A Passion for Parties [Hardcover]

Carolyne Roehm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 2006

Carolyne Roehm, one of America’s leading tastemakers, trendsetters, and lifestyle experts showcases her passion for entertaining in this glorious sequel to At Home with Carolyne Roehm.

In A Passion for Parties, Carolyne Roehm presents her dazzlingly creative ideas for every kind of event, from a black-and-white dinner dance to a spring tulip celebration. Original themes, detailed decorating tips, gorgeous table settings and floral arrangements, as well as more than forty outstanding and surprisingly easy recipes–are all here to lend your next occasion the sumptuous touches that are the hallmarks of Carolyne Roehm’s style.

The book offers practical advice and inspiration and even a way to partake in these breathtakingly exquisite events, both behind the scenes and as they take place.

Whether it is an intimate Valentine’s Day in Paris or an Autumn Barn Dance for seventy, all of the events depicted here are equally splendid. Organized seasonally, the book features ideas for small gatherings (Christmas Dinner in Aspen) or big blowout events (a Fourth of July dinner with fireworks) and family festivities (a seventy-fifth birthday party, a Dickens-inspired Halloween; a children’s Christmas cookie-decorating party). Recipes include Mini Lemon Crepes Stuffed with Lobster, Chilled Zucchini Soup with Toasted Coconut, Baby Back Ribs with Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce, and Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce.

As stunning and stylish as its author, and stamped with her inimitable flair, Carolyne Roehm’s A Passion for Parties is a must for the party planner or daydreamer in us all.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

After a decade with Oscar de la Renta, Carolyne Roehm left to create her own acclaimed fashion line. The author of A Passion for Flowers, the four Seasonal Notebooks, At Home with Carolyne Roehm, and most recently, Presentations, Carolyne lives in New York, Connecticut, and Colorado. Her new line of giftwrap is showcased on her Web site, www.carolyneroehm.com.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Cornish Game Hens

At Christmastime, a simple but elegant meal can be a relief after the cocktails and canapés, sweets and savories, and over–the–top entrees one eats during the holidays. This recipe is easy to make and dramatic to present.

Serves 2 to 4


2 Cornish game hens (1 1/2 pounds each)
12 red or green seedless grapes
2 sprigs fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Sat and freshly ground pepper


1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.

2. Remove the giblets and necks from the hens; reserve for another use or discard. Rinse the hens inside and out with cold running water and drain well. Pat dry with paper towels.

3. Stuff each of the hens with half the grapes and a spring of tarragon.

4. Rub each bird with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Place the hens, breast side up, on a rack in a small roasting pan and cook for 15 minutes. Lower the heat to 350°F and continue roasting for 20 to 30 minutes, basting frequently, until the hens are tender and juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced with the tip of a knife.

6. Remove the pan from oven, arrange the hens on a platter, and serve.


Puree of Squash and Fried Sage Butter

Sage is an herb that is strongly associated with the holidays, from its seasoning of Thanksgiving stuffing to its role in this delicious accompaniment.


Serves 6


5 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 1/2–pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2–inch pieces
1/2 cup vegetable broth
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh sage.


1. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the squash, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.

2. Pour in the broth and simmer until the squash is soft, about 12 minutes. Let cool.

3. Working in batches, puree the squash in a blender or food processor until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the squash to the pan and reheat.

4. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the sage and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour over the squash and serve.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter (October 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767925238
• ISBN-13: 978-0767925235
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 0.9 x 11.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,228 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Expert Advice > Carolyne Roehm

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not worth the money, November 4, 2006

By 

Emily Young (Upstate New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Passion for Parties (Hardcover)

I have loved all of Carolyne Roehm's books, but not this one. I was so disappointed with it. Many of the pictures were from her other books. It did not give me much inspiration or motivation to say the least. "At Home" and "A Passion for Flowers" were her best. This was a complete waste of time for me. The idea that she is marketing this book for $50 is awful. I would suggest something other than this book. Not much thought went into this one.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars NOT WHAT I WAS EXPECTING, November 11, 2006

By 

Kathryn Lynch (Woodbridge, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Passion for Parties (Hardcover)

As many other reviewers have stated, Carolyne Roehm is the ultimate tastemaker with the most exquisite taste, so this book certainly doesn't make sense to me. The photography is well done but the organization of the book is random and it makes me wonder if she was even involved in its production.
Everyone is entitled to make a mistake. Consider this Ms. Roehm's mistake.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A Passion for Parties, December 9, 2006

By 

Sarabby "gardenrose" (Chesapeake Bay region) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Passion for Parties (Hardcover)

I own all of her books and this was a big disappointment. I actually returned the book which I rarely ever do. The pictures were a disappointment as well - many black and white - which a few are ok but not the large number she had. Also the photographs were many times blurry - which I guess they thought was artistic but as a reader you want to see details - not blur and black. If I want art - I buy an art book. I think this book was hastily put together and it shows!