It's Just a Dinner Party: A Modern Approach to Entertaining with Style and Ease

by Ron Malloy and Julie Malloy

Book Overview

Despite the abundance of lifestyle books on the market, none meet the entertaining needs of busy young adults. Many have both financial and personal independence, and along with this come the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931868506
• ISBN13: 9781931868501
• Release Date: April 2001
• Publisher: Capital Books (VA)
• Length: 189 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.4" x 7.4"

Customer Reviews

Simple, Encouraging and Likeable

I like this book very much. I find its message of relaxing and enjoying entertaining while treating your guests well to be encouraging, positive, and hard to find fault with. The basics covered are helpful and while sure, some is just common sense, I know far too many people who let common sense fly directly out the window when it comes to entertaining! (Honestly, I can't count how many invitations I've received that are missing vital information or have vague dress instructions... Or how many times I've had to introduce myself to other guests, or witnessed hosts panic over spilled red wine...) -- Basic, common sense advice may seem pedantic or even unnecessary to some, but I think common sense never goes out of style and is perfectly appropriate in this type of primer. I found the writing style pleasant and encouraging and like the simple photos mostly of people (although the paper quality is fairly low so the photos look a little grainy ....On the whole, I appreciate this book, the basics it covers and its encouraging, refreshing message. It's especially ideal for anyone nervous about or new to entertaining. This book shares the basics of entertaining while encouraging readers to have fun, be kind and embrace their own personal style.

Something Good for Everyone

This is a terrific, basic and fun book -- While not everything in this book will be helpful for everyone, it is full of great information that is presented in a lighthearted, fun way!Sure, some people might find some of the advice too basic -- but not every line on every page can float everyone's boat -- and all in all, this book does a great job of explaining the basics while reminding people that entertaining is supposed to be fun.

Kind and Helpful Book

This book is 150+ pages of kind, helpful advice about entertaining. It isn't condescending and it makes entertaining sound fun and easy. The authors share a lot of basics that sound like common sense - but the things they touch on (especially the etiquette topics) I find get overlooked and forgotten a lot. So this book is a nice reminder. Plus all the basics in the book make it a handy & straightforward reference guide. This is a nice, very insightful and helpful little book.

If You're Nervous About Entertaining - Get This Book!

This charming book makes entertaining fun again! If you are nervous about entertaining like I was (or know someone who is), this book is a must-have.After years of being afraid to entertain for fear I wouldn't "measure up," this book really set me free. It reminded me that the decorations and fancy meal aren't the most important parts of a party - it's about making your guests happy and having fun! After reading this book (in one night - it's very easy to read), I planned and threw my first get-together in years, following the book's advice. The evening was a success, and I can't wait to do it again. This book would make a thoughtful engagement or Christmas gift (I'm planning on giving several). I highly recommend it.

Relief, at last!

As a twentysomething single woman raised by a woman with better manners than Ms. Manners, the thought of giving a dinner party scared me to death. I know that sounds silly, but the pressure to have everything perfect was enough to make anyone give up. I thought I had to be Martha Stewart, so I gave up before I even tried. Until about a month ago I never gave dinner parties. Then I read the Malloy's book. What a salvation! All the pressure evaporated. The Malloys give specific instructions on how to give a great dinner party. You'll look like you are an entertaining pro, but the advice is so simple, you won't have to work hard at all. Use this book!