Emily Post's Entertaining

by Post, Peggy

• ISBN13: 9780062736406
• ISBN10: 006273640X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publications

Summary

Is the butter plate on the right or the left? How should you introduce someone whose name you can't remember? What is the polite way to handle a guest who arrives early? Emily Post's Entertaining provides answers to these and many other questions that vex today's hosts and guests. Emily Post's Entertaining is a practical guide to hosting with elegance and ease. Its goal is to give everyone the confidence to handle any get-together, from casual and cozy to formal and fancy. Among the wide range of events and entertaining quandaries Peggy Post addresses are: getting together for everything from a Super Bowl party to dinner with the boss; throwing children's birthday parties; giving a casual dinner with takeout food; making appropriate introductions; jump-start dinner conversation; choosing the right wine; and much more. Entertaining covers the basics of hosting, but most importantly, it reminds you that successful entertaining springs not from the good china and an elaborate table setting, but from the people you are with and the memorable time you spend together. "The best hosts spin magic out of thin air, creating the kind of special occasion guests can't stop talking about." From simple dinners and casual parties to formal business functions and catered events, Emily Post's Entertaining shows you how to be the perfect host. With Peggy Post's guidance, you can breeze through toasting your guest of honor and unflinchingly manage sticky social situations such as unanswered invitations and surprise guests. Emily Post's Entertaining helps you to entertain with elegance and ease, making every get-together a memorable event.

Author Biography

Lively and witty, Peggy Post represents a new generation of Post etiquette, assuming the role of author and spokesperson from Elizabeth L. Post. A monthly columnist at Good Housekeeping and a regular contributor to Parents magazine, Peggy also represents the Emily Post Institute by consulting with business and community groups and by making personal appearances at bridal shows across the country. She consistently draws media attention as the arbiter of etiquette in personal and professional situations.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. vii
Preparing for a Fine Occasion
Sizing Up the Celebration	p. 3
Invitations	p. 6
Setting the Table	p. 19
Setting the Mood	p. 31
Parties and Events
The Big Three	p. 37
Holiday Gatherings	p. 59
Entertaining Outside the Home	p. 62
Business Entertaining	p. 68
Celebration Rituals	p. 81
Lunches, Brunches, and Teas	p. 97
Barbecues and Picnics	p. 105
Houseguests	p. 110
Children's Parties	p. 117
Byob and Byof Parties	p. 121
Theme Parties	p. 123
Last-Minute Entertaining	p. 128
Party Particulars
The Good Host	p. 135
The Good Guest	p. 137
Good Conversation	p. 144
All About Introductions	p. 149
Gift Etiquette	p. 156
A Wine Primer	p. 166
Mealtime Manners	p. 174
Accidents, Mishaps, and Boorish Behavior	p. 201
Tips on Toasts	p. 206
Caterers and Temporary Help	p. 211
To Invite the Wee Ones... or Not	p. 214
A Grand Finale	p. 217
Index	p. 219
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