Esquire's Handbook for Hosts: A Time-Honored Guide to the Perfect Party

by Esquire Magazine

Take an entertaining look back at how to party it up like they did fifty years ago - in the age of 'Lounge.' Now re-introduced for the first time since its original publication in 1949, this book is full of classic advice and guidelines on how to throw a fabulous cocktail party. Complete with everything from directions on how to stock the bar to tips on making conversation to hilarious party games and 400 delightful and useful period illustrations, Esquire's Handbook for Hosts is a delightful reminder that even the most hopeless host can give a terrific party, whether it's New Year's Eve 1949 or 1999. The nostalgic chapters Eat - The World's Best Chefs Wear Pants, Foreign Flavors to Win Guest's Favors; Drink - What the Well-Dressed bar Will Wear, Five O'Clock Whistle Whetters; And Be Merry - Games, After-Dinner Witchcraft, How Attractive Are You to Women? and 365 excuses for a Party.

Genres: Cookbooks

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1949

Reviews

[Sandra Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found a copy of this for $1 at a used book store recently, and it is AWESOME. Definitely a keeper and something that belongs on the bar shelf of every host.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly, but some good games included.

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for men on the subject of entertaining, with a whole chapter on etiquette. Way cooler than any other etiquette book of it's time, with card games, tricks, cocktail recipies, and a bonus page of 365 excuses to throw a party. Awesome book-makes me want to shake up a cocktail right now...

[Phyllis]

1953 edition, first ed 1949

[Forrest Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything from card tricks to how to carve every type of cooked animal imaginable to making cocktails only your Grandpa has ever heard of. Got a first edition at a flea market. Coolest book ever.

[Victoria Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book is like watching an old movie. You're reintroduced to old ways and concepts. Many of them funny. Good book with good basic entertaining ideas.

[Will Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into hosting etiquette and techniques of the past!

[Amal Shoeib · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very entertaining book! Some funny and elegant insights from older generations.