Real Simple: Celebrations 
asked by webin on November 23, 2006 3:01 PM
If only it were as simple as popping open a bottle of Champagne. But as every hostess knows, lifes myriad celebrationswhether they come in the form of a big holiday blowout or a small birthday partyrequire planning and effort to pull off. And in the midst of all that hors doeuvre making and centerpiece arranging, it can be easy to lose sight of what youre actually celebrating (whose birthday is it, anyway?). Real Simple Celebrations is filled with smart solutions to take the hassle out of entertaining. Each chapter is dedicated to a different occasionsuch as Thanksgiving, New Years Eve, a childs birthday partyand guides you every step of the way, from inviting the guests to cleaning up after theyve gone. With its handy checklists, foolproof game plans, practical advice, and truly doable ideas, Real Simple Celebrations will make all your parties a lot easier to pull off. So you can stay focused on what youre celebratingand, more important, why.
Reviews
This book has lots of creative ideas, described in a comfortable,yet thorough and entertaining, style. The illustrations are helpful and attractive as well. The book is well-designed too, with a durable cover and a pretty ribbon to mark my place.
After recently purchasing my own copy and enjoying it so much, I'm returning to purchase additional copies for special friends who also like to "celebrate" life.
After recently purchasing my own copy and enjoying it so much, I'm returning to purchase additional copies for special friends who also like to "celebrate" life.
reviewed by cannoli on November 24, 2006 11:17 PM
I really, really enjoy this book! I adore looking at the pictures of Martha Stewart magazines with a wistful "someday." But, this book brings me "today!" The ideas are fabulous, but manageable and affordable! I consider myself inept at any creative decorating for the holidays, but always envy those who can. The book gives fabulous, yet simple, methods for making every party a success, whether for your two-year old or your annual neighborhood bar-b-que. Excellent pictures (and lots of them) and helpful tips!
reviewed by mountaindew on November 25, 2006 10:45 PM
Real Simple scores again with this gorgeous, oversized hard cover book, "Real Simple Celebrations"! Over the years I have found the Real Simple books to be lush & lavish yet perfect for explaining special touches to make life more lovely! And Real Simple Celebrations does just that.
In this book you will find lots of unique ideas to make your occasion more fun. Even though I have read more than my share of women's magazines, holiday books etc. I found lots of ideas in the book I had never thought of!
The book covers 3 different types of Celebrations. The first section is on Annual Celebrations and includes Thanksgiving, A Holiday Open House and A New Year's Eve Potluck. The Occasional Celebrations section includes A Shower, Milestone Birthday and Summer Barbecue and the Anytime Celebrations Section includes a Cheese Party, Dinner Party and Dessert Party. Each of these celebrations can be adapted to other occasions.
Each Celebration is described in detail with information given on invitations, decorations and set up, the table, food and drink, activities, etiquette, and wrap up.
The book includes beautiful full color photographs a Real Simple trademark. Many yummy recipes are included from chunky guacamole for the Summer Barbecue to beef bourguignonne for the Dinner Party to Elephant Ear cookies for the Dessert Party.
One unique feature included in the 192 page book is the party planning wheel at the back of the book. Just dial the removable wheel to a food or beeverage item like wine, beer, cheese etc and it will tell you how much to stock for 6, 12 or 24 guests! A great feature!
Overall a terrific book to make entertaining fun and easy for your special celebrations!
Lee Mellott
In this book you will find lots of unique ideas to make your occasion more fun. Even though I have read more than my share of women's magazines, holiday books etc. I found lots of ideas in the book I had never thought of!
The book covers 3 different types of Celebrations. The first section is on Annual Celebrations and includes Thanksgiving, A Holiday Open House and A New Year's Eve Potluck. The Occasional Celebrations section includes A Shower, Milestone Birthday and Summer Barbecue and the Anytime Celebrations Section includes a Cheese Party, Dinner Party and Dessert Party. Each of these celebrations can be adapted to other occasions.
Each Celebration is described in detail with information given on invitations, decorations and set up, the table, food and drink, activities, etiquette, and wrap up.
The book includes beautiful full color photographs a Real Simple trademark. Many yummy recipes are included from chunky guacamole for the Summer Barbecue to beef bourguignonne for the Dinner Party to Elephant Ear cookies for the Dessert Party.
One unique feature included in the 192 page book is the party planning wheel at the back of the book. Just dial the removable wheel to a food or beeverage item like wine, beer, cheese etc and it will tell you how much to stock for 6, 12 or 24 guests! A great feature!
Overall a terrific book to make entertaining fun and easy for your special celebrations!
Lee Mellott
reviewed by lauren on November 25, 2006 11:12 PM
