Book Description
Discovery Channel host and entertaining expert David Tutera offers practical tips for throwing extraordinary yet easy and affordable parties and events in THE PARTY PLANNER. David Tutera is a highly regarded event designer whose clients have included Elton John, Barbara Walters, Star Jones, and the Rolling Stones. He is also the host of a new one-hour, twice-daily program on the Discovery Channel, The Party Planner with David Tutera, that debuts in January 2005. On the show, Tutera lends his expertise to people looking to throw an unforgettable party on an everyday budget. Tutera brings a fresh, original twist to holiday parties while retaining time-honored traditions. He demonstrates novel and affordable-yet utterly sophisticated-approaches to special occasions, holiday and cocktail parties, and dinner parties.
Customer Reviews:
Yayy David Tutera.......2007-05-07
It's great. Lots of big pictures & well-thought out themes & good format. It really transports you to these special & original parties.
It's alright.......2006-12-30
I didn't find many of his ideas that I would use. Most were alittle too over the top. I would scale them down.
The Party Planner.......2006-11-12
I have started a personal event planning business and there was a wealth of information, I especially liked the tips section in each chapter.
The Party Planner.......2006-08-14
This book is a definite must have! Mr. Tutera covers everthing from invitations, to atmosphere and everything in between. His hints and tips can even make a novice look like an expert. It is easy to see why his parties are so memorable. He gives you everything you need to make your party a smashing sucess!
Can't wait to plan a party.......2006-07-02
The book's great and the idea's behind each party are wonderful. I love that a scent is included to enhance the atmosphere of the party.
Customer Reviews:
Bon Appetit does it again--a great resource for entertaining.......2002-01-22
With my busy schedule, I dont have the luxury to test new dishes before I entertain. I know I can always count on recipes from Bon Appetit cookbooks and this one is no exception. This book is not only a cookbook but a menu planner and resource guide. Last weekend I had 10 people over and served the following from the book: spicy shrimp in snow peas, deviled eggs with smoked salmon and green onions, spinach bacon spirals, and layered enchilada casserole. All got rave reviews. In the fall I used dishes from the barbecue menu. This book gives menus and planning tips for a number of entertaining ideas--from Saturday potluck to help yourself brunch to drinks and eats.
I highly recommend this book--get it anyway you can. But you can't have mine.....
Entertaining can be easy!.......2000-05-27
This cookbook really does make entertaining easy. Not only does it offer delicious recipes that we've come to expect from Bon Appetit but it organizes them in such a way that your menu and time easily managed.
There are three sections which are themed around a particular type of event: Occasions, Instant Entertaining, and Get-Togethers. Within each section, there are menus for specific functions (Celebration Dinner, Elegant Shower, Romantic Dinner, Kid's Birthday Party, Big Anniversary, Potluck Housewarming Party, etc . . .)
The feature I like the most is the timeline for each function's menus. For example, for the Kid's Birthday Party, send out invitations, shop for nonperishable food items and paper goods, decorations, and candles three weeks ahead. Two weeks ahead, bake and freeze cake layers for birthday cake, etc . . . .
One other item to mention is there are pictures of every recipe (something I find very useful).
I recommend this book wholeheartedly. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Book Description
Lifestyle expert David Tutera offers practical tips from his television show for throwing extraordinary yet easy and affordable birthday parties for all ages. David Tutera is a highly regarded event designer whose clients have included Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, Barbara Walters, and the Rolling Stones. He is also the host of the Discovery Channels hit one-hour show, the Party Planner with David Tutera, in which Tutera lends his expertise on how to throw unforgettable birthday parties on everyday budgets. Each chapter of BIG BIRTHDAYS covers a party by focusing on the look, the scent, the touch, the taste, and the sound of the celebration. There is a party for every milestone from age 1 through 100, including a father/son fishing party for a 5-year-old, a turning-over-a-new-leaf party for a 40th birthday, and a safari send-off for a 65th birthday. The parties are set in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations, such as a nightclub and an apple orchard. Featured are food menus, cocktail recipes, how-tos for simple projects, and 100 Tutera Tips for dcor, invitations, entertainment, place cards, table settings, floral arrangements, and party favors. Tutera brings a fresh, original twist to birthday parties while honoring individual tastes and personal touches.
