Customer Reviews

Entertaining is Fun: How to Be a Popular Hostess

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're looking for some new ideas, as well as a peek into entertaining during the 1940's, you'll find a lot to enjoy in this reprint of Dorothy Draper's charming guide to entertaining. With an emphasis on simple, unpretentious planning, I think it was quite ahead of its time. This might make a good hostess gift!

Not as important or famous as Draper's "Decorating is Fun," but her 1941 "Entertaining" book is still amusing, deserving a spot on your coffee table next to an old 1940s Emily Post Etiquette book (when is somone gonna get wise and issue reprints of THOSE?).

Among the highlights is a full list of what every well-appointed home cannot do without, just in case an unexpected guest drops by ("a charming tea set," "a good hall mirror," and "a big metal bell with a lovely tone, to call people in from the garden for games or meals..."), and how to throw a dinner party--1940s style.

Fascinating book. In no time you'll be providing crisp stationery, fresh flowers, 700-thread-count sheets and a luggage stand for your weekend guests...and really, aren't those the "family values" that matter most?

This book is wonderful. I just love Draper's tone and conversational way of writing. She offers ideas for all budgets and lifestyles. Charmingly retro, with plenty of good advice for today's hostesses. I could not put it down.

Some people will buy this for the camp value, but there is a surprisingly large amount of tips and info that are perfectly current, in fact timeless. Like this book.

What a wonderful book. I enjoy looking at it again and again. Great ideas from years ago that can still be used today!

This is such a great book. The language is entertaining, it draws you in. The ideas are relevant and fun. It does call for more financial resources than I have on hand, but I can still take the ideas and get resourceful on my own. Very inspiring! Plus, it is a great throwback to times when etiquette was still important, and hostessing was an art. For those who want to offer modern guests an unforgettable experience (especially since sending invitations by mail is considered archaic nowadays!)

Dorothy Draper was known for her sense of style in both decorating and entertaining. Although this book was written in the mid-1900s the entertaining suggestions are timeless. The book itself is fun with its typical 1950s illustrations and speech. This is a book that is fun to use to while away an afternoon.

Wanted to entertain more, this book is timeless and helpful for gaining insight on how to be a good hostess.