Garden Parties (Hardcover)

~ Suzy Bales (Author), Michael Luppino (Photographer) "THIS WINDING WOODLAND PATH peaks when the bulbs bloom..." (more)
Key Phrases: floral foam, candied flowers, teaspoon pure vanilla extract, New York, Creamy Tomato Sauce (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Dinner under the stars in a formal garden, a tea amid the roses, rustic breakfast in an Adirondack camp, a harvest luncheon . . . these are parties that celebrate the best that nature has to offer, paired with food and drink perfect for the surroundings. You know how much enjoyment and relaxation your garden brings you—why not share it with friends and family? Throughout Garden Parties, Suzy Bales inspires fancifully fun parties that transform outdoor spaces into enchanting playgrounds for the senses—the plants, the decor, and the food intermingle to create truly memorable themes.

But Garden Parties isn’t just a beautiful book for inspiration. It’s also eminently practical, with how-to instruction on prolonging the life of cut flowers, constructing wreaths, and using a birdbath as an hors d’oeuvres stand, as well as making edible treats such as candied petals, floral-decorated ice cubes, and flowers for salads and garnishes.

And Garden Parties is packed with delicious recipes perfect for the occasion: the spring luncheon features the spring treasures Asparagus Bundles with Chives and Lemon Butter, Mustard and Garlic Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Fresh Mint Sauce, and Creamy Watercress Soup; the midsummer eve’s romantic dinner includes seductive Champagne Framboise, Seared Scallops on Rose Petals, and Blooming Salad. All the recipes are designed to utilize advance preparation, allowing you to greet and enjoy your guests instead of struggling with last-minute details.

Whether you have a pocket-sized terrace in the city, a simple suburban backyard, or extravagant country acres, your garden can provide the inspiration and the setting for the perfect party. Garden Parties shows you how.

From the Inside Flap

Dinner under the stars in a formal garden, a tea amid the roses, rustic breakfast in an Adirondack camp, a harvest luncheon . . . these are parties that celebrate the best that nature has to offer, paired with food and drink perfect for the surroundings. You know how much enjoyment and relaxation your garden brings you?why not share it with friends and family? Throughout Garden Parties, Suzy Bales inspires fancifully fun parties that transform outdoor spaces into enchanting playgrounds for the senses?the plants, the decor, and the food intermingle to create truly memorable themes.

But Garden Parties isn?t just a beautiful book for inspiration. It?s also eminently practical, with how-to instruction on prolonging the life of cut flowers, constructing wreaths, and using a birdbath as an hors d?oeuvres stand, as well as making edible treats such as candied petals, floral-decorated ice cubes, and flowers for salads and garnishes.

And Garden Parties is packed with delicious recipes perfect for the occasion: the spring luncheon features the spring treasures Asparagus Bundles with Chives and Lemon Butter, Mustard and Garlic Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Fresh Mint Sauce, and Creamy Watercress Soup; the midsummer eve?s romantic dinner includes seductive Champagne Framboise, Seared Scallops on Rose Petals, and Blooming Salad. All the recipes are designed to utilize advance preparation, allowing you to greet and enjoy your guests instead of struggling with last-minute details.

Whether you have a pocket-sized terrace in the city, a simple suburban backyard, or extravagant country acres, your garden can provide the inspiration and the setting for the perfect party. Garden Parties shows you how.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter; 1 edition (April 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609610244
• ISBN-13: 978-0609610244
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #681,985 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stunning and Inspirational, April 20, 2004

By	Marsha Wood Wirtel (Philly's Western 'Burbs) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Suzy Bales' Garden Party will make you want to, well, have a party. Michael Luppino's gorgeous photographs, coupled with Bales' clear, simple writing style combine to create a book in which fantasy can become reality and the beautiful is celebrated.

Some of the ideas presented are not new (for example, sugar coating flower petals) but are presented clearly and in an easy to follow fashion. But Bales really shines when she describes her own new concepts like the bird bath serving stand - it's a great idea that deserves the spotlight it receives. Every page holds an idea that someone who loves home entertaining will want to try. The recipes all work, to boot (not always a guarantee with cookbooks!).

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, February 12, 2007

By	P. Grau "TLPLG" (MD) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    (VINE VOICE)

I was looking for garden party inspiration for our wedding. This book gave me ideas and better still, a focus. I love the way it's broken into themed parties. You can pull a bit from each of them. Decor ideas. Great recipes included, some of which we tested and will serve for the reception. I'll be able to use this book not just for the wedding, but as a reference for inspiration for all parties...indoor included.