Customer Reviews:
Big Birthdays - What a Party!.......2007-09-17
Love this book. David is so talented, so creative and so over the top. I love how he shares his details, the how-tos. The photos are amazing. I want a party like these!
Happy Birthday to Me.......2007-05-07
Really fun Birthday ideas. I especially liked the African safari party for the retired man going on an African safari. He had really creative ideas for making an African theme that didn't really have anything to do with Africa but still came together to form this perfect ambiance.
A focus on 'milestone' birthdays from one to one hundred .......2006-07-29
BIG BIRTHDAYS: THE PARTY PLANNER CELEBRATES LIFE'S MILESTONES isn't just another birthday book for parents: it's a focus on 'milestone' birthdays from one to one hundred and provides a party planner's experience gained from planning such for famous stars and personalities. You may recognize him from his TV appearances: a fair for elegance, humor, and design lend to a party planner that pairs delicious food recipes with decorating tips. Color photos throughout capture the finished products and excitement of his approach.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
a MUST read.......2006-06-22
Having a summer birthday has never been much fun, it somehow always goes uncelebrated. This year I was inspired to throw my own festivities. What was supposed to be a quick search for party ideas turned into a total body experience after delving into David Tutera's book Big Birthdays. In his book he executed and fabulously captured five birthday parties exploring the five senses (look, scent, texture, sound and taste) through each event. His tips ('Tutera Tips') were the most helpful; it was almost as if he could hear my questions and answer my thoughts concerning each party scenario. After my celebration they will have to reprint the book, Tutera's ideas were truly an inspiration. This book is a must-have for any status of event planner.
Highly Recommended.......2006-06-20
This year my grandmother ceebrated her 80th birthday, and with that, I wanted to surprise her with an elgant dinner party for some of her closest family and friends. Having never embarked on such a thing before, I set out to Amazon to find a book that would help me from beginning to end. David Tutera's latest book, Big Birthdays, gave me many great ideas. I immediately fell in love with the sophisticated White-On-White dinner party. The instructions and focus on details allowed me to easily recreate the atmosphere and ultimately throw a spectacular party!! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to host such an event and will definately look to David Tutera in the future for inspiration for another great get together!
Book Description
From planning to clean up, this workbook/record-keeper provides the chairperson of a successful fund-raising event with the planning guide they need. The planner will help you pick a theme that reflects your organization’s goals, set a budget, pick the subcommittees and more. Gala! tells you how, "The Gala Planner & Record-Keeper" provides the planning calendar and responsibilities for each subcommittee. Complete with sample press materials and public service ads, invitation guidelines, media contact lists and guest lists, the Gala Planner covers it all.
Customer Reviews:
Buy this.......2007-05-08
Great book, if you are planning an event you can't go wrong with this one. I'm getting a second copy for my co-chair.
Book Description
Any parent in search of novelty or time-saving hints and tips to help plan the perfect party should look no further! The ultimate celebration guide, Complete Party Planner will help you finesse life's special occasions, from birthday parties to Mother's Day, Fourth of July to Christmas.
You'll find an assortment of fanciful party foods -- Avocado Frog Dip, Apple Smiles, and Cucumber Crocodiles -- easy and creative recipes that embody Annabel's signature attention to your child's health and tastes. Punches and cookies, dips and skewers, these party-tested crowd-pleasers are sure to be instant hits.
Also included is Annabel's step-by-step introduction to mastering the basics of cake decorating, helping you create cakes that will impress children and parents alike. From the playful Burger and Fries cake to the delightful Princess cake, these recipes will transform any child's birthday into a memorable affair. Alongside the expansive collection of recipes are directions for cute invitations, party themes, silly games, hilarious contests, and neat party favors that will appeal to both boys and girls of all ages.
