It's Just a Dinner Party: A Modern Approach to Entertaining with Style and Ease (Capital Lifestyles) [Hardcover]

Ron & Julie Malloy (Author)

Book Description

Series: Capital Lifestyles | Publication Date: October 15, 2001

Despite the abundance of lifestyle books on the market, none meet the entertaining needs of busy young adults. Many have both financial and personal independence, and along with this comes the expectation to maintain, decorate, and entertain, all of the things their parents did, with far less time. It’s Just a Dinner Party simplifies and demystifies the art of throwing a dinner party and debunks the impossible standards and craft-focused aesthetic set by Martha Stewart and other style mavens. These twenty-something professionals reveal straightforward and simple techniques for party planning, relaxed etiquette, bar and menu basics, and even a few reliable recipes for any occasion. Additionally, this book is uniquely couple-focused, rather than homemaker-focused; its essence is a “guest-centric” approach that stresses simplicity, grace, and a refreshingly genuine hospitality. Includes recipes for dining and cocktails, easy and elegant table settings, invitations, and entertainment.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ron and Julie Malloy are both successful business executives. Ron is the co-founder and CEO of Design2Launch, Inc., a software system provider. Julie owns Bad Cat Productions, a product development, marketing and consulting firm. Her public relations work has appeared in, among others, the New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the San Diego Tribune. This is their first book.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Invitations
Luckily, if you use your head and know your guests (applying the guest-centric approach) you'll fall within the rules of etiquette on timing naturally. Know your guests and what their lives are like. Do they have kids? Are you inviting the kids or will they need a sitter? Is anyone elderly or unable to drive in the dark? Accomodate all of your invitees. That said, you can always fall back on the "rules," which are:
-Three to six weeks for a formal dinner
-A few days for informal dinners, lunches, or teas
-Two to four weeks for a cocktail party
-Two to six weeks for a holiday dinner
-Last minute invitations, written or called, are fine only for very casual get-togethers or family

Avoid telephone or e-mail invitations. They are unreliable and better suited for spontaneous, informal parties.

You wouldn't know it from what you see in other books and magazines, but the most important element in an invitation is the information. Not the fluff, glitter, bows, paper quality, or typeface. The infomration.

Luckily, you already know the basics:
-Who the party is for
-What type of party it is--and what type of food will be served
-Where it is
-Why you are having the party
-When the party is

Include this information in your invitation. Then add:
-Who you are and how to reach you
-An RSVP requirement and instructions
-A map or written directions to the event location
-Other pertinent information (attire, gift acceptance, etc.)

Remember, your guests should not have to pull a Sherlock Holmes to figure out whether to bring a gift, what to wear, where you live, or how to RSVP. It shouldn't be hard to attend a party. Give them the information. Also, try to avoid cutesy terms or vague instructions. "Festive Attire" could lead to guests arriving in hong bikinis, body glitter, and feather headresses. Be warned (and be more specific.)

While we don't encourage spending a preponderance of your free time making your invitations, the appearance of your invitations is important for two reasons.
-Invitations set the tone of your party
-Invitations should be "inviting"

Common sense rules here. If you want your guests to come in black tie, be sure your invitation reflects that kind of quality and effort. If you want your guests to come and "let it all hang out," your invitation should portray this. You don't need to go overboard, but remember an invitation is a written way of asking people to do you the favor of attending your party. Ask nicely.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Capital Books; 1 edition (October 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892123649
• ISBN-13: 978-1892123640
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,190,324 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, Encouraging and Likeable, May 3, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: It's Just a Dinner Party: A Modern Approach to Entertaining with Style and Ease (Capital Lifestyles) (Hardcover)

I like this book very much.
I find its message of relaxing and enjoying entertaining while treating your guests well to be encouraging, positive, and hard to find fault with.
The basics covered are helpful and while sure, some is just common sense, I know far too many people who let common sense fly directly out the window when it comes to entertaining! (Honestly, I can't count how many invitations I've received that are missing vital information or have vague dress instructions... Or how many times I've had to introduce myself to other guests, or witnessed hosts panic over spilled red wine...) -- Basic, common sense advice may seem pedantic or even unnecessary to some, but I think common sense never goes out of style and is perfectly appropriate in this type of primer.
I found the writing style pleasant and encouraging and like the simple photos mostly of people (although the paper quality is fairly low so the photos look a little grainy ....
On the whole, I appreciate this book, the basics it covers and its encouraging, refreshing message. It's especially ideal for anyone nervous about or new to entertaining. This book shares the basics of entertaining while encouraging readers to have fun, be kind and embrace their own personal style.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If You're Nervous About Entertaining - Get This Book!, November 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: It's Just a Dinner Party: A Modern Approach to Entertaining with Style and Ease (Capital Lifestyles) (Hardcover)

This charming book makes entertaining fun again! If you are nervous about entertaining like I was (or know someone who is), this book is a must-have.
After years of being afraid to entertain for fear I wouldn't "measure up," this book really set me free. It reminded me that the decorations and fancy meal aren't the most important parts of a party - it's about making your guests happy and having fun!
After reading this book (in one night - it's very easy to read), I planned and threw my first get-together in years, following the book's advice. The evening was a success, and I can't wait to do it again.
This book would make a thoughtful engagement or Christmas gift (I'm planning on giving several). I highly recommend it.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Relief, at last!, November 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: It's Just a Dinner Party: A Modern Approach to Entertaining with Style and Ease (Capital Lifestyles) (Hardcover)

As a twentysomething single woman raised by a woman with better manners than Ms. Manners, the thought of giving a dinner party scared me to death. I know that sounds silly, but the pressure to have everything perfect was enough to make anyone give up. I thought I had to be Martha Stewart, so I gave up before I even tried. Until about a month ago I never gave dinner parties. Then I read the Malloy's book. What a salvation! All the pressure evaporated. The Malloys give specific instructions on how to give a great dinner party. You'll look like you are an entertaining pro, but the advice is so simple, you won't have to work hard at all. Use this book!