Customer Reviews

The Party Planner

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My questions on reading this book were, "who GOES to these parties?" and "who THROWS these parties?" If you can get your mind around those questions, the book is useful.

Point: These parties are expensive. Period. Forget "budget" in any shape, even if you are spray painting your own lanterns laquer red for a Chinese New Year's party, or making table decorations from ToysRUs toys. You could feed a family or two in India for a year with the budget for ANY of the parties in this book, and that might just bother you.

However: I liked this book better than any other party planning book I've ever flipped through because it's about PLANNING, not cooking. He doesn't waste space on recipes, and except in one instance, only gives menu suggestions. I don't cook. My parties are catered from Sam's Club, or potluck. I don't need recipes. I DO need help with thinking through the planning, and suggestions for creating an atmosphere, and pulling it all together to make a memorable event on a $200 budget, and David has suggestions a-plenty. I will definitely do more with my invitations come my next garden party in June.

I hope the people who attend these parties really do have a warm wonderful intimate time. It's also possible they go home and think, "OK, I have to double the budget for MY next party to top that..." But I think that if I dragged David to WalMart with my budget and my guest list, he'd be able to do a pretty respectable job, and that's the sign of a good party planner.

The atmosphere that David creates for every one of his parties is absolutely amazing! He has every base covered, from all of the five senses to the helpful Tutera Tips on every party highlighted in the book. When first looking at the photos I thought that these parties were out of reach for me to re-create, but he shows you how easy it is to create certain staples of the parties. This book was so helpful in pointing out the little things that most people forget in throwing a party, but things which are important to helping the event run smoothly for the host and the guests. Even if you haven't thrown a party before, this book will take you step by step through a fantastic event!

In The Party Planner, David Tutera shares his event and party planning expertise on paper as well as he does on his Disney Channel television show "The Party Planner with David Tutera".

This book reads like Tutera is sitting in your living room talking to you about your next event. He becomes that involved. You can almost hear him explaining that each of the five senses he brings into play are necessary to make your party work. He talks about the look, the scent, the touch, the taste and the music. Each component is important and relative to the other. For instance for a dinner party he calls Ya-Ya Sisterhood, a beautiful outdoor garden party is planned with pale colors, lots of flowers and delicate china. I admit that this touches my southern girl heart. Among the music he suggests is Bette Midler's "Miss Otis Regrets". Tutera's attention to small details can make any party special; he bought wind chimes for the garden.

Several of the party ideas are a bit lavish for modest pockets but most of his ideas can be reasonably adapted. You will find that you don't always find a 'how-to' after an idea or tip has been given. However, that's not a real problem because the photographs by Charles and Jennifer Maring, are not only beautiful they also give you guidance.

David Tutera appears on ABC's The View as contributing entertaining expert. His clients include Star Jones and Elton John. However, if you have a question concerning your next party you can talk to Tutera online in the The Party Planner forum on the Discovery Channel.

Vannie(~.~)
Work & Family @ BellaOnline.com
http://www.bellaonline.com/Site/workandfamily

This book is a definite must have! Mr. Tutera covers everthing from invitations, to atmosphere and everything in between. His hints and tips can even make a novice look like an expert. It is easy to see why his parties are so memorable. He gives you everything you need to make your party a smashing sucess!

The photos are incredible, the writing is spectacular. There are tons of ideas for anyone interested in any kind of party. This is a MUST!!!

I received this book as a gift as I love throwing parties. The book has a very glossy, stylish design and it's very glamorous. It is divided into chapters covering different kind of parties; cocktail parties, dinner parties, holiday entertaining, special occasions and milestone celebrations. There are pictures of suggested decorations, drinks and food, and Tutera writes a few paragraphs on how to achieve the look (the decorations), the scent (he believes that all senses should be touched when arriving at a party and I like this idea), the touch (surfaces such as tables, glass etc), taste (suggestions for menu and cocktail recipes) and sound (with suggested songs). At the end of each part there's an additional list of tips. There are quite a few practical and inspirational tips which I enjoyed.
My problem with this book is it's just too much - creating these parties involve booking venues, throwing parties on a boardwalk, in the middle of a forest or on a floating dock in a lake. It's just very unrealistic!
There are lots of tips and it is possible to find inspiration and copy some of the ideas - without blowing the budget completely - but most of Tuteras ideas will never be copied in my party planning!

"The Party Planner" is thoughtfully laid out. Cocktail Parties, Dinner Parties, Holiday Entertaining, Special Occasions and Milestone Celebrations. Each party is laid out by "The Look", "The Scent", "The Touch", "The Taste", "The Sound" along with "Tutera Tips". A number of drink recipes are provided along with a few recipes. The book is filled with colorful pictures and "how to" instructions. Some of the ideas may be a little over the top, however for anyone looking for inspiration or if you are new to entertaining it would be a helpful resource.
[...] for those who are passionate about creating memorable occasions.

As far as I'm concerned David Tutera is the KING of party/event planners. His creativity and design abilities cannot be surpassed. He also has great taste. I'd recommend this book highly. Keep the books coming David!

This book has so many things to chose from my holidays are going t be just joyous.I have five children and three grand children and there's something in here for all of there special occassions. You will enjoy...

It's great. Lots of big pictures & well-thought out themes & good format. It really transports you to these special & original parties.