Once you've conquered birthday parties, Annabel has included ideas for making holidays year-round easy, tasty, and above all, child-friendly. Whether it's choreographing the perfect Easter egg hunt or whipping up a cauldron of spooky witch's brew and some Dead Man's Fingers sandwiches, these no-fail activities will help assure that all your holiday celebrations are a smash.
Customer Reviews:
Great book.......2007-08-11
It is full of wonderful ideas but it is all very time consuming and difficult.
Fun ideas.......2007-02-15
I purchased this book for my daughter for Valentine's Day after she saw the author on "The View". She loves the ideas and presentation of the food items. I am sure my grandchildren will get years of fun foods out of the book!
Complete Party Planner.......2007-02-07
I was a little disappointed in this book. I had seen the author on the View and she and Rosie made a bunch of really cute things you could make from store bought food. Easy and inexpensive and imaginative. Very few of them were in this book which I bought for my daughter who has small children.
Karen Eitel
Book Description
Let Nature Be Your Wedding Chapel
Whether you're thinking about exchanging vows on a sandy beach, a majestic mountaintop, or simply the friendly confines of your own backyard, you can enjoy the elegant, breathtaking wedding you've always envisioned.
Inside, wedding expert Sharon Naylor takes you step-by-step through planning the perfect outdoor wedding day—from special and important considerations for outdoor locations to creating a fabulous reception under the stars. You'll discover an array of tips, hints, resources, and answers to vital questions, including:
·The best choices for location, time of year, and hour of day
·Practical considerations, such as space, privacy, and weather
·Suggestions for choosing outdoor-friendly wedding attire
·Information on regulations, permits, and other requirements
·And much, much more!
"Sharon Naylor's book is the most comprehensive guide yet for those planning an outdoor wedding. She covers every detail and offers lots of smart advice so brodes and grooms can enjoy a beautiful, worry-free celebration."
&151;
Deane Forden, editor in chief,
Bridal Guide magazine
Customer Reviews:
Never received - can't rate.......2007-09-27
Was a gift for my sister and future brother-in-law. Had it shipped to them, but it was never received. Sounds like a good book though.
Fantastic outdoor wedding planning details.......2007-03-13
We learned so much from this book! From the insider questions to the solutions to common weather challenges, decor ideas and great secrets about which types of menu items to use and not use...this book saved us a LOT of trouble with our planning, and we now have details that we're confident about. Instead of worrying, we're looking forward to the wedding because we were so well-guided by this book! We especially loved the ideas for planning an outdoor wedding aisle, and those will definitely be a part of the wedding.
"A Reader" = Author.......2006-09-28
This book is way short on substance (based on what it's supposed to help you with) and way long on anonymous hype. Don't buy it.
Detail-less.......2006-03-29
I was hoping the focus would be on planning an outdoor wedding. I am a very detail oriented person and thought this would give me all the details I've established and then the ones I wouldn't even think of, being I've not planned an elegant outdoor event. Unfortunately my own details far surpassed what is written in this book. Most of the advice mentioned in this book is common sense. I would have appreciated a bit more info on seating, on sand, deck, grass, a mountaintop...decor, and what will work where, and what to use in place of candles (being outside can be windy), Outdoor foods, maybe some budget ideas thrown in...a disappointment, sorry
Beautiful Pictures and Tons of ideas.......2005-08-03
Whether you are contemplating a big bash of a celebration, an intimate dinner, or an elegant afternoon party, this book has plenty of inspiration and ideas. I bought it in anticipation of a wedding potentially planned for a barn. We moved the venue, but still borrowed many ideas from the book for refreshments, flowers, lighting and other party particulars.
Customer Reviews:
Some Good Insights, but..........2007-05-26
...like all books of its kind, most of the benefits it may bring you could be had with a little common sense and good communication ahead of each decision deadline.
My wife-to-be and I are almost finished with our wedding planning, and while we did have some rough moments (even though our wedding will be very small and simple compared to 90% of the people out there - less than 80 people, no country clubs or hotels to deal with, no ridiculous $25,000+ tab (save the money for your children's education folks!)), I came to realize that almost every bad day was a result of bad communication.
