Real Simple: Celebrations [Hardcover]

Editors of Real Simple Magazine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 24, 2006

If only it were as simple as popping open a bottle of Champagne. But as every hostess knows, life's myriad celebrations - whether they come in the form of a big holiday blow out or a small birthday party - require planning and effort to pull off. And in the midst of all that hors d'oeuvre making and centrepiece arranging, it can be easy to lose sight of what you're actually celebrating (whose birthday is it, anyway?). "Real Simple Celebrations" is filled with smart solutions to take the hassle out of entertaining. Each chapter is dedicated to a different occasion - such as Easter, New Year's Eve, a child's birthday party - and guides you every step of the way, from inviting the guests to cleaning up after they've gone. With its handy checklists, foolproof game plans, practical advice, and truly doable ideas, "Real Simple Celebrations" will make all your parties a lot easier to pull off. So, you can stay focused on what you're celebrating-and, more important, why.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Real Simple magazine has nearly 5.4 million readers.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Real Simple (October 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193340518X
• ISBN-13: 978-1933405186
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 0.9 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #302,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Law > Business > Entertainment

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Celebrate Good Times!, October 19, 2006

By 

Lee Mellott "Skin Care For Wrinkles" (Frederick, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Real Simple: Celebrations (Hardcover)

Real Simple scores again with this gorgeous, oversized hard cover book, "Real Simple Celebrations"! Over the years I have found the Real Simple books to be lush & lavish yet perfect for explaining special touches to make life more lovely! And Real Simple Celebrations does just that.

In this book you will find lots of unique ideas to make your occasion more fun. Even though I have read more than my share of women's magazines, holiday books etc. I found lots of ideas in the book I had never thought of!

The book covers 3 different types of Celebrations. The first section is on Annual Celebrations and includes Thanksgiving, A Holiday Open House and A New Year's Eve Potluck. The Occasional Celebrations section includes A Shower, Milestone Birthday and Summer Barbecue and the Anytime Celebrations Section includes a Cheese Party, Dinner Party and Dessert Party. Each of these celebrations can be adapted to other occasions.

Each Celebration is described in detail with information given on invitations, decorations and set up, the table, food and drink, activities, etiquette, and wrap up.

The book includes beautiful full color photographs a Real Simple trademark. Many yummy recipes are included from chunky guacamole for the Summer Barbecue to beef bourguignonne for the Dinner Party to Elephant Ear cookies for the Dessert Party.

One unique feature included in the 192 page book is the party planning wheel at the back of the book. Just dial the removable wheel to a food or beeverage item like wine, beer, cheese etc and it will tell you how much to stock for 6, 12 or 24 guests! A great feature!

Overall a terrific book to make entertaining fun and easy for your special celebrations!

Lee Mellott

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the wannabe Party Giver!, November 3, 2006

By 

lp (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Real Simple: Celebrations (Hardcover)

I really, really enjoy this book! I adore looking at the pictures of Martha Stewart magazines with a wistful "someday." But, this book brings me "today!" The ideas are fabulous, but manageable and affordable! I consider myself inept at any creative decorating for the holidays, but always envy those who can. The book gives fabulous, yet simple, methods for making every party a success, whether for your two-year old or your annual neighborhood bar-b-que. Excellent pictures (and lots of them) and helpful tips!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars good basics but underwhelming, June 27, 2009

By 

anonymous (Seattle WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Real Simple: Celebrations (Hardcover)

first off, i should say that i'm a huge fan of real simple, the magazine and several of the books. i personally love, for example, their cookbook and highly recommend purchasing it.

that all said, this book left me underwhelmed. there are some solid ideas inside, but it felt a little too bland. the genius of real simple is that they are generally very good at showing you how to get a real "pop" out of simple ideas or activities. but the celebrations outlined in this book seemed to be missing that "pop" to me. some stuff, like the sections on etiquette or trouble-shooting were very strong. but i didn't see a lot of "oh wow!" simple ideas with bang.

personally i would recommend checking this out in your library or carefully at a bookstore before you decide to make an actual purchase. it's not quite up to the usual standard, IMHO.