Customer Reviews

Preston Bailey's Design for Entertaining: Inspiration for Creating the Party of Your Dreams

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this book as I was curious about Mr. Bailey's designs since his name is synonymous with "one of the top floral designers in NY". His work is truly very inspiring and grand, however, the scale (and imaginably the cost involved) to re-create the floral arrangements he showcased in this book is unpractical for the average wedding or party.

To be fair, I guess I was looking for party-related floral ideas that are creative but more budget-friendly and this book was too over the top for me.

The photography is gorgeous, the ideas are inspiring - overall, a solid portfolio of some of the best designing in the world. It not only provides a glimpse into the over-the-top world of haute couture weddings and fetes, but also provides details and inspirational ideas for anyone. A can-do attitude combined with a book that is well written, beautifully conceived and flawlessly executed. Well done, Mr. Bailey.

It was exactly as it said...a resource for creating the party of your dreams. If you're the type of person who thinks buffalo wings is a party staple...it's not for you.

If you would like to see the finest design work done in NYC,
get this book. His sensibility to detail is astounding!

Subtitled: Inspiration for Creating the Party of Your Dreams

Worried about the upcoming holiday party you have to plan? You (and all your friends) know what Martha would do but it's time to shake things up. The problem is you aren't sure where to start.

Luckily for you, Inspirations by Preston Bailey is available. Preston Bailey is a well-known event planner for Hollywood stars. Recently, he's worked on Oprah's fiftieth birthday celebration and Donald and Melania's wedding celebration.

Ten parties, eight of which are weddings, are photographed and discussed in this book. Locations include Niagra Falls, a Virginia stable that is converted into a wedding chapel and the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each chapter celebrates a different theme. Yes, there are eight weddings covered but each wedding has its own theme, color scheme and something unique to offer. The last chapter provides ways to organize and showcase your dining table.

This book dazzles with its full-size color photographs. It celebrates colors, flowers and the unexpected. Reading this book was a great way to spend a rainy afternoon as there are a lot of things to ooh and aah over. Two of my favorite are pineapples made out of sunflowers and a dog made out of dogwood flowers.

Bailey's philosophy is you aren't just throwing a party, you are creating a theatrical event for your guests. It's important to pay attention to the details so your guests will know they are in for a wonderful, magical night. Some examples of small but important details that Bailey uses are: a wedding menu made out of edible chocolate, displaying sculptures that support the party's theme and embellishing cloth napkins with silk roses.

This book is not a "how to" because there aren't any step-by-step instructions. Rather, it's designed to be a "how about this idea" book. It's a peek into Bailey's creative process.

Bailey finds inspiration in nature, artwork and the various cities he has visited. He doesn't want you to simply copy his ideas but he wants you to use this book as a springboard for your imagination and personal style.

Armchair Interview says feeling ambitious and daring? Incorporate Bailey's suggestions into your celebrations.

Preston Bailey's book is simply beautiful and elegant. I had seen snipets of Melissa Rivers' wedding on television and in print, but the pictures in the book really bring it to life. I never knew so much could be done with flowers and fruit, until I bought this book. It is a real treat!

I've seen Preston Bailey on Oprah and read about him in Town & Country, but nothing compares to this fabulous book. In this book, Preston gives a sneak peek into the parties of the rich and famous. The photographs are stunning!!

Gread ideas book - wonderful, stimulating pictures. Interesting reading - provides what I would term an overview of how to achieve a good design for an event. It is NOT a how to book however and there realy are no specifics on creating a specific look.

This book is certainly not a how to book. It is most definately a coffee table book showing off the talents of Mr. Bailey & his design team.
They are very good at what they do.
I use this book as my design inspirational bible and have produced some great, one of a kind arrangements for weddings and parties.
It is a pity that the author decided against sharing his knowledge. This book could have been a great best seller had he offered up some basic design techniques.
Though I love the book, everytime I thumb through it, I ask myself - who was the intended audience?

I was very disappointed. Beautiful photographs of garish subjects that the average person couldn't possibly duplicate made it almost ridiculous. I love museums and that's what this book reminded me of. You can look, enjoy and appreciate but can't take it home and use it. Thumb through it at a store and save your money.