It boils down to this: men and women express themselves (even the same idea sometimes) in very different ways. Not to mention a bride's motivations during planning are often different than the groom's motivations. If you're just starting out, you could get this book and a dozen others, and get some truly good advice. Or you could save the money and do this:
Sit down with each other, alone, in a non-distracting place and find out what is most important to each of you about this wedding and the days leading up to it. If you are honest, you will learn something about yourself, and not just your spouse. If you say what you think the other person wants to hear or what's diplomatic, you're in for some unpleasant days as the planning gets under way.
Take all day if you need to. Turn your phones off, get away from your computer, and really think it through. What is important to you? What is not? What is valuable in a wedding, what is filler and eye candy? Who are your real friends, who are people that really don't belong at your wedding? All of these are important questions and just the tip of the iceberg. Make no mistake: if you're honest with each other, there may even be some tears or raised voices before your discussion is over, but it will be worth it.
Until you each know what is really important to your future spouse and why, your wedding planning will be a giant headache and will stress you out right up until the wedding bells ring. Think it through, talk it through, THEN plan, based on the compromises you made during your discussion. And if you don't think you should have to compromise, you shouldn't be getting married. ;-)
There are other better books out there; check his website.......2007-05-22
This is more a blog put into paperback form than a book. Still, it's not bad and worth reading, but there's better books out there. It's a fast read and there's a decent amount of humor, but the meat of the book, what you need to know and think about in order to get through the time before the wedding, is pretty standard.
Instead, check out The Engaged Groom by Doug Gordon and Emotionally engaged, by Allison Moir-Smith (technically a book for soon to be brides, but which works well for the groom as well).
If you only buy one book for the groom..........2007-03-26
... or if you're only buying one book for yourself and, let's face it, how many more wedding books can you actually READ, buy this one! I had the opportunity to read this as a review copy and have since purchased it for several of my friends. With humor and grace, Craig Michaels strikes just the right tone of comedy and compassion when facing one of life's biggest decisions. Honest, friendly and funny, it's the literary equivalent of having a once-in-a-lifetime heart-to-heart with your favorite uncle, old college roomate or dear old dad before the big day.
He speaks the truth!.......2007-02-09
This is what it boils down to; I'm getting married. My sister sends me this book as a present; you know something fun to read to keep me breathing during these final five months of bachelorhood. Turns out this book is like having all the answers to a test before you go and take it! How awesome is that! Craig brings all his emotions, truths and mistakes into two hundred and sixty three pages of brilliant advice! Take it from me. I've already scored major points by helping with save the date cards and getting our rings (another for her and mine). "Thirty To Wife" is a book that all men can relate to and is funny, smart and charismatic. Thank you Craig for finding a way to put down into words!
What were you thinking? .......2006-12-15
Yes, that is probably what is going through your head right now. You proposed and she said "Yes", but now you have to go through laborious process of marriage planning. Stressed? Confused? Bored? This book not only entertains but informs. Craig opens up and tells his story in painful depth and detail like few guys can - his sacrifice is our gain. As a guy who is currently engaged, the book has served not only as therapy but as a guide. While being humorous, "Thirty to Wife" also informs by adding interesting and relevant statistics, provides useful registry ideas and websites, and includes a schedule of tasks for the months leading up to the wedding. It is not only easy and fun to read, but a great reference. It has come in handy more than a few times during wedding discussions. Not only have my fiancé and I avoided arguments by using this book, I have ended up looking like a champ.
Read and enjoy!
Book Description
Cocktails in Tahiti is a visually stunning, full color showpiece combining a playful yet sophisticated look at Tahiti's magnificent luxury resorts and their most delicious, flirtatious, and slightly decadent cocktails. Filled with unusual insights, folklore, and facts about Tahiti and her islands,
Cocktails in Tahiti has something to tempt and delight all tastes.
Over 50 sumptuous cocktail recipes blend exotic fruits, juices, and liquors providing a flavorful and vibrant palette from which to capture the fun and often elegant mood of these captivating islands. You'll learn the history of the legendary Mai Tai, Tahiti's most famous cocktail, and discover the secrets of the intriguing rums, vodkas, and distinctive liqueurs used in creating Tahiti's most celebrated libations.
