Tracy Porter's Inspired Gatherings [Hardcover]

Tracy Porter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999

In her first book, Dreams From Home, Tracy Porter tells her story of transforming an old stone farmhouse in the country into an enchanting environment while starting a new life and business with her husband, John. Now, this young and talented designer taps into her daring whims and audacious spirit as she leads readers through an escapade of artful entertaining in Tracy Porter's Inspired Gatherings. As she does in all areas of her life, Tracy approaches her entertaining with an explorer's vision for getting out of the comfort zone. She enthusiastically breaks all the table setting rules while her "prep course" chapter helps the reader anticipate their needs for creating fantasy occasions. Tracy encourages readers to work with what they have while suggesting ways to gain a new perspective on a traditional idea. In Inspired Gatherings, Tracy combines vibrant colors, draws from her limitless inspirations and blends the many styles, textures, and patterns that tickle her fancy to create fantasy occasions to share with friends and family. Tracy combines unlikely elements to concoct special details such as gifts, invitations, and environments all with a touch of whimsy. Drawing from her own desire for instant gratification and entertaining, Tracy provides time-savers that don't sacrifice fun or fancy as well as a multitude of quick and inexpensive ideas for pulling impromptu or milestone events together. Porter's sophisticated appeal will stimulate savvy hosts as well as beginners with hundreds of magical yet simply executed ideas.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing; First Edition edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0740700464
• ISBN-13: 978-0740700460
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #476,353 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get Your Inspiration Here!, November 26, 1999

By 

Michelle B. Braverman (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tracy Porter's Inspired Gatherings (Hardcover)

Tracy Porter seems like a delightful, slightly flaky, kind of artsy post-Yuppie, but her style and writing are infectious. I found myself thinking a lot freer about being ME, decorating and entertaining with things I love, not necessarily what's in. (love plays a big part in her life) Not a step-by-step how-to book; more an inspiration manual. Beautiful, fun pictures, quirky layout and typography, the sort of book you will pour over again and again. This was my first exposure to Tracy's work, and I'm certainly a fan!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Go ahead and challenge yourself!, June 19, 2000

By 

"cottagegardener" (Annapolis, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tracy Porter's Inspired Gatherings (Hardcover)

Ms. Porter is, in my opinion, the most creative, truly inspirational artist/designer/celebrity out there today. If you buy this book, thinking it will be a continuation of Dreams From Home, you might be in for a surprise. Whether you find that to be a pleasant one, or not, depends on whether you want more of a coffee table book, or a hands on, go out there and get glittered foufala manual. Of course, any chance to see Tracy's handiwork (and those of her totally cool friends, I suspect) is a treat, and I would die for the chance to go play at her house and studio. This book is more of a guide, giving you a detailed "package" of stuff you can find at any craft store, art supply store, thrift shops, etc. etc. Remember, Tracy lives way the heck out there and if she can find stuff, virtually anyone can. Keep your eyes open and use this book as she intended: to inspire you to do it yourself! Go out there, make your world beautiful and have a blast doing it. Think outside of what's "expected" and don't be afraid. Once you start, you'll be addicted, too...maybe it's glitter on the brain? :)

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful Good Time, November 28, 1999

By 

Missy Rorrer - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tracy Porter's Inspired Gatherings (Hardcover)

I was very pleased with what Ms. Porter has to offer with this book. Her ideas are thought provoking and fun. This is a book that will launch many good evenings in my home. The projects are very do-able and do not require extensive shopping to be accomplished for the seasoned entertaining host. I was glad I bought it.