Customer Reviews

R.S.V.P.: Menus for Entertaining from People Who Really Know How

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

 

 

I had been avidly awaiting the release of this book. But I came away from it uninterested and unmoved.

I had expected, based on the description, something that was part "Lifestyle's of the Rich and Famous"and part mealplanner with recipes. The latter was as promised in every sense. The former consisted of an enormous display of what I can only describe as a painfully awkward attempt to portray a glamour and beauty that had faded and an importance by association rather than accomplishment. I would think that such a reknowned hostess could have supplied a far more impressive narration.

To buy or not to buy? Buy. The meals look scrumptious and the recipes are items that look gourmet and taste gourmet but can be replicated with skills of an amateur. (Like me.)

Ya gotta love the pictures, try some of the recipes, and laugh a bunch. Its a nice cook book if you are into cookbooks, but mostly get it for the fun of it.

If you are looking for glamorous photos and chic descriptions of the 'swells' of society, this is it. It's a fun and voyeuristic way to see how New York society entertains each other. The recipes are not too difficult and several I have tried were delicious.

I really liked this book and enjoyed very much reading it. The recipes are quiet easy to prepare and taste very good. I find some of the other reviews very inappropriate and not quiet fair. So she said something in an interview about fat people - maybe it was quoted out of context - whatever, it has nothing to do with the book she wrote. This book is about people from the "society" who entertain and that's what you get. The photos are excellent and I like the way Nan describes her friends and the places they live in. Why not just enjoy it and image how it would be to live in beautiful houses and give such lovely luncheons and parties...

It was a gift for my wife and she loved it. We like to entertain and the book has many good ideas.

Beautifully photographed and a great idea, this book could have been much better if Nan used a better writer. I laughed so much reading the titles of the photos--they are hilarious! I thought she would be much more original and sophisticated than that. However it contains some good recipes.

This book is rather fun with beautiful photography and interesting recipes - which are not too difficult.I believe this is a delightful book - with a view into how others live their lives! Menus are pleasant and again not too complicated.

Nan; your book is excellent !!! I really enjoy it. Quentin Bacon photographs are also really great !!!! This is the best book on cooking I've ever seen.

I found the book lacking in substance. The best hosts/hostesses I have ever known have been individuals who loved people. Entertaining is a lot of work but it is very rewarding in that all your efforts are intended to make your friends and family happy. How can Nan Kempner possibly know anything about entertaining when she comes out with such a statement as "I HATE FAT PEOPLE" in W magazine. This is not the statement of a generous loving person who gives with her heart but the statement of a misguided fool.

After buying, and 'reading' Nan Kempner's book, i was left extremely disappointed! I want my money back! Yes, it was that bad! Nan: please stick to your superficial luncheons, and plastic people....on Park Avenue! I LOVE FAT PEOPLE NAN! By the way, i read the interview in "W" magazine, and i must say, i think alot LESS about Nan Kempner now!