3 Books for Entertaining Inspiration

Nobody creates mystical settings like Guendalina Litta, bespoke event planner, sought-after by clients around the world to work her party magic. DREAM MAKERS: BESPOKE CELEBRATIONS highlights the behind-the-scenes creativity that goes into the making of a fete. Quite a few of the events in this book are royal events. 

When it comes to parties, every gathering is an opportunity to celebrate life. It’s a unique chance to bring together a group of people to create a special moment that may never happen again. Guendalina Litta is an artist, and her medium is the party.

DREAM MAKERS gives us a behind the scenes view of her world of entertaining, where anything can be created because anything is possible. It will shake the reader out of ordinary entertaining and into the limitless world of creative possibilities. This book will inspire the way you think about entertaining-

Between the dream and the actual party, an entire universe unfolds behind the scenes. Backstage, Guendalina’s close-knit experienced team gets to work, always seeking to outdo themselves and ever driven by their talent, as they strive for the impossible, the improbable, the never-before-done, and the unheard-of. They’re determined to create atmosphere, ambiance, fantasy, poetry- a dream.

Litta shares her secrets and inspirations throughout this gorgeous book, with contributors Axel Vervoordt- collector, antiquarian, designer and curator, and Michael Ferire’s stunning event photography. These three talents create a gorgeous must-have resource, rich in ideas and details that it promises to inspire.

Link below to order your copy.*

©Dream Makers: Bespoke Celebrations by Guendalina Litta, Flammarion, 2020.Photography Michaël Ferire. Images may not be reproduced or transmitted digitally without written permission from the publisher. 

 

2. Entertaining at Home

The next book offers a more scaled intimate vibe- focusing on entertaining at home for smaller numbers, and it is equally wonderful. Enjoy: Recipes for Memorable Gatherings draws inspiration from the author’s Mediterranean roots, culinary influences gathered while traveling, and tips gleaned from great chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi and Alain Ducasse. Author Perla Sevran-Schreiber shares ninety simple recipes that cover every occasion, from causal summer picnics to formal holiday parties.

One thing you should know about me: I would never review a cookbook without trying recipes first. These recipes are now are among my favorite go-to recipes. Everything I have tried is exceptional- the way that she thinks about food fuses healthy and sometimes surprising flavor combinations into beautifully presented, incredible outcomes. Influences of time spent in Paris, Provence, and Asia are apparent in her recipes. Her seasonal approach to food keeps menus rotating with fresh flavor combinations. Salads as visually pleasing as they are healthy and delicious.  Her lentils with spinach and ginger are the best lentils I have ever eaten. My copy of this book is jammed with post-it tabs on recipes I have love and ones that I look forward to trying. These are the kind of dishes that you would proudly serve to guests –

After trying her recipes you won’t want to wait for a special occasion to eat so well- because this entire book speaks to a balanced way of living.  Servan-Schreiber graciously inspires us to raise the bar for a healthy lifestyle.

Cooking is the way that I create connection. Sharing with my guests and making them happy, delighted- it’s truly wonderful! I can’t think of anything else that could bring me greater joy.  -Perla Servan-Schreiber

Perla Servan-Schreiber is quite interesting. She has degrees in law and political science, has worked in advertising, she and her husband cofounded the French magazines Psychologies in 1998 and CLES in 2010. She is an inspirational author and speaker whose conferences about her balanced approach to life and finding joy are sought-after by international brands and startups alike. She has published many cookbooks and books on well-being. You definitely feel the well-being vibe throughout this book- it is a joy to read and revisit… I highly recommend this one for those who love to cook and entertain at home.

Link below to order your copy.*

©Enjoy: Recipes for Memorable Gatherings by Perla Servan-Schreiber,Flammarion, 2020.Photography ©Nathalie Carnet. Images may not be reproduced or transmitted digitally without written permission from the publisher.

 

3.  Dior Executive on the art of the table…

The third book, Life in a French Country House by Cordelia de Castellane, offers yet another take on entertaining, with more focus to the art of table settings. The author most definitely has an eye for elegance.

Written by the artistic director of Dior Maison and Baby Dior, Cordelia de Castellane is to French entertaining what Inès de la Fressange is to French style. Drawing from her illustrious career, family life, and lively social circle, she invites readers into her welcoming world of stylish hospitality.

This book is organized by seasons, with sections dedicated to seasonal tableware, recipes, interior design, flower arranging.  The vibrant table settings and decor shown are in Cordelia’s gorgeous private residence in the French countryside. This book offers a rarified journey of beautiful people and beautiful things with tips and inspirations for living and entertaining a la francaise.

Link below to order your copy.*

© Life in a French Country House by Cordelia de Castellane, Rizzoli New York, 2021. Photography© Matthieu Salvaing.

 

*ORDER YOUR COPIES HERE*

DREAM MAKERS: BESPOKE CELEBRATIONS

Enjoy: Recipes for Memorable Gatherings

Life in a French Country House: Entertaining for all Seasons

 

 

 

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