Customer Reviews

Occasions (New Series of Lifestyle Books)

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

 

 

Or she would have spared me (and other buyers) from paying for her advice, information, opinions, and knowledge on her version of "entertaining". Most of the information is irrelevant - unless you have your own caterer, florist, maid, bellman, limo driver, party organizer and an unlimited amount of cash. Dispensing advice on how to entertain using caterers and servers is hardly applicable to most of us who do not entertain in a posh Manhattan apartment. The section on "Weekend activities in the Country..." is perfect insight in to how contrived and artificial the life of Kate and Andy must be.

Although one might try and find the book humorous - in order to justify its ridiculous overpricing. The real joke is on me the purchaser of the book as I was the one duped and the Spades are laughing all the way to the bank.

I bought this book as a gag gift for a friend, assuming that it would be full of cutsie little ideas for parties... maybe a few recipes and quotes and bits of ettiquette.

I read it on the way home, and was bored to tears. There's nothing I love more than entertaining and pretending to be sophisticated, but this book was niether. It told me almost nothing that even barely related to reality, and that which was complete common sense that any 5 year old could tell you about having friends over.

I ended up returning the book. It wasn't even worth it as a gag gift.

I anxiously awaited the release of this book, as well as the other two in the series. What a disappointment! There is nothing in this book that is new or exciting. Kate offers the same old, tired suggestions that you can find in any book on entertaining. The watercolor illustrations are cute but that's about it. This book has no substance and reads more like a children's book then anything else. For $20 these books are overpriced, as is anything with the Kate Spade name on it. Don't waste your hard-earned money so she and her yuppy husband can laugh all the way to the bank, or their "summer home" in the Hamptons! :-(

I had the opportunity to read Occasions about two months ago... and I'm still thinking about it! This book (as well as the others in the series) was a quick read with concise, sweet bites of information. More than finding any concrete information about throwing parties or dressing correctly, I found inspiration in the pages of these books. Instead of merely telling me HOW to throw a party, the vivid colors and witty drawings in this book made me WANT to throw a party. These books are succint, bright, and happy--just like the author's handbags.

I agree with the other reviewer. I bought all of the books in this series and am shocked at how much of the advice has been taken from previous authors on these topics. She is copying classics like Emily Post and simply re-wording the text. Except for the cute drawings, this series is a waste of money. If you want to know how to do things "correctly", read Letitia Baldridge's "The New Manners For the '90's". It covers everything and is written by a woman with the education and experience to know of which she speaks! Not someone who using her fashion connections to flood the magazines and talk shows with her "discovery" of this information.

The cover and design are bright red. It's a perfect color for all occasions with a white paint brush look depicting a woman sitting among boxes. The cover opens to this quote, "Occasions always gracious, sometimes irreverent". Well stated.

The book opens with little nagging questions a host, hostess or guest may wonder but seldom ask. Kate Spade tackles the questions and addresses the answer before you are saddled with dilemmas like a non-alcoholic drink at a cocktail party or what to put into a well-stocked bar.

The topics include three main chapters titled, Setting the scene, Party standards and Specific events. The book helps you along, in little pieces, to consider details like lighting, flowers and music. It then moves forward to setting the table and how/what to serve. Finally Spade closes in on the specific event and how to differentiate the occasion by making it extra special.

In setting the scene, Ms. Spade discusses décor such as linens, stocking the cupboard with basics like flatware, dinnerware, glassware etc. She also graciously supplies shopping lists for the newbie entertainer. Music and lights, such as votives vs. tapers, invitations and even being a good guest is addressed.

In the party standards chapter Ms. Spade discusses the mixed drink, wine and beer. She helps the host along by deciding on hors d'oevores and then assists with a shopping list and timeline. Aside from food hints and helps, she discusses the guest room and how to entertain beyond just a few hours in your home.

"Occasions" fills itself out in the closing chapter with special events. Brunch and birthdays and how to make them special are contrasted with picnic and even the "un-occasion". What Kate Spade seems to want her reader to know is that any occasion is doable. Certainly there is the possibility of challenges but the payoff is so much greater. Life is more interesting when you look past what might go wrong and go for it.

A lot is covered in this little book. Detail is sparse yet to the point. Ms. Spade omits fluff and details. Entire books could be devoted to many of these topics. Kate Spades pared down style, much like her accessory designs, makes her reader aware of considering these details. If you need more information you are now armed with your topic and the internet will allow you, the reader, to zero in on specifics.

This would be a great book for a bride to be or a new homeowner. Kate Spade encourages someone to open their home and embrace the ease that comes with having people over. She implies that anyone can be a great hostess and put on a great party. It isn't difficult. It just takes a smile and consideration for the guests. Unlike many "experts" who leave their viewers/readers questioning if they can do it, Kate Spate let's us know that with just a little planning we can pull it off.

A great book for a hostess gift, shower gift, etc. I received a copy for my birthday and then decided to get it for a friend for a wedding shower present. Very classic ideas and a must for a Kate Spade lover!

Full of watercolor illustrations, Occasions is an anecdotal book that will give you some basic fun tips on flowers, surprises and disasters, the art of the toast, weekend activities in the country and special events - from BBQ's to weddings. It's an interesting book to have if you are looking for short tips and you understand the jokes, but it won't
help you in planning and organizing a serious occasion.

-EV/Cruising Cuisine-

Looking for an in depth book on entertaining? This IS NOT IT!

But who would think it would be? As usual ms. spade turns out a delightful book full of darling sketches and cute ideas. It is inspirational for gifts for a hostess (such as a wrapped up stack of towels at a bbq party) and setting a table (mix and match with different pieces of china). It reminds me of little thoughts and sketches I would keep in a journal: fun ideas and notes to bring out for parties, but nothing too serious or study worthy.

I never received the book o ordered! Over a month now. Ordered another nook the same day and received long ago.