here; very entertaining read; funny too.

[Maryellen]

Yikes--not good except the Nora incidence.

[Dana Jennings]

Love, love, love this book.

[Martha]

I expected fluff and name dropping............got the name dropping but in an enjoyable way,...really enjoyed this

[Betsy]

Always Love Sally Quinn - read this when it came out years ago and thoroughly Enjoyed ! I recommend it for the fun and the peek inside Washington DC social scene!