How to be the Perfect Party Host

Throwing a party this weekend? Don’t panic – we’ve selected the top ten party books to help you become the perfect party host.

1. Celebrate
Tina Bester, Page One
WHY: From fun, casual drinks to glam garden parties, this book has recipes and table-setting tips for every occasion
TOP TIP: Create a fantasyland of garlands and tall cupcake stands. Diaphanous voile, satin ribbons and pom poms all set the scene for an extraordinary Champagne tea

2. Parisian Chic: A Style Guide
Ines de la Fressange and Sophie Gachet, Mirth
WHY: With some help from the face of Chanel, you can look every part the chic party host
TOP TIP: Place scented candles in each room – whether you’re expecting guests or not! A nice smell can have as big an impact as great furniture

3. A Butler’s Guide to Entertaining at Home
Nicholas Clayton, Page One
WHY: From proper invitation etiquette to a crash course in wine tasting, this book contains all the advice a seasoned butler can offer
TOP TIP: To be etiquettely correct, you shouldn’t “pop” a Champagne bottle when you open it, so save the raucous Champagne spraying for a big night out at a club

We give you our tips on floral arrangements for Christmas here.

4. Leon: Naturally Fast Food
Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent, Mirth
WHY: Whip up party canapés in minutes
TOP TIP: Tie your nibbles in with your party theme – manchego and quince jelly for a Spanish fiesta, Turkish almond dip for a Middle Eastern party, etc.

5. The Joy of Home
Naomi Cleaver, Mirth
WHY: Helpful guide for at-home interior design
FUN FACT: As many as 75 percent of families watch TV while eating. Improve the cohesion of the family unit by creating a dining space in which family members can enjoy meals together
 

6. 888 Hints for the Home
Various authors, Page One
WHY: Space is essential when it comes to throwing parties, and this book is chock-full of recommendations on how to maximise space at home, as well as how to give each room flavour and personality
TOP TIP: Use old recycled suitcases as original coffee tables to lend character to the living room

7. Occasions
Kate Spade, Page One
WHY: With advice on lighting, flowers, shopping lists and even bedding for overnight guests, Spade shows us how to throw a party where everyone – even the hosts – enjoys themselves
TOP TIP: Keep a journal of your past parties – what was served, who attended, and each guest’s likes or dislikes, particularly food allergies. Guests will be particularly impressed if you remember, say, that they like their martini with an onion, not an olive

Looking for some Christmas ornaments? We identify where to find some interesting editions in Hong Kong here.

8. French Cooking: Classic Recipes and Techniques
Vincent Boué and Hubert Delorme, Mirth
WHY: This step-to-step guide on French cooking techniques will have your guests saying, “ooh là là ”
FUN FACT: Croissants were first created in Austria – Marie Antoinette introduced them to France when she arrived, around 1770

9. The Way We Live
Stafford Cliff, Mirth
WHY: Inspiring ideas for interior design from homes around the world
TOP TIP: A round table is versatile – use it as a dining table to encourage conviviality, or have it as a central point in a transitional space such as a foyer or hallway. Display flowers here or even drinks and canapés

10. Tucked In
Meredith Gaston, Mirth
WHY: For unwinding after the party
TOP TIP: Soak in a bath scented with aromatic oils after a big party. Lavender is best for the evening as it promotes restful sleep. Muscle pain? Try marjoram