Preston Bailey Celebrations: Lush Flowers, Opulent Tables, Dramatic Spaces, and Other Inspirations for Entertaining [Hardcover]

Preston Bailey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 6, 2009

Celebration. A time when friends and family come together in a breathtakingly beautiful setting to rejoice in one of life’s milestones: a wedding, a birthday, an anniversary. Collected in this book are dozens of the most recent, most extraordinary celebrations created by the unparalleled event planner Preston Bailey. These are events shaped by Bailey’s use of myriad elements, especially his extraordinary work with flowers, but also including architecture, set design, furniture making, lighting and art installations, and even tableware and textile design. In the first half of this visually spectacular book, arranged thematically to give hundreds of design possibilities to the reader, Bailey lays out the key elements to successful celebrations, including the importance of making a single dramatic statement, the elements of table settings, the impact of the ceremony space, the magic of tents, and the power of details. In the second half of the book, Bailey presents the best of his most recent work, exceptional parties shown in their entirety. The reader will find innumerable inspirations for planning a breathtaking, unforgettable event.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Prepare to be awed by towering centerpieces bursting with exotic blooms and reception spaces fit for royalty in Preston Bailey's latest book, Celebrations." ~InStyle Weddings

"...shows what a six-figure wedding budget can do." ~Brides Magazine

"...a lush...tome you'd be proud to display on your coffee table..." ~Star Magazine

"Rizzoli will release "Preston Bailey Celebrations: Lush Flowers, Opulent Tables, Dramatic Spaces and Other Inspirations for Entertaining," a visual feast of extravagant events...." ~The New York Times

"...a visually spectacular book filled with inspiration and breathtaking photography..." ~AllTheBestBlog.com

About the Author

Preston Bailey is one of the world’s premier event planners. Born and raised in Panama, he brought his flamboyant tastes and natural flair for color and design to his floral business in New York in the 1980s and has been sharing his innate taste-making talents with the fashionable and the famous ever since, including Oprah Winfrey.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 226 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli (October 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847831949
• ISBN-13: 978-0847831944
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 1 x 13.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect in Every Way, December 11, 2009

By 

Noir (Ohio) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Preston Bailey Celebrations: Lush Flowers, Opulent Tables, Dramatic Spaces, and Other Inspirations for Entertaining (Hardcover)

This book is nothing short of spectacular. If you are looking for decorating and set design inspiration then this is the book for you. By now we all know that minimalism is not what Preston Bailey is about. So if that is what you are looking for this book is not for you. However, if you are looking for opulent photographs and royal displays get this book. Even if you are planning an event on a budget pick up this book. There is no denying that Bailey is talented and that his designs and attention to detail will spark the imagination of those with small and large event budgets. This book gives you the big picture view of event design. However with enough imagination and know how you can use this book as a guide to creating a design that fits with your budget and style. (Hint) There are some great things in here that might be duable with crepe paper decorations and gossamer. Read this book and head to the party shop.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational, November 24, 2009

By 

Design Diva "Design Diva" (Alabama) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Preston Bailey Celebrations: Lush Flowers, Opulent Tables, Dramatic Spaces, and Other Inspirations for Entertaining (Hardcover)

I have always enjoyed Preston's books. Are they a little over the top? No doubt! But if I had his client list and their checkbook, I'd go for it too! Although I personally may not like all the designs, I am always inspired and find that his creativity and signature look push me to "think out side the box". Prior to the release of this book I was giving a presentaion to a group for a fundraiser explaining an idea I had...eyes glazed over and they thought I was crazy. At the next meeting I flipped to a page in my new book and said, now this is what I'm talking about! They loved it. Thank you Preston for capturing and publishing your lovely talent and for making this world a beautiful place!! This is your best yet!! Congratulations! If you love events like I do, then this is the book for you! I have bought copies for all my designer friends...

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Over-the-top!, October 27, 2009

By 

Karen "Cookbook Lover" (Brooklyn, New York) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Preston Bailey Celebrations: Lush Flowers, Opulent Tables, Dramatic Spaces, and Other Inspirations for Entertaining (Hardcover)

Good photography and interesting and diverse events were showcased in this book. But the over-the-top nature was just vulgar. Too much! A flower encased chair? Come on! The excessiveness was old fashioned and not in keeping with a slightly more modern, simpler aesthetic that may truly reflect on our times. However, all in all I did not regret this purchase and Preston Bailey is still one of my favorite event designers.