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Entertaining is Fun: How to Be a Popular Hostess Hardcover – October 29, 2004

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 51 ratings

The timeless and collectible classic on entertaining-at last back in print!
Dorothy Draper (1889-1969), like her contemporaries Diana Vreeland and Elsie de Wolfe, became an icon of stylish living through her interior decorating and many books.
Originally published in 1941, Entertaining Is Fun! is one of Draper's most delightful creations, hailed in the original flap copy of the book as "neither a cookbook nor a book of etiquette, but a vivacious and inspiring book on home entertaining." With its charming retro package, this book teaches you how to host the most fabulous dinner parties, holiday meals, and weddings, and also makes a great gift!
The timeless and collectible classic on entertaining-at last back in print!
Dorothy Draper (1889-1969), like her contemporaries Diana Vreeland and Elsie de Wolfe, became an icon of stylish living through her interior decorating and many books.
Originally published in 1941, Entertaining Is Fun! is one of Draper's most delightful creations, hailed in the original flap copy of the book as "neither a cookbook nor a book of etiquette, but a vivacious and inspiring book on home entertaining." With its charming retro package, this book teaches you how to host the most fabulous dinner parties, holiday meals, and weddings, and also makes a great gift!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dorothy Draper was born in 1889. She got her start in interior design decorating the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan and the Greenbriar Hotel in West Virginia. She died in 1969 at age 80.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rizzoli; First Edition (October 29, 2004)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 268 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0847826198
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0847826193
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 51 ratings

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Dorothy Draper
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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
51 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book timeless and helpful for entertaining more. They also describe the writing as lively and animated than a how-to book. Readers also say the spirit of what the author writes is timeless.

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3 customers mention "Relevance"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book timeless and helpful for gaining knowledge.

"...Very inspiring! Plus, it is a great throwback to times when etiquette was still important, and hostessing was an art...." Read more

"...large amount of tips and info that are perfectly current, in fact timeless. Like this book." Read more

"Wanted to entertain more, this book is timeless and helpful for gaining insight on how to be a good hostess." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing and content"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing and content lively, inspiring, and entertaining. They also say the ideas are relevant and fun, and the spirit of what the author writes is timeless.

"...Very inspiring! Plus, it is a great throwback to times when etiquette was still important, and hostessing was an art...." Read more

"...It was so much more lively and animated than a "how-to entertain" book...." Read more

"Just charming! It's an I Spy into another time, yet the spirit of what she writes is timeless. I got a little bored towards the end, though." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2010
This is such a great book. The language is entertaining, it draws you in. The ideas are relevant and fun. It does call for more financial resources than I have on hand, but I can still take the ideas and get resourceful on my own. Very inspiring! Plus, it is a great throwback to times when etiquette was still important, and hostessing was an art. For those who want to offer modern guests an unforgettable experience (especially since sending invitations by mail is considered archaic nowadays!)
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2015
This book is sometimes funny in how it's dated now, but that isn't why to buy it. It is so good. The attitude behind the specific advice stands the test of time. Nowadays, you probably don't put a pin cushion with two threaded needles (one cream thread, one black thread) for your weekend guests.. but the reason you do that is so they feel comfortable and don't have to worry about being a bother. That still matters. Many of the specific recipes involve canned soups (and -MIXING- types of canned soups), but the idea that you don't need to be a top chef to be kind to your friends still matters.
14 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2016
I first saw this book in the Greenbrier Resort's gift shop when I was staying there a few weeks ago. It was $55 there so I hunted it down on Amazon for a much better price. With Prime it was waiting for me when I got home from my trip!
Though Draper was a wealthy socialite, her conversational style of writing and her entertaining and party ideas are for anyone who enjoys entertaining ! It was an easy and enjoyable read.
13 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2013
I bought this because I've seen it mentioned in numerous blogs as THE book for entertaining. I got a great deal on a used copy. I thought it would be a good coffee table book, however, I ended up reading it cover to cover. It was so much more lively and animated than a "how-to entertain" book. And it also had some great little nuggets about how to have a happy life no matter how much money or space you have.

Great book.
7 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2020
The book is in great condition and very well packaged for mailing I really liked the hand written thank you note. Thank you so much for making this purchase feel so Special.
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2021
I prefer to buy previously loved books. This was in great condition for a loved book.
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2021
A Retro guide to entertaining today.
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2005
Not as important or famous as Draper's "Decorating is Fun," but her 1941 "Entertaining" book is still amusing, deserving a spot on your coffee table next to an old 1940s Emily Post Etiquette book (when is somone gonna get wise and issue reprints of THOSE?).

Among the highlights is a full list of what every well-appointed home cannot do without, just in case an unexpected guest drops by ("a charming tea set," "a good hall mirror," and "a big metal bell with a lovely tone, to call people in from the garden for games or meals..."), and how to throw a dinner party--1940s style.

Fascinating book. In no time you'll be providing crisp stationery, fresh flowers, 700-thread-count sheets and a luggage stand for your weekend guests...and really, aren't those the "family values" that matter most?
38 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Josivan da silva
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente livro
Reviewed in Brazil on March 4, 2024
Recebido.