Big Birthdays: The Party Planner Celebrates Life's Milestones (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Charles Maring (Contributor), Jennifer Maring (Contributor) "If you've ever known a one-year-old, you know that the hope, wonder, and joy with which they discover the world is more than just a..." (more)
Key Phrases: escort cards, votive holders, floral foam, Finnan Haddock, Flutter Fetti, New York City (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A party planner to the stars, Tutera presents a semi–how-to entertaining book with guides for celebrating 10 landmark birthdays: the first, fifth, 16th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 65th, 75th and 100th. Each chapter includes notes and ideas in a variety of categories, which change from chapter to chapter but generally include such entries as "the look," "the texture," "the taste" and "the sound." The 200 color photographs are lush and appealing; the prose is tinged with fabulousness. Many suggestions are fleshed out with step-by-step instructions (e.g., a personalized baby blanket and whitewashed farm tables), but most readers would be better served with more practical information, such as recipes for more recommended menu items—of which there aren't many in this volume. However, Tutera (The Party Planner; A Passion for Parties) includes many recipes for cocktails, such as Lunar Lemon Quencher and Blazing Red Martini, and they're fun, inventive and easy to follow. Even if several—or most—aspects of these parties are over-the-top and often unrealistic, the book is gorgeous and inspiring for anyone hoping to throw unforgettable bashes. (Apr.)
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Review

'The book is gorgeous and inspiring for anyone hoping to throw unforgettable bashes' - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Bulfinch (April 26, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082126172X
• ISBN-13: 978-0821261729
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #565,577 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Small Things, June 14, 2006

By	Party "Sean" (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

When I decided I was going to throw a dinner party, I went online to find a party planning book and when I came across Big Birthdays by David Tutera I went right out and bought it.
It gave me great ideas for how to set up the table arrangements at a low cost and what dishes to serve. Some of the ideas that I used were so simple and were a huge hit with my guests like the Spin Art Invitation and the Spools of Thread Seating Cards.
When planning any party it always seems to be the small things that WOW the guests and if you need some ideas for those small things then this book is perfect for you.
I also have to say that I loved the layout of this book. It was divided into several different parties and each party was then divided into sub categories including; The Look, The Texture, The Taste, The Scent, and The Sound. These categories after all are what truly makes the atmosphere of any party great and having it broken down made planning for my own party that much easier.
Big Birthdays had great pictures and easy directions that helped me, so I recommend this to anyone that is in need of some help in order to plan a birthday party, anniversary, or even a small dinner party.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a MUST read, June 21, 2006

By	D.S. (New York) - See all my reviews

Having a summer birthday has never been much fun, it somehow always goes uncelebrated. This year I was inspired to throw my own festivities. What was supposed to be a quick search for party ideas turned into a total body experience after delving into David Tutera's book Big Birthdays. In his book he executed and fabulously captured five birthday parties exploring the five senses (look, scent, texture, sound and taste) through each event. His tips ('Tutera Tips') were the most helpful; it was almost as if he could hear my questions and answer my thoughts concerning each party scenario. After my celebration they will have to reprint the book, Tutera's ideas were truly an inspiration. This book is a must-have for any status of event planner.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, June 19, 2006

By	Sarah Jane (New England) - See all my reviews

This year my grandmother ceebrated her 80th birthday, and with that, I wanted to surprise her with an elgant dinner party for some of her closest family and friends. Having never embarked on such a thing before, I set out to Amazon to find a book that would help me from beginning to end. David Tutera's latest book, Big Birthdays, gave me many great ideas. I immediately fell in love with the sophisticated White-On-White dinner party. The instructions and focus on details allowed me to easily recreate the atmosphere and ultimately throw a spectacular party!! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to host such an event and will definately look to David Tutera in the future for inspiration for another great get together!