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InStyle: Parties: The Complete Guide to Easy, Elegant Entertaining

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At the heart of this wonderful book are 20 of the most popular party guides published in "InStyle" magazine over the last five years. Playful themes, fresh and simple recipes, sexy drinks, elegant dcor, handy timetables, and a non-stuffy approach make it easy to stay on top of all the details. 300+ photos.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2005

67 people want to read

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InStyle Magazine

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for La Crosse County Library.
573 reviews205 followers
May 5, 2022
Review originally published April 2006

Entertaining well isn’t a talent bestowed on just a few. It’s a state of mind. Giving a party, whether dinner for 8 or drinks for 50, doesn’t have to be stressful, intimidating or exhausting. It can be fun, and once you get the hang of it, even easy. A party is an invitation to connect with friends and family.

InStyle magazine can help with a new book, called InStyle Parties.

The first section, the basics, provides everything you need to know about smoothly carrying a party through from beginning to end, and creating a welcoming environment. Tips are given for planning a menu, setting a table, serving cocktails, and stocking a bar. Decorations, invitations, and music are also covered.

Next, you have a section with 16 complete party guides. From dinners to baby showers to bar-be-ques, each guide is broken down into the same easy-to-follow format. "Setting the Scene" covers invitations, décor, music and any other mood-setting details. "Countdown" spells out exactly what to do when starting a few days, or even weeks before the party. "Even Easier" offers a slew of time-saving, 11th-hour tips, just in case you decide on Saturday morning to throw a Sunday brunch.

"Resources," the third section, offers a list of the best food and decoration sources across the country. You can order dinner plates and mail-order desserts at the click of a mouse or a phone call.

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Profile Image for Donna Craig.
1,116 reviews49 followers
May 17, 2022
Big, glossy pictures and an incredibly appealing layout only add to this book’s appeal. Easy-to-follow advice and instructions as well as specific product recommendations make throwing a successful event seem like a real probability. Oh—and checklists (love) with recommended timing on them.
I borrowed this book from a friend, but I’m adding it to my wishlist!
Profile Image for Joyce Menyasz.
13 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2015
In Style has always been a great place to go to get ideas that I wouldn't normally think of (before Pinterest). I have had this book on my shelf for years, and still pull it out from time to time to come up with a fun drink, table setting or venue setting idea.

Granted, my budget never comes close to what is featured between these pages - but it has always helped my creativity - somewhat as a party muse.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
116 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2008
I liked a lot of the suggestions in the book, both in party ideas and prep recommendations. I probably wouldn't buy it, but I would definitely check it out from a library again in the event I had a use for it.
Profile Image for Thuraya.
56 reviews
May 3, 2010
I have read and used and loved this book so much it has fallen completely apart. Great tips as well as guides to design and enjoy several types of events and parties. Very helpful. I LOVE this book.
Profile Image for Melanie.
384 reviews7 followers
November 17, 2013
Some of the party themes were neat. Not horrible, but overall I thought the book was pretty blah.
Profile Image for Anna.
1,026 reviews41 followers
February 3, 2017
I have found some great recipes and presentation tips in this book ... and the photos are very good
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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