A special section features the signature cocktail recipes from Tahiti's most outstanding luxury resorts along with spectacular photographs and overviews of these renowned hotels.
Whether served from a coconut or elegantly chilled in a martini glass of fine crystal, the flowering and colorful cocktails of Tahiti have an undeniable presence all their own. If you are dreaming of a future trip or reliving special memories from a past visit to these beautiful islands, this wonderful collection of delightful drink recipes, dazzling hotel photographs, and distinctive insights will put you in a tropical, tranquil mood as you sip your way to our magical paradise.
Al Keahi, Managing Director, Tahiti Tourism Bureau N.A:
A must have book of fun and facts for anyone who has visited or dreams of visiting Tahiti.
New Book Resources, October 2006:
We can't wait to try out the recipes and imagine that we are at one of the featured, dreamlike hotels.
Vincent Guerin, Director of Sales, Starwood Hotels & Resorts French Polynesia:
The finest collection of resort photographs and cocktail recipes from across Tahiti.
Customer Reviews:
What a fun and entertaining book!.......2007-08-05
Not only does this book have a wealth of information on a destination we long to travel to, but it offers a wide variety of fun and DELICIOUS drinks.
We love to entertain and it has been great having 'Cocktails in Tahiti' out at our parties...quite a conversation piece! Everyone loves the stunning photos of Tahiti, the scrumptious drinks, and the intriguing facts of the islands. Thank you!
Experience a whole new world of Cocktails!.......2007-04-28
Always looking for new and exciting cocktails to try, I purchased this book. Each page became more interesting, not only for the drinks presented but for the knowledge that Mr. Bondurant shares about Tahiti, it's culture, local accomodations, etc.
The photos are exceptional and each drink I have mixed has been better than the last. I have bought several as gifts for coworkers and friends. You won't be disappointed!
Cocktails from paradise at your fingertips.......2007-02-06
"Cocktails in Tahiti" is a must have for any lover of spirits with a tropical flair. The author has artfully put together a wonderful collection of cocktails, both old and new, from the scenic paradise of Tahiti. Colorful photographs and descriptions of each drink will have your mouth watering to imbibe several of these treats from the South Pacific. If you are looking for something new to bring some tropical flavor to your cocktail library, then you need this book!
This book will make you fall in love with Tahiti.......2006-12-18
I have always wanted to go to the Tahitian islands but have never had the opportunity. Now, after reading "Cocktails in Tahiti", I am planning a trip to Tahiti for next Summer. I originally thought "Cocktails in Tahiti" would give me some good ideas for entertaining, but soon found out it contained many intersting nuggets about the islands and their history. To sum it up, I am packed and ready to go to these beautiful islands.
If you've ever dreamed of a tropical vacation or just need to brighten up your winter, you should read this book.
Beautiful Book.......2006-12-09
I have never been to Tahiti, but after reading the fun, informative facts about Tahiti, seeing the beautiful pictures, and sampling some of the excellent cocktail recipes, I am ready to go!
Mr. Bondurant's love and knowledge of Tahiti come through clearly in the book, which is very well laid out. It provides enough information and explains things in such a way that an amateur can make delicious Tahitian cocktails as well as the most experienced bartender. The fun facts about Tahiti, along with summaries of the total hotels and the gorgeous pictures, makes this book a must have.
Until I can take my first trip to Tahiti, this book will help bring a little Tahiti to my home.
Books:
- The Pipe Fitter's and Pipe Welder's Handbook Revised Edition
- The Psychology of Poker
- The Secret
- The Simple Solution to Rubik's Cube
- The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
- The Taste of Night (Sign of the Zodiac, Book 2)
- The Ultimate Gift (The Ultimate Series #1)
- The Wisdom of Wilderness: Experiencing the Healing Power of Nature
- Twin Peaks: An Access Guide to the Town
- Understanding Your Living Will: What You Need to Know Before a Medical Emergency
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