The Party Girl's Library: Party Book Review- "Porch Parties" by Denise Gee

Porch Parties by Denise Gee as seen on scribd.com

If this book, Porch Parties by Denise Gee isn't the best way to kick off summer, then I don't know what is! The cover drew me in, and I was held captive through the whole thing while I flipped pages looking at scrumptious cocktails on perfect porches. Of course, the design of the book I know had a big play in my buying decision... great Southern porch inspired typefaces and lot of design details made me drink this up!

The book is broken up into chapters - from Porch Party pointers and cocktail recipes, to punches, mocktails and little bites. Interspersed throughout the book are juicy tidbits, like the top 5 Destination Porches and porch definitions, charming details that add to this books appeal.

So, I don't know about you this Memorial Day weekend, but I'm debating on whether I should mix up a refreshing Gumby Slumber (think tropical delight), or  a good ol'Brunch Bloody Mary. Both will do just perfectly sitting on my porch this long weekend.

The Party Girl's Library: Party Book Review- Betty Crocker's "Party Book"

Betty Crocker's Party Book on Amazon

This book is so retro and fun, I just wanted to eat it up! The illustrations, the party ideas, and the recipes remind me of how my mom entertained when I was young.

You may want to get this book for the sole purpose of collecting, but if you look closely, many of the down to earth ideas are great for today's busy lifestyle -- simple and easy going entertaining!

Recipes
At what point did our children's birthday parties require 5-star menus? Although some of the recipes in this book I may pass up (i.e., Little Ham Loaves with Cherry Sauce or Mystery Fruitcake), many of the recipes are tried and true -- deviled eggs, fruit cups, brownies and of course, mini-hot dogs on a stick. Sometimes for food at a party of young ones, the simpler, the better!

Party Ideas
This book has several birthday party theme ideas as well as a section for year round holiday parties. For most of the parties, there are menu ideas (with some recipes) and ideas for things to do. I love some of the old fashioned themes:

• Faraway Places Party
• My Pet Party
• Space Age Adventure Party

So, if you're looking for the latest and greatest in party ideas, this isn't the best book, but for nostalgic charm, it's right on the money!

The Party Girl's Library: Party Book Review- "Great Parties for Kids" by Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer

Great Parties for Kids by Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer on Amazon

"Great Parties for Kids: Fabulous and Creative Ideas for Children Aged 0-10" by Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer is without a doubt a must have for all party girls' libraries! Although many of the party themes are tried and true, the ideas surrounding these themes are incredibly creative. Also, the photos are stunning. Just looking at them without reading any text will get your mind flowing with many ideas.

Besides the great photos and creative ideas, the one thing that is most attractive to me about this book is that the parties have an element of "home made" that make them realistic and doable. They don't appear so high-end, or expensive, that when you look at it, you can't fathom how you'd ever put that party together, let alone be able to afford it! These parties are creative and achievable.

The book is broken down by age-- parties for 1-2 year olds, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-10 year olds. Here is a quick summary of the parties that stand out in this book:

Under the Sea Party - Ooo, the turquoises and greens and the little ones dressed as mermaids and sea creatures, perfect! The "coral" Queen of the Sea crown just adds to the touch.

Pirate Party - The jungle gym in the backyard decorated as the pirate ship is brilliant. Looks like an afternoon of fun!

Wild West Party - There's nothing like a Wild West party filled with red and white checks, teepees, saloon doors, a sheriff's hut, cowboys and squaws! Everyone will have a blast at this western gathering.

Gangsters and Molls - A Flapper filled, 1920's gangster party- filled with urban art deco appeal, and kid flair. The sundae bar looks messy and delicious, just how it should be!

There are several more outstanding party ideas in this book, as well as plenty of recipes. Your Party Girl library just won't be complete without this book, so head out and get it now.

The Party Girl's Library: Party Book Review- "Tea Party" by Tracy Stern

Tea Party by Tracy Stern on Amazon

I just love books! I have so many my studio is overflowing with inspiration! As an occasional post, I thought I'd review some of these books I own so you can decide whether or not it's a must have in your Party Girl's library!

The Book
Tea Party: 20 Themed Tea Parties with Recipes for Every Occasion from Fabulous Showers to Intimate Gatherings by Tracy Stern with Christie Matheson

The Review
Being more of a coffee person than tea lover, this book intrigued me not only to learn something about tea but also be inspired by so many different themed tea parties. In her introduction, Tracy outlines the many details of tea: tea rituals, tea around the world, a tea primer about various kinds, brewing tips, tea etiquette and must more. A great amount of background about tea! She also gives high level advice on the "how to's" of throwing a tea party, and tidbits about tea sandwiches (with many recipes in the book) and petit fours. After reading this, you will be well versed in the art of tea and tea parties!

The main portion of the book is broken up into tea party themes, where she provides some high level party tips, then loads of food and drink recipes. Many look delicious. Here are some of my favorite themes:
Moroccan Valentine's Day Dinner
I've been wanting to create a Moroccan themed party for some time. The reds and golds of this party give it a romantic twist on a traditional Valentines Day party.
Mad Hatter Tea Party
The one picture in the book of this party is almost worth the entire price of the book. A great Mad Hatter table scape filled with flying cards, real grass centerpieces and much more.
Mother's Day Tea
A vintage style tea set and lots of lavender fill this party-- lavender colors and lavender food recipes. A nice traditional tea party with a strong lavender theme.
Fashionable French
Black and White with a touch of hot pink! Tres chic!! Think of elegant women walking up the Champs Élysées with their designer shopping bags filled to the brim. This party is perfectly suited for them. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of pictures with this theme, but you get the idea!
Summer Picnic with an Asian Twist
There is a great photo of firecracker red items and some chinese accents all wrapped up in a picnic basket. A great twist to a summer picnic.
Russian Tea
Although there are not many pictures to inspire, the theme alone conjures up much imagery!

Overall, I think this book offers many unique ides for different style tea parties. It has lots of delicious recipes and plenty of party ideas to get you started on your own tea party. A great addition to a party girl's library!