Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

This is a terrific, basic and fun book --
While not everything in this book will be helpful for everyone, it is full of great information that is presented in a lighthearted, fun way!
Sure, some people might find some of the advice too basic -- but not every line on every page can float everyone's boat -- and all in all, this book does a great job of explaining the basics while reminding people that entertaining is supposed to be fun.

This book is 150+ pages of kind, helpful advice about entertaining. It isn't condescending and it makes entertaining sound fun and easy.
The authors share a lot of basics that sound like common sense - but the things they touch on (especially the etiquette topics) I find get overlooked and forgotten a lot. So this book is a nice reminder. Plus all the basics in the book make it a handy & straightforward reference guide.
This is a nice, very insightful and helpful little book.

This is a book with simple, basic advice for the beginning entertainer, is a good reference point and makes hosting seem fun. It's a nice step up from the "Dummies" guides which are more encyclopedic and dull, but probably not useful for people who already entertain frequently who are looking for more of a style-guide, which this isn't. This book is great for beginning hosts who are looking for a primer on hosting without being overwhelmed with minute information or frightened off by intimidating style.

I read about this book in the newspaper and bought it because the paper said it was a helpful, stylish guide to entertaining, and I'm always up for some good advice. I am so glad I got it - I love this little black and white book!
The authors give great tips and suggestions, and their common-sense advice is spot-on (I bought one of the cookbooks they recommend and it's terrific).
I highly recommend this book and its refreshing advice and information.

As a busy young professional, the concept of attacking lace doilies with a hot-glue gun makes me laugh. Between our kids and our jobs, my wife and I have no time for such crafts -- and certainly no time for all the practice runs and attention to detail some authors suggest. As a result, I find that the "Martha Myth" is an impossible standard for people with kids, jobs, chores, and anything else on their agendas other than making ice sculptures.

The authors of this book realize that entertaining should be fun, and should not place an unrealistic burden on the hosts. As a result, they offer a variety of ways to streamline the party process. They prefer to offer guidance based on their own successes and failures, rather than describing how to make a turkey centerpiece from pinecones and straw. I am very glad that I have read this book, and am looking forward to using their ideas.

I think this is a helpful little book that simplifies hosting and makes it seem fun. Good for beginners, takes pressure off by reminding us what's important (guests) and what's not (centerpieces, etc.). It's fun and fast to read through. I think the humor and tone are nice and low-key. This isn't for those looking for more of a style guide or tips on decorating as there aren't many but is ideal for people just starting out entertaining who want to try it and have fun.

I think this book is perfectly nice and very helpful. The authors give a lot of basic tips that are good to refer to (like table setting basics, how to compose an invitation, etc.), and give a lot of helpful etiquette advice.
I see a few slightly negative reviews here which I don't understand (I read a great review of this book in our newspaper, and found several other professional reviews, all very positive).
The best thing about this book is that the authors pass along a very nice message about relaxing while entertaining and being gracious. I can't find fault with this book - it may not be groundbreaking or full of glossy photos, but this is a nice, helpful book that is fun to read and imparts some great advice.