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Elsa Maxwell
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How to Do It or The Lively Art of Entertaining Hardcover – May 17, 2005

by Elsa Maxwell (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 9 ratings
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Whether it’s time for high camp or high tea, celebrated dishes or celebrity dish, Miss Maxwell delivers tips on entertaining that are entertainment enough in this classic, camp period piece, as relevant today to hosts and hostesses as it was when it was originally published in 1956. The ultimate book on entertaining, How to Do It dishes on what to do about bachelors as guests, not inviting the family, uncomfortable greetings, “inebriates,” and countless other factors that could potentially prevent your party from being This Year’s Important Affair.
Want to give a party? Darling, the cocktail party is so over. Miss Maxwell shares her secrets to livening up your soiree, from scavenger hunts to tea parties in the afternoon. The party bible for hostesses who can’t stand another humdrum fete: How to Do It includes recipes (among others, dishes such as “Andalusian Gazpacho à la Joan Fontaine” and “Cole Porter’s Cherry Compote”), advice (Steer clear of bores. Really.), and trouble-shooting potential disasters (your guest is dominating the conversation―you’ll need to stop him now!). Don’t even contemplate entertaining without Miss Maxwell’s help.
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  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Rizzoli
  4. Publication date
    May 17, 2005
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.07 x 9.1 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0847827135
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0847827138
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Elsa Maxwell reigned as America’s top hostess in the mid-twentieth century. Born in 1883 in Iowa, she left school by 14 and spent her youth traveling the world as a theater accompanist though she had no formal musical training. In her travels, Elsa met socially important people, and began showing up at society soirees in both the United States and Europe. By the end of World War I, she had established herself as high society’s premier hostess.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rizzoli; 1st Rizzoli Ed edition (May 17, 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0847827135
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0847827138
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.07 x 9.1 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 9 ratings

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Elsa Maxwell

Elsa Maxwell

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
9 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

flowerwhirlie
5.0 out of 5 stars Elsa Maxwell!
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2017
Verified Purchase
How have we not known about Elsa Maxwell before this?? She was a marketing genius!
2 people found this helpful
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Van J
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2011
Verified Purchase
This book is a hoot. Funny, highly impractical but very entertaining. Ah, the good old days. Would love to know how Miss Maxwell would handle entertaining in this day and age.
6 people found this helpful
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Graciellen Edwards
5.0 out of 5 stars love this book
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2016
Verified Purchase
I find Elsa Maxwell fascinating and love reading anything she writes.
One person found this helpful
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Mary B
4.0 out of 5 stars s a fun
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2015
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It;s a fun read
One person found this helpful
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Protojew62
5.0 out of 5 stars HOW TO DO IT
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2014
Verified Purchase
This book is a fun look into vintage entertaining styles!
2 people found this helpful
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LF, Lyme
5.0 out of 5 stars Make it fun like Elsa!
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2021
A classic. Bought this many years ago on Amazon and have incorporated many of Elsa Maxwell’s tips to put people at their ease when hosting. Fun and still relevant.
2 people found this helpful
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