Customer Reviews

Be My Guest: Theme Party Savoir-Faire

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am an event planner from Los Angeles and work for the Mandarin Oriental hotel which hosts numerous high fashion and celebrity events. I found this book to hold a number of innovative and surprisingly fun-inducing ideas ... however, i found that the ideas Rena presents are more applicable to the high society party world, where indulging in such extravagant parties is the norm. Some of the events in the book would ultimatley be hard to pull off with certain crowds b/c of the lack of enthusiasm for such parties. Thus, i receommend this book for anyone who is serious about planning events where the crowd is engaged... otherwise these parties would fail. Ultimatley, it depends on your crowd. For myself, this book has been a creative guide which has spawned a number of my own ideas and additions to rena's ideas. I love the book: pictures and presentation are pleasing to the eye... The book serves great also, as simply a coffee table book, stylish and interesting.

As an event designer myself, I am surprised by this books' poor photography and lack of interesting details. It seems to be more about showing off her friends and acquaintances than about showing the theme parties she has designed. The pictures on the montage pages seem to blend together and nothing really catches your eye. I purchase all event design, tabletop and wedding books on the market and haven't seen one as of yet that has provided so few new ideas and where the photography was this substandard. I can appreciate artistic photography, but most of these photos cut people off in strange places or offer unflattering photographs of guests at the event.

I loved Be My Guest!!! As an avid consumer of books on design, entertaining, cooking, etc. I was excited to read Be My Guest, and it does not disappoint! Ms. Sindi has artfully put together a chic, glamourous, and very "inside" look at entertaining, with flair and gusto! The photos are beautifully done - much different than the average party photos you see in some of the magazines, and Ms. Sindi's tips on entertaining are engaging, well thought out, and just plain fun! I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in entertaining and design - it's brilliant! Bravo, Ms. Sindi!!!

Rena's book is the perfect combo of utility and style. I have already bought a dozen book as gifts for friends and am planning on hosting a few bashs combining all Rena's ideas. Although I am an avid book lover and loyal amazon customer, I usually do not write reviews for books, but i was stunned with the creativity of this book. I hope i can one day meet this mastermind of creativity but until that day... RENA KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

An excellent book with stunning photographs a must for your coffee table.

This is what we have been waiting for. An insider's guide to making the chicest and imaginative party for all occaisions. Sindi gives us a look into New York's creme de la creme and how they do things. The pictures are cleverly done, and Sindi's tips on how to accomplish everything are easy to follow and straight to the point. The only thing missing is how to get these "A" listers to attend!

I LOVED this - although I've been to some great parties here in the city, I'd adore to make it to some of these parties. I thought the ideas for creating your own event were great and in fact, read a story on the front of the New York Times Styles section on Sunday about someone who did follow her suggestions and had the best party - despite initial reservations about it being worth the effort! The photograpy is great - it's Jessica Craig Martin's style - she pokes her camera at people - it's not supposed to be perfect - but more snapped on the go. I think this book makes a great gift - I'm also planning my Valentine's day party now!